Can we talk?

Dear Santa 2

Santa,
  It's me again.
 
    When I get on the bus, there is usually at least one homeless person. Sometimes, there's a whole contingency traveling together. I wish that you could provide shelter for them. I'm not asking for luxury apartments or spacious homes. A dormitory for those who can share space, with a locker where they can store private possessions with a lock, instead of carrying them all over town. And a shower room. And a laundry room. And the anti-social ones, usually men, usually but not always drinkers, could have a separate maybe leaner place with less supervision. Maybe the women's dorm could be divided, women with children and women without children; kids 13 and under should be able to stay near their mothers without disturbing other residents.

    And not just for Christmas, Santa, not just the winter, but all year long. Without any limitation on how long they can stay. As long as they're making an active attempt to get on their feet.

    I know a lot of them made bad choices. Some have various addictions. But some are victims of a family member's choices, or disease, or medical problems, or temporary setbacks. I just can't stand to see any of them lugging all their "stuff" around. Or think of them sleeping outside with the mosquitoes and stray cats and rain. Or being unable to shower before job hunting.

    Simple shelter and indoor plumbing, a little privacy and safety and hygiene. That's all.