Commentary: Reach out to the homeless during the holidays

Vacation. That word represents freedom and lack of responsibility for so many people.

When I hear vacation, I think of fresh ocean breezes, warm weather, starry nights and a full moon that shines so brightly that the light dances off the ocean waves.

The fantasy in my head is so real that I can taste the salty ocean air, as I let my mind wander to the place that I have created as a means of escape.

The buzzing sound of the streetlight brings me back to reality. The faint smell of a dwindling fire is a comfort in comparison to the overpowering smell of old trash and body odor. As I listen past the whispers of surrounding conversations, I hear cars driving by, airplanes flying overhead, sirens going off, and life taking place, all while I lay here against a cold, hard wall.

While the double layer of cardboard boxes under me serves as protection from the brutally cold concrete, I keep tossing and turning, looking for comfort that does not exist.

Morning could not come soon enough. As I pack my bag, I think back on my idea of vacation and I remember that I once met a homeless man who told me about a friend of his being arrested and going to jail. He referred to it as “vacation.” Vacation away from the dark alleyways and the Dumpster diving. Shelter from the cold and rainy nights, and a place where someone is guaranteed three meals per day, a bed and a shower. A break from the streets.

O.C. Partnership reports that there are more than 4,400 homeless individuals in Orange County per night. Additionally, there are only 66 shelters with approximately 3,400 beds in the Orange County area, leaving more than 1,000 individuals to either use motels as shelters or find shelter at a park or bench.

With the harsh climate creeping up around us, the homeless population will experience even more trouble seeking warm shelter throughout the winter months.

So what is my point? My point is that with the holidays, as we all stand in line to purchase gifts for our friends and families, there is a homeless family in need of blankets, socks and gloves to keep warm through the night. Instead of turning and walking in the opposite direction when you see a homeless person, I challenge you to stop and acknowledge their existence, ask them their name and actually listen.

Bring them blankets and socks instead of sandwiches and waters. Be compassionate, empathetic and understanding of their situation.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a bed to sleep in at night and a roof over their head. This holiday season, let us all practice giving a gift that is worth more than money and words combined; let’s practice kindness.

PATRICIA MARTINEZ is perusing her master’s degree in social work at USC’s Irvine campus.