Homeless in the ATL

Homeless woman on one of Atlanta’s most known streets, Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.

Homeless in Atlanta.  The Jewel of the South.  Black Mecca.  Home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights. How can this be? 

Atlanta is also #1 in the nation for income inequality. Lots of people with money. Lots of people without money.  Almost no one in the middle.  Affordable housing needs unmet with tens of thousands of units needed in Atlanta.  Other cities have similar needs.  But, many believe Atlanta should be doing better than other cities and should be the model . How is it that those with so much not see, care or help solve this rapidly growing social issue?

According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, housing is one of humanity’s most basic needs.  So again I ask, how can this be??

It is bad to see homeless men.  It is even worse to see homeless women. Ir is even worse to know some of our homeless are veterans who have proudly served our country.  As we saw recently with a former Cosby cast member working in Trader Joe’s, almost anyone can fall on hard times.  Where is our compassion and humanity?

Across metro Atlanta, we find funds for a $23 million bridge and replace the sidewalks around it.  Meanwhile, other parts of the city have been asking for sidewalks for decades.  How can we solve this huge homeless problem??  Why not have a contest and ask for solutions from our citizens and have them present to a “Shark Tank” like panel that will get matching funds from Atlanta Housing Authority, Invest Atlanta and some local private funders??

I pray that sooner rather than later, Atlanta and cities across  our nation will find the solution to our rapidly growing homeless problem.  I pray the woman in this photo is able to get off the streets soon.

 

Taste Good and Good for You

 

Pink Beets w/wabashi sauce, yellow squash & tuna, kale w/fruit & multi grain

Bow tie pasta, pink beets, & sliced grilled chicken breast

Eating good food is imperative to how you look and feel.  While only a small percentage of the population is has a high metabolism and can eat anything without gaining weight, most of us have to watch what we eat.  If not, it will cause devastating consequences.

I love to eat. And I have figured out how to avoid most food fast and get healthy food fast.  One of my favorite places to indulge is at the euro-styled Metro Fresh restaurant at 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta across the parking lot from Trader Joe’s. The photos above were some of today’s delicious dishes.

I usually get the three item special with a multigrain roll.  My favorite dish there is the Thai Peanut Veggie Trail Salad.  Since the menu changes every day, it is best to check the menu if you want to know what  treat you are going to enjoy in advance.  Metro Fresh post their menu daily by 6am. Often, I simply go without checking online, eager to try  new dishes. I have yet to be disappointed!!

So it is critical that we give our best efforts to eat healthy and seek out the healthy food restaurants and healthier foods in our grocery stores.  If you are not healthy, you cannot fight against wrongdoings, or on behalf of your children, grand children, other family members, or friends.

We have all heard the saying, “You are what you eat”.  It is true!!  So what did you eat today?  Did you plan it?  Or, do you simply grab whatever??