“Sir, please!” "a bastard man grabbed the back of Mr. Thompson's bag, "help me!" "Let me go, you're a dirty rat!" Mr. Thompson screamed and got away from the man's dirty hands . He rushed to work, dusting off his briefcase. He looked at the homeless man and saw that he was praying on his knees. The warmth of Arizona reflected on the homeless man's face as tears flowed freely. Mr. Thompson laughed off the sight and continued to drive to work. “People are only homeless because they make bad decisions in their lives,” mutters Mr. Thompson. “He would only use the money to buy alcohol or drugs. » Arriving at work, Mr. Thompson finds the workplace in ruins. The company went bankrupt and everyone lost their jobs. Frantically, he calls his housewife to tell her the horrible news. He reassures her that he will soon find a job and that the life they have built together will go well. After spending months looking for a job that could support his wife and two children, Mr. Thompson found himself empty-handed. The alcohol in his cupboard becomes more and more attractive to him as it helps combat stress and the bitter truth that he is not enough for his family. He becomes very violent and distant due to his constant drunken state. As a result, his wife and children moved to live with his family in Alabama. Heartbroken and angry, his drinking problem worsens. In less than two years, Mr. Thompson found himself in the same situation as the homeless man he refused to help. “What should I do now?” he asks himself. Those experiencing homelessness should turn to organizations like United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM), an Arizona nonprofit that works to help people like Mr. Thompson. UMOM understands that people who have become homeless deserve a second chance to change their lives and become better people. The magnitude of UMOM's efforts for our community deserves more recognition, as they are vital to the Arizona community in its efforts to combat homelessness. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay People assume that others become homeless because of their poor life decisions. However, homeless people are mostly normal people. Some people who became homeless fled abusive families or their lives spiraled out of control. UMOM recognizes that these people deserve their help. “The most common misconception about homelessness comes from a lack of understanding that every person, family and situation is unique” (“Families Giving Back: Help Local Homeless Families”). People don't understand each other because they haven't experienced the same circumstances. They base their decisions about the homeless on stereotypes and common ideas that are inaccurate because every person and situation is different. UMOM understands this well and offers programs that help give the homeless a second chance. For people to get a second chance, they need to learn life skills that may not have been instilled in them before. UMOM optional opportunities that teach those who need it how to improve to become better versions of themselves. There are separate programs for families, drug addicts, women, adolescents, disabled people and veterans. Families who find themselves homeless or part of a low-income household pose a great challenge. “We would have to work seventyhours per week at minimum wage to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Arizona” (UMOM New Day Centers). Parents who have multiple children but have a low-paying job will struggle to pay for their apartment, leading to the loss of their home and family stress. Parents of infants and young children must pay for daycare when they go to work. It costs approximately $211 per week for daycare per child. “One in three families (33 percent) now spend 20 percent or more of their annual income on child care. Seven out of ten families say they pay higher rates than those in the United States. Department of Health and Human Services' definition of affordable care as nearly one in five families spend a quarter or more of their household income on child care" ("Here's How Much Child Care Costs") children in 2018). Those with children face the greatest difficulties, as money earned at minimum wage would simply go to their children's daycare and they can barely afford a two-bedroom apartment. If the family in difficulty has more than one child, it is impossible for them to afford it. UMOM understands these problems that poor families encounter. It helps them by providing safe places to stay and free daycare. While children are in care, parents are offered employment opportunities and learn life skills. For adults who are working to get depressed, they offer a program that provides educational services, tutoring, and testing to help them apply to college. UMOM also provides workforce services to teach adults how and where to obtain a consistent income. UMOM not only helps with work and school, but also offers health and wellness services. He shows them where to find medical clinics and receive special services for them. For children, a development and well-being center is available to children. Teenagers are offered Teen Activity Programs (TAP), a program that equips them with life skills (UMOM New Day Centers). Homeless people, who are not part of a family, benefit from different programs because they do not receive special treatment. like those who are with family. Family members generally receive welfare and are at the top of the list for affordable housing. There is a youth resource center for 18-24 year olds. Specialists help them put an end to their housing problems and provide them with housing as quickly as possible. These programs work well for homeless men, but women are in greater danger when they become homeless. A shocking 92% of homeless women have been victims of sexual or physical assault. Their risk of being addicted to drugs or alcohol is twice as high as that of homeless men. (“12 essential facts about women and homelessness”). UMOM has a program called The Bruce & Diane Halle Women's Center, which is Arizona's first shelter created solely for women. Veterans also receive distinct services such as transitional housing, supportive services, and permanent support services. People struggling with addiction are placed in UMOM's rehabilitation programs (UMOM New Day Centers). The main service offered by UMOM is to accommodate those who need it most. UMOM offers four different types of accommodation. They provide permanent or affordable housing that is less than 30% of household income, so the family can still afford to buy things.