Filling a human need by a 'Songbird' of hope offers example for others

Kathy Songbird and the homeless man

Carol Forsloff----In virtually every city around the world, homeless people are part of the landscape, with many people thinking there is nothing they can do or that some organization should take care of the problem instead.  And then there are the negative folks who believe, and so express, that homeless people are there because they choose to be, not working and living on the dole.  But the facts belie these assumptions, and the act of one person reflects what we can all do to take responsibility for caring for the most helpless among us.

Kathy Songbird is known for her great music on Fandalism and other music sites, like SingSnap.  She has a voice that accompanies the angels on earth, which will likely be heard in heaven as well, for it soars to the heights of beauty every time she performs.  Songbird is her professional name, and the one by which she is known widely among fans and friends.  It is, however, the heart of the woman that offers an example of what we can all do to help others, even in frustrating circumstances, and potentially make a difference.

In the tradition of musicians around the world, Songbird knows she can make a difference.  It is not belief but knowledge, integrated with her devotion to faith and ethics that suggest, "I think, therefore I am."  That means she translates thoughts into action, as many musicians take their concerns about others and write songs to engage listeners and educate them about the needs of others.  Many musicians have done that, highlighting helping others in the songs they create.  That view, and behavior, are supported by musicians on Fandalism, following in the tradition of the big music stars that host concerts to help the hungry or the victims of tragedies around the world.

For several days, Songbird featured on her Facebook page her concerns about a homeless man, thought to be autistic, who has lived on the streets for an undetermined time.  In response to Songbird's entreaties for help, she heard there was nothing authorities could do or that they already knew about the man, in a fashion that indicated there had been a history of trying to help the man that either had failed or the help refused.  It was likely that, as often Songbird found the man somewhat uncooperative in providing either information or advancing the notion of going to some shelter for assistance.  Instead he remained on the street, as Kathy sought to find help for the man, whose inability to express himself in a way to be understood could at times be frustrating.

Songbird's goal was to find good friend or family who might reach out, recognize the man and take responsibility for ongoing help.  She did not stop with that, however, but brought him food, clothing and the warmth of friendship, every day, including the holidays with the support of her husband, Dean.

Presently the man seems to have disappeared, as he is no longer at the same location where he had been for a long time.  No one knows if he received help or not, but those facts will be found as Songbird learns through her consistent asking and involvement with the authorities in her town in Missouri.

If the homeless man Songbird has been helping is found on the streets again, this publication will focus on his situation, together with close-up photos to give an opportunity for people to see the man and possibly locate family.

This example of one person's caring for another in a direct way highlights the truth that one man can make a difference.  Yes, it takes work, thought and reaching out in many ways; but that's what love is all about in Kathy's world and the world of humanitarian affairs. And if you don't want to do it Kathy's way, here are 35 other ways you can.