WARNING: Today I am on my soap box!
Yesterday I visited the Monument Valley Residential Construction Program for work.
I enjoy the trip the "Valley" and try to make it at least once a month.
The scenery is breathtaking and the drive relaxing. I turn up some Jason Aldean and just cruise along singing to the tunes and soaking in the beauty.
However, each time I leave, I am frustrated and angry. Angry with living conditions of some of those that live within some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. And we allow it to continue.
So many are overlooked and left to eeek out an existence on their own.
So many, are old, disabled with nothing to live on or for and yet they carry on.
Eight individuals live in this home, including children. All the cooking is done out side on a barbecue/grill to make more room for bodies inside. Some of the windows are covered in plastic, the glass long gone
Yes, some of fellow citizens live like this.
A mother and teenage daughter lived in this home. It has a dirt floor and the ceiling had gaps in the boards, where the rain, sleet and snow came through.
This is the outside of the home. They received an Octagon home in 2009.
An 80+ year old grandmother lived in this mud hogan before receiving an Octagon home.
When a representative from the state visited the program she shared tears when through an interpreter she expressed her appreciation.
I have written numerous grants to numerous foundations that boast a desire to help these dilapidated areas, to increase the standard of living and education for the elderly and down trodden. And yet, over the past, 13 years not one of those organizations has yet to acknowledge the need either in writing or in some monetary form. Our government willingly and easily spends millions upon millions of dollars in third world countries, while its own residence live in conditions equal in nature. Our own state, spends millions on the homeless residents of their larger metropolitan areas and yet turns a blind eye to these who live in much the same circumstances. It is sad and disheartening for me. And many times I am guilt ridden when I return home, that I have so much and many of them have so little.
I am reminded of a song by Miss Carrie Underwood, " Change".
Well okay, I can only control myself and not the rest of you...
Someday I just need to get used to that idea.
Now, some positive stuff about the area. The Residential Construction Program constructs small homes for eligible residents. All materials are donated. Most of those donations come from visitors to the area who see the conditions and stop by the high school asking what they might do to help.
The program has been able to construct on average two "Octagon" homes each school year off these donations. Each home costs roughly $8500.00
The homes are constructed by High School students.
These homes have no running water, no electricity, no propane or gas, no kitchen, no bathroom facilities, no separation of rooms, no air conditioning and heating is supplied by a wood burning stove.
It is a shed of sorts, but to residents who receive them they are an answer to prayers...
I'm not asking for dollars, just that you realize that right here in our own backyard we have individuals living in conditions similar to those our nation, U.S. foundations and organizations continue to send money to.
My question is, When will be begin to help ourselves???
Its not very big, but its dry and warm... and to many it's more than they could have imagined.
I'm climbing off my soapbox for now... but mind you it is probably not the end...
