Imagine, if you will, spending a night this winter, on the streets, with nowhere to go. All you have to offer protection from the elements, are the clothes on your back, a jacket, shoes, gloves and a knit cap.

Could you withstand the frigid temperature and wet snow, sleet and rain?

What would you eat? Where would you sleep?

Would you be able to maintain your sanity?

Not pleasant thoughts.

For many across the Lehigh Valley, braving the cold day in and day out, searching for the next meal and roof to sleep under is a regular occurrence.

The homeless take on many forms. In today's society, someone deemed "homeless" does not fit the stereotype of a homeless person in the 19th and 20th century.

The former stereotype would have one believe someone on the streets willfully chooses the lifestyle.

That stereotype is simply wrong.

I have had the privilege of working in a handful of homeless shelters in the past. I personally witnessed many individuals who became an unfortunate victim due to one simple slip in life, and that short, temporary fall, led to a series of unplanned events, one after another.

Some living on our streets are drug and alcohol addicts who truly want to reach sobriety. Others are recovering addicts, who spend each day, making a sincere effort to stay clean. Yet others are suffering from a mental disease; a disease, no matter what type or quantity of drug is prescribed, continues to control their life. Some, once independent and successful, become unemployed, losing their finances, home and in some cases, their family. And yet, there are others living on our streets who once wore our nation's military uniform and gave their time and potentially their life to ensure our safety.

More disturbing, many on our streets during this cold winter season are innocent children – the sons and daughters of a homeless person. According to the 2008 Lehigh Valley Shelter Census, 38 percent of homeless people in the Lehigh Valley were children.

How many of us can say we are truly immune to a simple slip in life that turns into a catastrophe? A simple slip that would put us on the streets, with very little hope, if any, and nowhere to turn.

This winter, take the time to at least be grateful for what you have shelter, heat, hot water, a job, income, a home or apartment and family and friends. The simple amenities many of us take for granted are out of reach pleasures for those living on the streets.

Beyond expressing gratitude, consider donating a blanket or two, a bag of groceries or a few dollars to your local homeless shelter. You might also consider stopping by a homeless shelter to take a tour of the facility and learn more about the incredible, helpful services these facilities offer to those down on their luck.

And, if you can, reach out to another person in need. Often we associate the concept of service with some monumental and noble undertaking. To my surprise, it is often the small act that makes the largest impact.

During this harsh winter, let us remember those struggling. Let us help, in some small way.

As Mother Teresa said, "Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you."

Who happens to be that person nearest you, in need, that you can help?

A list of local shelters can be found on the Lehigh County website at www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/HumanServices/MentalHealth/Children/Assistance/Shelters.

Mark Reccek

editorial assistant

Catasauqua Press

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press