The Dire Effect Covid-19 has had on the United States Homeless Population

In my last slate post, I had discussed the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the homeless population of the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic has shed new light on the struggles of homeless individuals. When many Americans were told to “Stay Home and Stay Safe” many of our fellow citizens were unable to stay home or safe. Social distancing and self-care was not an option for the United States homeless population. Whether through economic hardship, drug abuse, mental health, or other factors, many Americans met the unfortunate fate of homelessness.

In my research I have found that many people have been donating to many organizations, drives, and services dedicated to helping the homeless. I interviewed my neighbor, Ms. Melanie Dupree, who attends Tindley Temple united Methodist church organized a feeding program for the homeless. Tindley Temple has had a soup ministry since the early 1930s. Tindley served meals three to four times a week, however, as a result of the pandemic they had to shut down. My neighbor would walk by the homeless in the city, and she felt compelled to help out. This led her to start her ministry which is called CornerStone Feeding Ministry. She packs 50 lunches and distributes them near the Reading Terminal. She also distributes them at twelve and locust underground tent city. Meal distribution is done once a month. She obtains the help of the elderly shut ins at the Church to help prepare and pack the bags. These elderly individuals would have been isolated at home due to the pandemic, however her ministry provides them with a safe space to socialize. She distributes her meals with the help of her grandkids as well.

As my agent of change I created an Instagram page that is still up today meant to spread awareness about the struggle and conditions many homeless individuals face during the COVID-19 pandemic. This account has had a lot of traffic coming in, mostly composed of my fellow peers from SLA.

Separate from my agent of change project, as a result of living in the city I encounter many homeless individuals. I feel compelled to help them in any way, usually in the form of buying them masks and water due to the current weather.

If I had to reflect on my agent of change it would be very frustrating, confusing, and emotional. Overall, I am unsatisfied with my agent of change project I’ve done. Although I did spread awareness about the struggles many homeless people have faced during the pandemic, I did not do anything to help the homeless. After completing my project I felt as if I could do better if I had more resources as well as a greater time between deadlines. Hopefully my Instagram account could have spread enough awareness for someone to make a real change.

Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11CwTEXEKnChcW2FiM5xoa_Q1UCkBNoJR2YTW0fnXN-4/edit?usp=sharing

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/shenk_miles/

Slate post 1: https://scienceleadership.org/blog/the_devastating_effect_covid-19_has_on_the_united_states_homeless_population_and_what_we_can_do_to_help