For some of us, this Christmas will bring a flood of emotions. Many Americans will be shopping for gifts this year. Yet, there is another group, that will be biting their fingernails. They will be hoping for a present from Santa Claus, called a lifeline.

Many months ago, I warned about the ramifications of not doing enough to take care of Covid-19. Many people were on pins and needles to get the country back open and moving. The virus wasn’t contained properly, so the movement created a unprotected path for the virus to grow.

Now here we are at the end of 2020 with an uncontrolled spread. Here in my county, we’re at level one which means the virus is uncontrollable. It’s the worst possible outcome for our city. Late last night before I went to sleep I read an article about Ken Paxton. Apparently he wants to withhold covid funds from Houston or better yet Harris county. I don’t think people understand the amount of evil that goes into the idea that welcomes the destruction of a group, based on their political standing.

This virus has brought out the worst in people. It is showcased how little people cared about protecting life, responsibilities, and their ability to think for themselves. The sad part, is that covid-19 might have been controllable had it not been so politicized. It’s almost as if people took advantage of the pandemic to advance their own standing in communities.

Now we head into the new year, many families will become homeless very soon. If Congress doesn’t do something, these families and their landlords will soon face ruin. What causes homelessness? A sickness, a death, or an inability to provide for oneself causes homelessness. In this situation the sickness was covid-19, the virus was so devastating that it took a toll on millions of Americans.

Most of the time, when we talk about covid-19, we only hear about the deaths that occur. While the deaths are perhaps the most horrid outcome, a lot of us do not think about the economic devastation. Yet, perhaps the saddest part of all of this, is that people could slow the spread.

Take Ubereats for example, one of my relatives uses Ubereats as a side hustle. He stated that Ubereats has a really good system that makes sure drivers are safe, but you still find occasional customers who want food delivered to them, face to face. Even though the company is trying to protect its drivers, you still have people who don’t understand the importance of proper social distancing. For the most part, Ubereats expects the deliveries to remain contactless, which means the delivery driver is supposed to deliver the food to the door and alert the customer.

Due to the fact, that some customers still want to act like Covid-19 isn’t a thing, many drivers have decided to stop delivering. This means restaurants will cut back on orders, which means less money, and having fewer staff members in their establishments. The lack of social distancing and mask wearing creates problems for the whole community.

Because of the government’s inability to press on the importance of social distancing and mask wearing, we are now looking at a spiraling downfall. The fact is, these companies have to lay off and close due to poor habits. Their workers have no other options of earning income. In the end, it leads to homelessness caused by the government’s response to Covid-19.

It’s bad enough when you mess up and put your family at risk, but it’s like 10 times worse when it’s not your fault. Some of these states have thrown their citizens to the gutter. Some of these same leaders will sit here and brag about not wearing masks, and then pop in line to receive the vaccine before anyone else.

I know this is a long rant, and I’m sorry for that. But as I gaze out my window thinking about the difficulties of removing myself from my blankets due to my depression, I can’t help but wonder how my fellow Americans are feeling right now. I guess I am blessed because my junk is all in my head. I love you all we will get through this together.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and think there’s no exit, please seek out help. The National Suicide Hotline Number is 1 800-273-8255. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation due to violence please call The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

Numbers to know right about now. https://www.hudexchange.info/homelessness-assistance/  (202) 708-1112 , https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/  703-549-1390, https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ 1-800-SAL-ARMY