Tugging at my Heartstrings

Street People

These hoppers or (travelers), kind of like modern day hobos with their dogs in tow were playing and singing for change. I am always intrigued by people living on the street. After I gave them some money they let me take some pictures.

Street People…who are they
and why should you care?

I don’t know why I am drawn to these
people. It is a fascination for me. Some
are known as Homeless and some are
called Hoppers. Hoppers are like
traveling gypsies and the name comes
from hopping trains. They sleep in
boxcars or anywhere they can find a
warm dry spot for the night. Most of
the Hoppers that I have encountered
have a pet dog or two traveling along.
something else that sets them apart
from Homeless people is that they will
usually play you a tune, or sing for a bit
of change. They want to give you
something in return and they are
usually smiling and seem happy where
they are.

Train Hoppers

Gypsy Hoppers — I love this shot because of the connection between the two. Just look at his reflection.

The Street is my Home — I caught these
two homeless people taking a nap near
the downtown Chattanooga,
Tennessee waterfront.

Homeless people really tug at
my heartstrings. Who are they,
where is their family, is
someone missing them? Maybe
the bigger question is, who are
they missing and will they eat
today?

Do you know what being alone feels like? Being alone has to be the most terrible part of poverty. This homeless man was taking a nap in Centennial Park in Nashville, TN.

One Tough Day — Seven out of 10
Americans are one paycheck away
from being homeless.

Homeless Fred — Find out how the
publisher helps homeless people make
money and feel important.
www.TheContributor.org

So the next time you think you
have hit rock-bottom or life is so
tough, remember there are
roughly half a million people in
America who don’t have food
and shelter today, and an
estimated 500 million people
worldwide.

How you treat other people
matters. If you have a gift, use it
so that it has a trickle-down
effect.

Random acts of kindness are
never wasted. Pass it on……

Be kind to others