Consider Someone Else

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You are listening to a snippet of "D.C. Street" by Azim, now available by clicking here cdbaby or i-tunes. Downloading this song for $0.99 cents will help support Azim's effort to raise awareness and funds for homelessness, hunger, and addiction.   Azim has volunteered time at SOME (So Others Might Eat) in Washington,D.C., and will be donating 10% of every download sale to help aid in their efforts.

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"Homelessness found on any given night in D.C."

                         photo by Azim       Al-S

Homelessness is a social issue that has very high numbers throughout the country, and in many parts of the world.  This picture was taken in June, on the corner of 12th & G Streets N.W in Washington, D.C., around 10:00 p.m. on a weekday night.  This is one of two homeless individuals that I saw within a one minute walking distance of each other.  When I see someone living on the street, homeless and out of doors, I am overcome with a feeling of hurt.

This individual was an older man who was sleeping in front of a professional building.  It was a very hot night.  It just doesn't seem right that the country in which we live, with all of its resources, should have citizens who live out of doors and on city streets.  Something of a concerted effort shoud be done to combat and ultimately end this chronic issue.   It seems worse that all around this man were people just walking by, having a good time, and enjoying their night.  I saw friends walking, couples talking, groups of friends going to hang out at the club or movies.  I saw business people eating outside under the umbrellas of various restaurants.  It was as if nobody else saw this man or even cared to notice him at all.  I'm sure that others noticed; but it seemed that way.  People were just going about their normal everyday lives and enjoying their entertainment.  It was as if the homeless people were invisible.

Have we become numb to this issue?  Have all of the problems facing the country rendered the issues of homelessness and hunger unimportant?  Is it only the responsibility of the government to address the situation?  Can we do more?  I was happy to learn that President Obama unveiled Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in June 2010.  This is a definite step in the right direction.  I understand that we can't completely change the world, however, my desire is only to make a positive difference.  Someone mentioned that it's difficult because some don't want to be helped.  Some may have lost hope.  This is true and understood.  All we can do is try and offer hope to those who've lost it and help those who welcome it.  The one thing that I know for certain is that I could never truly enjoy happiness or success, without trying to do something to help others who are suffering in the world. 

What are your thoughts?  Leave your comments here

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.........     Giving more than just food for thought

       (click on pic for full Consider Someone Else was on hand to volunteer time at SOME, (So Others Might Eat) in Washington, D.C.  CSE had the opportunity to sit down with Azim (CSE Founder)  for a "CSE Q&A" Session to learn about the experience, from scheduling to actual date of service.  Azim will soon be releasing a single titled, "D.C. Street" which chronicles homelessness, hunger and addiction.  He has chosen to donate 10% of his download proceeds to SOME.  Read Full Story