UNITED STATES—We all have causes that are passionate to our lives, but I’ve recently had a particular cause that has been brought to my attention. Homelessness is a major issue in America. There are plenty of states where the issue is so prevalent some in the political arena are unsure how to tackle the problem at hand.

My concern rises to an even higher proportion because specific regions in the country are downright brutal during the winter months. Its one thing to be homeless in a region where the weather is quite warm, it’s worse in a region where the temperatures are so cold they can be downright brutal and deadly.

Yes, it concerns me vastly because in the Midwest it’s something seen time and time again. Homeless individuals begging for any spare change on corners, in frigid temperatures doing everything in their power to stay warm and seek shelter when possible. It tears my heart to see these things, because the first thing that pops into my mind is what can I do to help this situation?

I know during the holidays people tend to be overly generous, but I take that to new heights by choosing to keep that going year-round. I don’t think people should be open only during the holidays because we all need help throughout the year, rather we know it or not. I give any few dollars I have in my pocket. My concern is not what they choose to do with the funds, I just want to help in any possible way that I can.

If I can house all the homeless people in the world, I would gladly make it my mission today. From a financial standpoint, I don’t have the means to make that happen. However, mark my word that will be a mission of mine to make it happen. To have a building that houses those in need of shelter, provide food to those who need it and to provide a helping hand and words of encouragement that are greatly needed.

The biggest misconception people make about those who are homeless is that they choose to be. That is not the case. It’s a situation of circumstance. Things just happen sometimes that are out of your control; losing a job, a death in the family and before you know it you’re out on the streets.

Making moves to get yourself off the streets is no easy task. It’s not just about getting a job, but it’s about saving enough funds to lease or rent an apartment, or for most people to buy a home.

Once that first move is made, the goal is to ensure it’s a financially stable job that allows you to continue to support yourself and your family. I want people to understand that the homeless are just like everyone else. They are not to be dismissed as those who don’t matter.

They are human beings, they are people; they feel, they hurt and just like the rest of us, they want to be able to live life. I could never imagine living on the streets without the basic essentials, which is why I cherish the basic things I have in life.

We never know when a hard time might come upon us, but this is my proclamation asking for Americans to join me and help those who are not able to help themselves. While you might not be able to do much, anything that you can do can help. Spare change, food, blankets, coats, shoes, socks, and gloves, anything that can help them protect themselves in the frigid temperatures in certain parts of the country. We can all do something to help; no matter how big or small you think it is.