This past week was not an easy one for many reasons. One thing that made it especially tough was the deep freeze that hit the day before Christmas. As temperatures dropped quickly across the country, most of us bundled up or simply stayed inside to avoid the freezing cold. Many however were not that lucky!

For the nationás homeless staying indoors and warm is not often an option, especially in small communities where there are no shelters. It was pleasing to see where the little town of Hundred worked with the EMS and secured cots and blankets, while opening up the community fire hall for anyone to take refuge from the weather. They are to be commended for their compassion and forethought in providing a way for the most vulnerable to protect themselves from the life threatening outside elements.

While most of us (myself included) felt safe and secure in our homes, with plenty to eat and a room full of presents to open, our minds were not on the disadvantaged many who are disabled and many who are veterans, and many who are just children stuck in a situation through no fault of their own. Are minds were not on those without heat and frozen water lines or without a hot meal.

According to statistics, about 2 percent of the worldás population is homeless. While another 20 percent lack adequate housing. Though unfortunate, this statistic isnát surprising. With the continuous rise in housing a homelessness epidemic is inevitable.

Thatás not to say, however, that we canát do anything to make life more bearable for them, there are many things we can do to help them. However, what we need first are communities willing to help. Communities like Hundred, WVa, who really give a damn!

It seems like we are comfortable knowing we are well taken care of and the hell with the rest! A common misconception is that homeless people are lazy bums, and theyáre homeless because of their own fault. Remember not everyone has the same support system you have. Not everyone has friends or family they can turn to when theyáre evicted from their homes or kicked out of their apartments. Put yourself in their shoes and understand where theyáre coming from. So if you can, donate to organizations that are helping the homeless like soup kitchens and shelters. These organizations often rely on the generosity of people like you to keep doing what they do.

Apart from food and clothing, what homeless people (and all of us for that matter) really need is a little bit of kindness and respect. So whenever you meet a homeless person, treat them with the same respect and kindness that you give everyone else. If a volunteer fire department in a little town like Hundred can offer shelter, food and a warm place to stay, why are there so many excuses elsewhere?

I am convinced If society and those in power were to decide, theyád much rather forget that homeless people exist. Just stick them on a bus and send them away.

Helping the homeless doesnát really require a lot of time and effort, mostly just the willingness to make life better for others and the drive to make a difference.

Again a big shout out to the town of Hundred for looking out for those in need. You set a great example!