The life of homeless people under the footbridge of Katipunan

Was there a moment in your life that you picture yourself being homeless? That your only bed is a small carton, your blankets are the crumpled newspapers found on the trash bin, and your room is the whole sidewalk? Have you imagined yourself begging for food or asking for spare change at the streets just to have something to eat for the day?  How will you feel if these really happen to you?

Few days ago, after my pep squad training, I was walking across the footbridge, suddenly a young boy, around 5 years old, pulled my shirt and begged me to pay money for his sampaguita flowers. Honestly, I don’t want to purchase those because I’m not going to place them on the altar, but the child looked so hungry.  Instead of getting the flowers he was holding, I gave him coins that were enough to buy him bread or a biscuit, and he can earn more money if he’ll sell the flowers to other people passing by. It was a relief on my part that I have helped someone and he can finally fill his empty tummy, but it was better if I gave him directly foods so that I can be sure that he will really consume it. It was so happen that there were no open stores nearby so I have no choice but to give him money.

The following day, I saw a mother with two infants who were exposed to the polluted air of the city. The helpless babies were sleeping under the footbridge and the mother was asking for alms. When I observed the bottle, it was empty and unclean. This can cause harmful effects on their body. When I also looked at the infants’ faces, there were tears dried on their skins evidencing that they recently cried. I really felt so bothered with their situation. Unfortunately, I can’t do anything to help them.  I sensed guilt in me. Passing by on them really stabbed my heart. When I mentioned this to my mother, she told me to donate some clothes to them. But I wonder, will I ever see them again when I pass by? They are homeless; they move to different places to ask help from more fortunate people.

There are more kinds of situations like these that I see around the city everyday.

All I want is to make the other people who are not contented of what they have to realize how lucky they are for having a good life. I know you are lucky. Why?  Because you have your own computer to read this blog, if not, you’re still lucky to afford renting a PC in the internet café. You’re lucky because your room may not be as big as what you wanted, but I’m sure it has a comfortable bed that can make you sleep well. You’re lucky in so many other ways. My point is whatever we own, even the smallest objects, we should be thankful for it and let us always remember those people who support us financially and to God who lets these good things happen to us.