Do you know that there are more than 4000 people who do not have a home in Santa Clara County, California? They spend their nights in makeshift tents in public parks, open churches, or even on overnight buses.
I read and was deeply moved by the Mercury News article Homeless turn overnight bus route into Hotel 22. I was especially sad about the 10-year-old daughter who slept on "Hotel 22" and had to change buses every 2 hours, and then go to school each morning.
Though I do not understand all the reasons that lead to this sort of situation, I do think that more people should be aware of the horrors of homelessness. I also want to do something about it, no matter how small a difference my effort may make.
Through one of my friends, I learned about a wonderful organization called Good Karma Bikes. They collect used bicycles, repair them, and give the repaired bicycles to homeless people who need them at their repair shop in San Jose. I have been volunteering at the Good Karma Bikes workshop for a couple hours each weekends. The experience is very rewarding; I can learn to fix bicycles and help the unlucky at the same time. My goal for the next six months is to learn enough to fix the two broken bikes in our garage, and then to donate them to Good Karma Bikes.
Through a small group in my church, I know about the Home First shelter in San Jose. I learned that there are limited beds in the shelter, and that those who check in to the shelter usually do not have interesting things to do after dinner. Many of them are reluctant to use the shelter unless they have no other choices. Our church group started organizing and volunteering holiday celebrations and performances a few years ago at the shelter. I am happy to join, together with a few of my young friends, in these very meaningful activities.