A JMU student reached out to our Potomac Local staff about a recent article written about the issue of homelessness in Prince William County.
Dear Editor,
I am responding the article written titled “Winter weather, community outreach brings attention to homeless population in Prince William”. I live in the Manassas/Woodbridge area, and I often use the Dale City exit to get on and off the highway. I have seen tents on the hill as I drive to get onto the highway, but it never occurred to me that there were so many people who are homeless living in the woods; so many people that this area is called Tent City.
Reading the article on these people brought to my attention some of the false ideas we have in our minds about people who are homeless. I think this article was really great because it mentioned that many people who are homeless are employed, and even work multiple jobs, but still cannot afford the cost of living. Most people who have a place to stay find picking up and moving, or even just leaving their things for a while is hard. Just like most everyone, getting people who are accustomed to living in their tent to move is difficult, especially if they cannot take their things with them.
Prices of living are high, and in our society we value high education and specialized work in order to land a job or career that can supply a livable income. As a college student, I know it is easy to forget that the ability to obtain a degree is a privilege. The Homeless Outreach program gathering supplies and advocating on the behalf of the people living in Tent City, and other similar places in the area, is a great example how community cohesiveness can help people who are less fortunate. I think more articles and awareness on community problems like homelessness are important and should be published not just when it’s cold outside. I believe if more people were aware of the problem, there would be more people willing and able to help.
Best Wishes,
Eriel Ledbetter
*Editors note: This letter was received on March 3.
