My first reaction in seeing the homeless in "my neck of the woods" was ughhh... there should be a law... Then, I quickly went into Christian mode, thanking God that I nor my family were in that position, you know the saying, there but for the grace of God go I and praying that that man I saw had someone to love him or help him. But why not me?

I mean, I am the woman who feeds the squirrels every day thinking that if I don't throw out seed how will they ever survive. I am the first to send in money for kids in developing nations that want to get a public education ( I've sponsored at last count 11). But why my distaste, my lack of compassion when confronted with those in need here at home? Therein lies the problem. Home.

I've worked in Washington, D.C. where I literally walked over homeless who were sprawled on the sidwalks or grates while on my way to work. I always counted on having single bills to give out because I knew exactly which homeless person staked out which corner and I liked to have my money ready. But they weren't in my home. They were not too close for comfort. I feel like a hypocrite.

Maybe it was my naivete, or being insulated in my own little world of homework, karate classes, and pond restoration (that will be another blog) I thought I escaped big city living (also read as big city problems) by coming to Clay county. Apparently not. In the last three days I have seen three homeless people around the area (all three in different parts of Blanding, nearer to Middleburg). Now I still consider myself new to the area, but how is it that I missed this before if this is commonplace and if it is not, where have they been staying? Does Clay county have homeless shelters and where are they? Are some areas more frequented by homeless than others?

Should we be doing more as a community and if so, what? Until an answer presents itself, I guess I will continue to do what I'm doing and make a mental note to stop by the bank for singles.