Christmas day is over. The presents have been opened and the excitment is over for many. The evening for those with a roof over their heads may be an evening of hooking up some of their new electronic gifts, big screen TVs, logging onto their new computers or putting away new items or clothing.
Many people in colder parts of the country will build a fire in their fireplace or turn up their heater as they lie back on a comfortable recliner, sit in their favorite chair or couch and watch television. Perhaps they will listen to music or read a good book.
For many others there is no heat (even in Los Angeles it has been in the thirties at night). Their bed is little more than a piece of carpet foundation felt on the cement in a spot that may look safe for the night.
There will be no hot coffee, no hot cocoa, no glass of wine. No shower or bath, no music and no television or DVD movie to bring an aire of excitment to the end of a special day. The excitment these folks have will be the constant concern of being found by others which may be the police or may be others that are out looking to take what they can from others.
A small percentage of people will be given a place in one of the missions or shelters. These are the more fortunate ones but are a very small number compared to those out there with no shelter for the night. This story is repeated every night, 365 days a year. Tonight on the night of Christmas the feeling, mood and situation is even more depressing for most. Many are newly homeless due to job loss and the economy. This is their first Christmas with no roof over their head. The memories of better days, a home and family being together in a safe place is quite vivid for many. Their own situation had only become this dire in the last few months or even weeks.
Below are a few videos I took last night. The low light capability of the camera worked well enough to get the point across. These video clips are all about a minute in length or less.
My wishes to all for a great 2010.
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