4A FORMING AN OPPORTUNITY BELIEF

1)  Supportive organizations for the homeless and needy.

2)  There is a huge unmet, or at least not fully met need/opportunity to care for the homeless and put more organizations in place to facilitate their recovery.  All homeless people have this need.  The need came from the fact that there are indeed homeless people in the world, whether that be through job loss, drug use, and investments, mental illnesses, etc.  There have always been homeless people and there always will, but hopefully, things can continue to be done to minimize the number.  There are already many organizations that exist to combat this issue, but as far as daily efforts from the general public, it is lacking.  I am 100% sure that this need exists.

3a)  This is a topic I feel strongly about, so I decided to write on it even though I can't really go interview homeless people about the issue.  I guess I could, but I won't.  I do, however, know many of them in Gainesville decently well, so I have some insight into their situations that I can share.  The first person is Christian Lannert.

4a)  Christian has lived in Gainesville for about 13 years, and I believe has been homeless for the vast majority of that time.  he used to have a job helping disabled people but injured his back pretty severely on the job.  This left him unable to work for a long time, but thankfully he got some disability checks, which is better than nothing.  He became aware of his need when he no longer had a job, sufficient money, or a home.  He is aware of several organizations/programs in Gainesville that assist the homeless with food/shelter.  He recently got access to an apartment at a steeply discounted rate for those who qualify, which is great.

5a) Through knowing Christgian, I have realized that not all homeless people are "bad" or "bums".  There are many genuinely good people who fall victim to difficult circumstances.

3b)  the second homeless person I know is Robert.  I don't know his last name.

4b)  Although you never want to see someone suffer, I am a little bit less sympathetic toward Robert.  He is a nice enough guy, but he is always looking for a handout and does not really seem to be trying to improve his situation, unlike Christian.  I do not know nearly as much about Robert's circumstances, but I do know that he blames the government for his situation.  Robert would never turn down help if it meant he didn't have to do anything.

5b)  Through knowing Robert, I have also understood why some people think that the homeless just want handouts.  The truth is that both types exist.

3c)  There is another homeless person in Gainesville who goes by the name Granny.

4c)  She is quite old, probably in her 60's or 70's.  I am not sure about how true her claims are, but she claims to have spinal cancer and to have been abused in the past.  She is very personable and friendly, and always appreciative of any help a person can spare her.  I'm confident that she would be thankful for more widespread programs, especially as she is too old and frail to realistically support herself through work.

5)  Through knowing Granny, I have become aware/been reminded that there are people in need of all types, and it's especially sad when it is a sick, elderly woman.

7)  My opportunity belief did not really change.  I have thought about this issue for a long time, and I knew a long time ago that there would be people who appreciate andtake the help to better themselves, and people who just take advantage of the system.  It is a risk worth taking, to an extent.  Jobs like these are thankless, so if someone is getting it to one for that reason, they will not be happy.  Of course I think there is a balance between adapting to customers' preferfne and staying firm, but if you give in too much, you may end up compromising/totally changing the mission of your endeavor.