Did you let a night of success pass you by?  If you weren't at the Comedy Underground in Seattle on Tuesday you did!  It was a wonderful night, great comedians, good food, and of course, a great night for S.C.H.O.O.L.  We are already planning out our next event, and I know that it is going to be amazing.  We are growing fast and don't plan on slowing down, ever!  So hurry up and get involved before we take off!  Don't let our success pass you by, you could be an instrumental part of helping countless families in the community.  Just think of how many lives you could change, what else could possibly make you so successfull?

        

When I tell people that I want to help homeless people, I get a wide range of responses.  Most are initially happy to see that someone wants to do good for the world, and their community, but they are almost always a little taken aback by some common stereo types about the homeless community.  Although these thoughts are not always vocalized, we all know of one common stereotype that holds people back from helping those truly in need: laziness.

Yes, I've seen the special on 20/20 where people stand on the street corner asking for money and then at the end of the day walk over to their BMW.  I understand that there are con artists in the world and there are those people that are just to lazy, or not driven to help themselves, but that does not take away from that fact that homelessness is a true rising epidemic that needs serious attention.

Most homeless families are not standing on a street corner, homeless families try to stay unknown to others until they can get back on their feet.  You probably don't realize that a church down the road from your house may actually be a school for homeless children during the day, or that your co-worker is living in a shelter.   In my life, I have come across many homeless families, trying to get by, doing the best they can.  In fact, the church a few blocks from my junior high was turned into a school for homeless children during the day, they started just after my school, and got out just before so they could come and go without ever being noticed.  These schools are in almost every major city, but to protect the children and families, they are not widely spoken of, and in fact, their addresses are never published. 

Contrary to what you may believe, the leading cause for homeless families is actually domestic violence, not laziness.  I have known many single mothers who fled a violent relationship, most often probably saving their own lives or the lives of the children, that were forced to leave to absolutely nothing.  Many try to find shelters, but with the new theme of transitioning shelters to permanent housing, families are forced to split up or fend for themselves without any resources to lean on.  These women hold jobs, but without short term assistance, they are unable to save money to put down a deposit or to pay first months rent, so they are living day by day, struggling to find child care and a bed at night for their children.

Before you dismiss the entire notion of helping the homeless because you saw some con artists on another investigative report, remember that there are those in need that will not go public to save their children from exploitation, and in some instances, to remain hidden from their abusers.  Think of it this way, remember learning how to ride a bike?  When  you get started, you need someone to stabilize you until you can find your center of balance, but as soon as you find it you are on your way and never forget it, life is the exact same way, these families just need a caring hand to help them find their center again.

        

We are almost at our goal!  This Tuesday night is going to be amazing.  Don't miss out on being apart of history, and an absolutely hilarious night! Shoot us an email, and get your discounted tickets, we are only 50 tickets to our goal!  What number will you be?  Can't wait to see you there!  email  us at Anneliese@lifes2ndchance.org and reserve your ticket now!  Times running out!

        

Don't miss out on this years funnest comedy night!

Join us at the Comedy Underground in Seattle on Tuesday, February 17th.  Comedy is from 8-9:30pm, with a silent auction starting at 7pm. 
Tickets at the door are $12.
Contact us for advanced tickets for $10, $8 for students.
anneliese@Lifes2ndChance.org

We are still looking for donations for the silent auction, contact Anneliese with your donation and have your name added to our sponsor list.

For more information, you can visit http://www.Lifes2ndChance.org  

and http://www.nonprofitcomedy.com

Can't wait to see you there!

        

So you think you know why people are homeless?  You think you know about how many families are homeless?  I'm sure you'd be shocked of the overwhelming amount of homeless people and the reasons they are.  Every week, I'll post more facts about homeless families, especially those in Washington State.  However, know that all of the facts stated are only approximations since it is very hard to count just how many homeless families there are.

Lets start with the misconceptions of homelessness.  What usually comes to mind when  you think of a leading cause?  When asking random people why they thought families and people became homeless in general, these are the most common answers I received.

1. Laziness

2. Mental Illness

3. Lack of Intelligence

Sadly, this is no where near reality.  Check back every week as I reveal the leading reasons for homelessness in America and the number of people experiencing homelessness.  You'll be shocked at how high the numbers really are, and the leading reasons.  You may start to look at the people around you differently.

        

Welcome to S.C.H.O.O.L.'s blog.  We hope that we will clear up all misconceptions of homelessness and raise awareness of this growing epidemic so that one day it will no longer be a problem in our country so we can then focus our attention on other less fortunate countries.  Check our facts to learn more, we will add more shocking facts each week.