Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Right to Shelter... unique solutions

For $1,000, any person or business can sponsor
a public meter for charity on the streets of Miami. The meter looks like a parking meter, but instead collects money for the homeless. A plague on the brightly-painted meter shows the sponsor's name. 
This unique solution can help counter the
panhandling done by those who are not actually homeless.

Parking meter for homeless funding painted by artist Britto
In another action to help homelessness,
Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen pushed through the project of building 145 housing units of local homeless shelters for families on 52 unused acres of the former Homestead Air force Base in South Florida.

These and other innovative and creative programs
by organizations helping the homeless,
aid people in getting their lives back on track,
 so they can work and survive in society.
Miami-Dade County homeless people programs in South Florida are actually a national model for other places to follow in the fight to end homelessness in the U.S.
No one should be homeless in America,
except by choice,
because there are homeless shelters.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a great idea! Not only are the less fortunate benefiting from this, but also the business owners who are sponsoring a meter. It gets their name out there.RKS

Anonymous said...

Every day I see more than one person on the streets panhandling. At times I feel that I would like to give a helping hand. However, I never do because I always have my doubts if the person really is in need or if it is a scam. I love this new idea, and knowing that my donation will be used 100% to feed, provide shelter, and many other needs to true homeless people. I hope to see more of these meters, because I will be donating. JA

Anonymous said...

Recently, I have noticed a large amount of people panhandling who do not appear to be homeless or in need. I think the sponsorship for meters is a brilliant concept to donate money, it beats wondering where the money is really going. The housing project for homeless families seems to be an amazing second chance and opportunity for displaced families. SGB

Anonymous said...

This appears to be a great solution to end panhandlers scamming people for money. I much rather donate money and know it is going towards a good cause. The concept of sponsorship from a business seems to be a good way to put your name out there. It's good news to hear our community will build homes for families that do not have anywhere to go. AD

Anonymous said...

I like the parking meter concept, it lets me know that someone actually cares and wants to do something for the unfortunate people in the streets. Hopefully more people will notice this meters and donate, it would be really helpful for society and the homeless.

Anonymous said...

Forgot to put the initials ^ up there. SV.

Anonymous said...

I am an immigrant from a 3rd world country. Seeing homeless persons is not new to me. However, I did not expect to see so many homeless persons in the United States which is a 1st world country. This is the land of opportunity where so many persons are wealthy. There are also so many government programs where money is being given away. Why isn’t more government money being used to help the homeless?
I applaud the person(s) who came up with this idea. It is a start, but will need the commitment of everyone; civilians and government must come together to end homelessness in America.SAM

Anonymous said...

I'm a strong believer in helping the homeless and hungry. Panhandling is ruining the real homeless and helpless person. The real homeless get real help from shelters and food banks which provide the basic necessities to live and grow out of the situation they are in. This is a great and unique thought to truly help the needed in our area. LO

Anonymous said...

Thank you for helping people less fortunate in this world. Anything you can do can have a tremendous impact on the life of another human being.The parking meter is one perfect way to represent a homeless voice.

Apple

Anonymous said...

My heart goes to everyone who at one point or another has help a person in need. Being homeless is something I can only imagine, I would not like to experience what this will be like not having a roof over your head, warm clothes, a hot meal, and a good place to sit and relax after those stressful days life sometimes gives. Knowing that there are people out there who care about the well being of others is something worth admiring. It takes nothing but spare change to help lets not forget the saying "Every little bit helps".

Lopez S.

Anonymous said...

When you think in homeless people, you realize the people that lack the food, housing, clothing, and medical care. In my opinion, it is very important to support all the institutions and government program that provide shelter and protection for this people. MCC