Housing, food, and water; all of which are recognized as rectitudes by the United Nations’ charter of universal human rights written in the 1940s. Nevertheless, just because they are human rights doesn’t mean that they are accepted universal standards for all people.
On Friday night, in between doing the regular social activities of an Ohio State student I went to the McDonald’s on High Street. After ordering food, I waited by another guy that I assumed was also waiting for food. Making small talk, I soon realized he was not waiting for food, merely escaping the cold of an Ohio fall night. Asking what his number was for food, he said he couldn’t order. Pulling out of his pocket, he showed a handful of change and admitted, “I’m broke.” He was a middle-aged African American living on the streets of Columbus, where he was, “Born and raised.” While I tried to make small talk about sports teams, the sad truth of the man’s situation lingered in my mind.
There are multiple factors of systemic injustice that led to this moment. Obviously, there is an element of systemic racial injustice. African Americans, even in 2021, suffer an income gap compared to white and hispanic Americans when participating in the economy, but are additionally more likely to suffer from homelessness. Additionally, the United States suffers from a lack of resources in public housing. While other developed countries throughout the world spend considerable time and resources for public housing, the United States allows public housing to boil down to “the projects.” While massive federal programs like Medicaid and food stamps attempt to help those in need, homeless Americans are often not able to access these resources because of failures in execution of these programs.
After my order was ready, I grabbed my food, and went back to the man. I gave him 5 dollars and told him to get some food. He said, “Thanks brother, this goes a long way.” But not long enough. While acts of generosity like mine can make a difference, it isn’t a big enough difference. Systemic injustices can only be solved with the full resources and attention of governments at the local, state, and national level that it deserves.
I cannot keep my mind off of the poor man i met in mcdonalds that night. In relation to this week’s reading involving outcast immigrants, a very similar sentiment is felt throughout the homeless population of this country. Up and down High Street, the homeless population of Columbus receive very little attention and help from the city and the university. They are made to feel apart from the “normal” population of the city. As a student of Ohio State, I notice that the same people are almost always on the street week to week. https://www.nbc4i.com/news/investigates/rent-prices-on-the-rise-in-columbus/amp/. Things like rising rent prices are a huge problem in the social injustice of the homeless population.
Programs like what is described in the above news article are making strides to assist people like the man I discussed above. My heart goes out to people in the same situation and I hope if I see him again, he will be in a better living situation and in better spirits.
Hi! This story that you have shared was very impactful for me and I love and respect your perspective on this incident. It is truly heartbreaking and humbling when we hear and see stories like this because it makes us realized how truly blessed we are to be in the situation we’re in now. I agree that more hands on deck are needed and more resources are needed, but I do truly admire your act of kindness!