Are Amarillo Homeless Being Denied Help?
Whether you feel for the homeless or not, it seems to be a growing problem in Amarillo. There are many agencies designated to give aide to the homeless, but many homeless people in Amarillo feel their needs aren't being met.
"Homelessness has long been a problem in Amarillo, but the community also has a laundry list of agencies designed to help those less fortunate. But despite those group's efforts to provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need, many homeless still feel there's no help coming their way, even when they ask.
"I would have never ever suspected that I would end up this way," said Jimmy Brumley, who's been living homeless for nearly four months.
It's not exactly the "tent city" many of us picture when we think of a homeless community coming together but the parking lot of the Walmart on Grand Street actually houses more than you might think.
"There's people that live in their cars, they live in their camper homes, they live in trailers," said Brumley. "There's a campsite that's less than 1200 feet from where we're standing right now."
Homeless families still fighting to receive the help so many groups in Amarillo say they provide.
"I've gone to Salvation Army, Faith City Mission, Tyler Resource Center, all of that," added Brandon Smith, who's been homeless for the past seven years.
"There's not help for me," continued Brumley. "Most places shut the door because I don't do drugs, most places shut the door because I don't beat my wife and kids."
Faith City Ministries does have a program to help recovering drug and alcohol addicts, but they also provide shelter and a bed to almost anyone who might be in a tight spot and say they do their best to make sure no one is turned away."
It's sad to see a fellow human, especially a family with children, suffer from homelessness. With the government shutdown and funding being cut left and right, there doesn't seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
More From KISS FM 96.9
