The above is very disturbing and saddening, it’s not new, and it’s certainly not just in Seattle, it’s worldwide. Billions and billions spent on military weapons systems to ensure that MAD (mutually assured destruction, in case you had forgotten, but who could?) is possible, when we need to be looking after people in dire straits properly. And, of course, NO ONE knows how to do that. Loads of people feeling so unloved, so worthless, so useless that they just give up.
There are lots of very good people out there doing their best to help, like ex Police Officer Todd Wiebke, but the problem appears to be insurmountable, and so they burn out and move on . . . and I’m sure you are all well aware of this, so maybe I should not be sharing it as you each probably have more than enough to be concerned about already in your own lives without adding this.
But I truly believe that if we strongly intend to hold a loving thought that those in such abject poverty receive what they desperately need — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually — when we are in our quiet spaces meditating, and direct it in the right direction — to those who are suffering, or to those who are out there helping them — then it helps to start bringing about the essential changes worldwide that are necessary to deal compassionately, courageously, and effectively with this heart breaking problem. After all, look what Mahatma Gandhi achieved.
John.
Johnsmallman's Blog 
I am originally from Seattle now living in Arizona enjoying all the sun. When I saw this video I almost instantly broke into tears, so very sad to see people who are hopeless, their spirit taken away from them. I don’t see drug addiction, I see sadness and hopelessness with people unable to get them selves out of this situation.
Yes, exactly, not addiction (yes, they are addicted, but only to relieve the INTENSE pain and suffering) but sadness and hopelessness. Emotionally maybe 5 or 6 years old and DESPERATELY needing to be seen, loved, and cherished. We are all One with God/Source/Mother/Father/God and THEREFORE our intent to send Love, Compassion, and Healing is incredibly effective.
John.
Here in Los Angeles, where there are about 50,000 homeless, As homeless problems loom relatively large, and city government may be overburdened, perhaps grassroots cooperation in finding community solutions will be effective. I feel it might be good to attend local Neighborhood Council meetings and also their Homeless Committee meetings. As well, when we homed residents feel safe, then we are better able to extend a helping hand to those in need. Neighborhood Watch and Nextdoor.com have been a big help in this regard..There are times when faith in God is one’s only hope. The problems we face today offer us the choice to hone a better, more compassionate tomorrow.
What encourages me most about going within is that it creates a foundation from which I can build from. It is a starting point from which all things are perfectly addressable. When I try to address anything with my focus first on a difficult situation and without the strength that comes from standing on a solid foundation, I just get swept away in the current. As I learn to always stand firmly on the foundation that becomes more reliable every time I use it, I can expand easily and naturally from where I am and with practice I learn to reach even further into the darkness without losing the light. There are depths that I currently wouldn’t want to touch with a 10 foot pole, but in time I am seeing the global urge for peace and reconciliation growing all around me as your letter expresses. The challenges none of us could address on our own can be addressed by all of us together as we join and become one voice, reminding each other of a certainty that cannot be swayed by anything and is capable of addressing situations that once appeared difficult or impossible.
Thank you for your relentless encouragement!
-Aaron
Dear Aaron,
I totally agree with you on this. We just need to remember that although we appear to be alone, separated, when we intend to send loving or compassionate energy to someone, it is in fact part of the Tsunami of Love that is enveloping the planet, humanity, and is therefore powerfully intensified and is thus most effective.
John.