HOW THE HOMELESS PEOPLE-THE FORGOTTEN GROUP OF SOCIETY, DEAL WITH COVID-19 PANDEMIC-AN INDICTMENT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
Written by Diana Chan R.Ph, BCNSP (Pharmacist, Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist), April 2020
During March of 2020
We are told by our leaders:
We are attacked by a vicious invisible enemy-Coronavirus
We are told to obey social distancing and to stay home.
Where are our homes?
Our homes are everywhere, anywhere-
In the street corners,
Under the bridge of highways,
Along the concrete structure of the highway,
Hidden behind bushes, out of public eyes,
On the benches of public parks,
In the wilderness other humans can’t find.
We are told by our leaders to pay attention to personal hygiene–
Wash our hands frequently with warm water and soap;
Take a shower after we come home.
Where is our running water and where is our bathroom?
Convenience stores or grocery stores where we are not welcome?
Perhaps we can get naked when it rains to wash off the filth and germs.
We are told by our leaders to order our grocery or other supplies online.
How do we do that without a computer or cell phone?
Where do we receive the delivery if we don’t have a home?
We are told by our leaders not to go to the emergency room when we get sick
Instead, just call our doctors for directions.
How do we call doctors or 911 without a phone?
We are told there is no cure for the Coronavirus, so we might as well just stay home–
In the street or wilderness we call home, until our fate sends us on the way to our permanent home.
If you get the Coronavirus from us, too bad, so sad,
but at least you have a place you can call home.
We are told by our leaders help is on the way—
free money will be deposited to our bank accounts directly.
How do we receive the free money without a bank account?
Are there any kind people who will bring us the free money to our home–
In the street or wilderness we call home?
We thought we are all creatures created by the All Mighty God.
But we are told we are the way we are because of what we did, too bad, so sad.
We pray to our All Mighty God–
Have mercy on us as we are supposed to be your children like other humans.
Oh, All Mighty God, if you have the power you claim to have,
show us and make us all your believers.
For those who complain about having to stay home, at least you have a home!
