Today is ABC Wednesday and this week's letter is X. As best we can tell in this post-phonebook era, Greensboro has no citizens whose last name starts with an "X". So, where do we go from here? Well...
X represents anonymity, the unknown; it is a signature for those who cannot write. X represents all of the people who are, seemingly, without identify, transient, homeless: Citizens X. Above, we see a photo of an unnamed person wrapped in a Mylar blanket. These ultra-thin waterproof and windproof blankets, originally developed by NASA in 1964, help protect those who are out in the elements.
Greensboro has many shelters and food banks to help the homeless. Urban Ministries is an ecumenical outreach agency that has been working to help the homeless since 1967. Greensboro also has Partners Ending Homelessness, Interactive Resource Center, and local universities are involved in outreach to our homeless citizens. Here is a directory of services in Greensboro. Last year's count revealed that there were 1,064 homeless people in Greensboro. Let's hope that the 2012 survey reveals a decrease in homeless citizens.
As we reviewed our People of Greensboro series, we realized that most of the people we featured have worked, in some capacity, to help those in need. As time draws near to close out 2011 and we endeavor to make meaningful resolutions, lets do what we can to support the existing non-profits in their efforts to end homelessness.
This is a touching post and good choice for the difficult letter X.
I am drawn to X's naked feet, though....
Every winter, I contribute a donation of socks for the homeless.
Posted by: VioletSky | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 07:28 AM
Homelessness is a world-wide problem, much of which has been caused in these times, by the greed of the oligarchies which have taken over the world.
Glad that people in Greensboro are trying to help.
Nobody named Xerxes lives in your town, heh?
Hope you had a great Christmas and have a prosperous and healthy New Year!
Posted by: Lowell | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 08:56 AM
X marks the spot... for us all. You post is an important reminder to us all.
Posted by: Birdman | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Very creative X post!!! Perfect!!!
Posted by: TheChieftess | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 12:08 PM
That could be any one of us with only a minor twist of fate.
Posted by: Oakland Daily Photo | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 01:36 PM
This is indeed an interesting finding X or not!
Posted by: Carlos Lorenzo | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 02:22 PM
There are a lot of X people, all but invisible. Good choice!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Posted by: Roger Green | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Interesting use for the letter X. Its definitely a reminder to care for those less fortunate.
Posted by: photowannabe | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 06:20 PM
very poignant posting for the letter X
http://jobryantnz.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/x-is-for-xanthippe/
Posted by: Jo Bryant | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 07:07 PM
Interesting take on the theme. I know many who are sneeze away from needing public services.
Posted by: barb farr | Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 08:48 PM
X certainly marks the spot!
Thanks so much for this and for the dedication and committment you have shown yet again to ABC Wednesday. I am humbled and honoured at such integrity.
May 2012 be a happy peaceful year.
Denise ABC Team
Posted by: Denise | Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 12:01 AM