Editor,

It has come to my attention that there has been lots of negativity concerning our homeless population. I am hoping to possibly shed a different light onto the subject.

I am 17 years old and I have been volunteering at SPIN Cafe for three years now.

During my time here, I’ve learned a plethora of things regarding our homeless population. Not only have I had genuine conversations with many here, but I have also made many friends as well as long-lasting friendships.

What some of us fail to understand is that they are people just like us. It does not take much to end up on this unfortunate path. That is why I choose to help here. It is not out of pity, it is about how much I care about them.

We as humans are here to help and support each other. Not stand by as we watch someone’s life unravel.

Many of these people have just hit a rough patch, as we all do. I have seen children living off food stamps and the Help House day by day. Not because their parents don’t care or decided to become drug addicts, but because this world is just too expensive to live in anymore.

My main point is, we need to learn to show more compassion with one another. We need to help each other through the bad times because this particular situation can happen to any of us.

SPIN is not just a place to eat. We provide many resources, including showers, laundry facilities and bus passes, as well as housing and possible job opportunities.

In fact, my favorite saying is, “before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes”

Aundrea Fisher

Oak Harbor