Sibling Duo Work to End Homeless

Homelessness remains a pressing issue in societies around the world, with individuals and families facing the hardships of lacking stable shelter. While governments and organizations play crucial roles in addressing homelessness, citizen involvement is equally important. Additionally, the lack of affordable housing and the shortage of available rental units can make it challenging for those experiencing homelessness to find stable, long-term housing solutions.

In today's society, homelessness remains an ongoing challenge that affects individuals and communities worldwide. The issue of homelessness goes beyond a lack of shelter; it encompasses profound social, economic, and humanitarian implications. Recognizing the importance of helping the homeless is crucial in addressing this complex issue and working towards a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Ke Ali’i has spoken with Sandra Tee Sy, a resident of Kalihi for all of her life and volunteer of the Susannah Wesley Community Center, to get her perspective on the situation there. When she comes across an individual, she feels compelled to talk to them since she is aware that there are homeless people wandering around the neighborhood. The story that she shared is an inspiring story of her own random act of kindness:

“I'm a mother of two young children, and I've always been passionate about helping those in need. One day, I was walking with my kids in the park when we came across a homeless man who was sleeping on a bench. He looked cold, hungry, and alone. My heart went out to him, and I decided to do something to help. I took my kids to the grocery store and bought some food and supplies for the man. We went back to the park and approached him, offering him the food and supplies we had bought. He was hesitant at first, but as we talked to him, he opened up and shared his story. He had lost his job and his home and had been living on the streets for months. 

He had no family or friends to turn to, and he felt like he had lost all hope. I knew I had to do more to help him. I talked to my husband and together, we decided to offer him a room in our home. We welcomed him into our family and helped him get back on his feet. We helped him find a job and a place to live, and we provided him with the support and resources he needed to rebuild his life. It wasn't always easy, but seeing the man's life transform before our eyes was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. He became a part of our family, and we learned so much from him. We learned about resilience, compassion, and the importance of helping those in need. Helping the homeless has become a passion of mine, and I continue to reach out to those in need in my community. It's not about fixing the problem of homelessness on my own, but about doing what I can to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling.”

Chester Cabral, the brother of Sandra Tee Sy, believes in the same values as his sister: having a faith filled morality by doing what God would do. He believes that is significant not only because it is morally right and helpful to the person receiving it, but also because it is significant because it benefits the community as a whole. His story that he shared is about being at the right place at the right time:

“I was walking to work one morning when I saw a homeless woman lying on the sidewalk. She looked pale, and her breathing was shallow. I knew I had to do something to help her, so I rushed to her side. I could see that she was in distress, so I called 911. As I waited for the ambulance to arrive, I tried to comfort her and keep her calm. I learned that her name was Lani and that she had been homeless for several years. She was malnourished, dehydrated, and suffering from a serious infection. When the ambulance arrived, I rode with Lani to the hospital. 

I could see the relief in her eyes when she realized that she was going to get the medical care she desperately needed. I knew that Lani's journey was far from over, and I wanted to do more to help her. I visited her at the hospital regularly and brought her food and supplies. We talked about her life and her struggles, and I listened to her with empathy and compassion.

As Lani began to recover, I helped her find a shelter where she could stay and get back on her feet. I connected her with social services that could provide her with the resources she needed to start a new life. 

It wasn't always easy, but seeing Lani’s life transform before my eyes was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. She went from being on the brink of death to having a roof over her head and a renewed sense of hope.”

No matter how small the action, every effort to support those in need can make a difference. Those who are homeless are both a member of society and its weakest link. As a result, we must assist the poor and homeless in order to help develop our society. By doing so, we not only enhance our own lives but also that of others, which has a significant positive impact on society.