I lived and worked in Bend, Oregon for more than 20 years.

During that time, this tiny spot of paradise was “gentrified” by big fat development bucks. As low-income homes and communities were swallowed whole, a population of homeless people just popped up out of nowhere.

Really? People who lose their homes are not exactly the most solvent. They become houseless in place. In Bend where winters are brutal with nighttime temperatures often in the below zero range and where it’s been known to freeze on the 4th of July, homeless camps began setting up in the Bureau of Land Management land that surrounds Bend.

By my last count in 2011, there were more than 20 homeless camps surrounding Bend and many were on school bus routes. What child chooses this lifestyle? Similarly, what senior chooses this lifestyle?

I am not saying that these “panhandlers” have made responsible and lasting lifestyle choices. All I am saying is ask yourself the question, “How can I honestly help rather than pointing a finger at the guy on the corner of 107th and Grand avenues?” Here is a suggestion — be a solution.

Advocate for the Community Assistance Network, Lutheran Services, local churches, the Sun City Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and even Banner Health to join hands toward serving this population and then put them on your donation list. Please toss the NIMBY attitude and do something about it. Are we active retirees or what? 

I bet I am not the only one living Social Security paycheck-to-paycheck here. Thanks for reading.