Modern, western-type societies seem to offer everything. Job opportunities, cultural events, inclusivity, luxuries. But things are not always ideal for those living in them.
Although such societies do offer a lot, there are people in them who lead less-than-ideal lives.
Homelessness is one of the major problems nationwide, with statistics coming to show that there is a dire need of tackling the problem systematically.
A 2020 report showed that more than half a million people were experiencing homelessness at the time, with men being slightly more than women facing this issue.
The same report indicates that, while the majority of unaccompanied youth live in shelters, older individuals don’t always have that option.
Just like Ms. Connie, a homeless woman from North Carolina, who found herself out in the freezing cold, trying to warm herself up, unable to find a safe place to spend the cold winter days.
A few days ago, an individual called Tammy S. shared a heartwarming story with the Greensboro Police Department to let everyone know that there’s an officer there who did her best to help a fellow citizen in need.
“Please help me thank Officer S. McDonald of The Greensboro Police Department, for going above and beyond to help a woman in desperate need of assistance,” Tammy S. wrote in her post.
A few days ago, Tammy was doing some shopping when, leaving a shoe store, a woman on the side of the road caught her eye.
The woman was not begging for money, she was just trying to keep herself warm in the freezing cold.
“She wasn’t asking anyone for money, just rocking back and forth, trying to stay warm.”
Tammy pulled her car up and approached the woman. After asking her some questions, she found out that the woman’s name was Connie Phillips, and she was 65 years old.
Ms. Connie explained that she is homeless, trying to get to a shelter, but she wouldn’t be allowed on public transport because she was carrying more than one bag with her.
Tammy felt so sorry for the homeless woman that she wanted to do something to help her. So, she tried calling all the shelters she knew, but nobody picked up.
But she couldn’t give up. So, she tried one more thing.
She called the Greensboro Police Non-Emergency line, and, eventually, someone answered.
When Tammy explained the situation, the dispatcher said that they could send over an officer to check out on Phillips.
Indeed, a while later, Mrs. S. McDonald arrived. As she explained to them, all the local shelters were full, but she suggested that Ms. Connie try visiting a church instead. They often opened up their doors to offer shelter to people in need during cold days.
The officer also had an idea to solve Phillips’ one-bag problem. She suggested Phillips put all her belongings in two suitcases to make her stuff look neater. This way, she might have a chance on public transport.
Along with Tammy, McDonald visited a nearby store where each woman bought one suitcase for their homeless friend. Phillips couldn’t be more grateful for their kind gesture.
As the officer was leaving, she said that she wished she could do more for her, with tears filling up her eyes.
This story is exactly what we need in these tough days we’re going through to remind us that there’s still good in people.
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