One of the areas Girl Pow-R pushes for social change is homelessness. Through their music, the band advocates for sustainable answers to the homelessness crisis globally.
Kendra was a happy child, a girl scout, and a good student in school. When she was fifteen, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her condition was difficult to control, and Kendra fought against the medications that made her feel disoriented. Her family could no longer cope alone with Kendra’s unpredictable behaviour, and she went to live in a group facility. When she could not get the help she needed, Kendra decided to live independently. Living alone proved difficult, and without a source of income, Kendra could not pay her rent and became homeless.
The physical evidence of homelessness is what we see – people sleeping in the park, in the streets and about anywhere they can get shelter.
The band’s new hit “So New” conveys a message of hope for the homeless: “It’s time to find out what’s next in life. No matter the path, we’ll be alright (alright)”. Life can be challenging, and many circumstances, like homelessness, can cause anxiety and worry. But no matter the present situation, it is essential to remain calm and positive.
Beyond hope, it is vital that we (i.e., non-profits, the government, institutions etc.) set up initiatives to create affordable and scalable housing plans which will ensure no one is without adequate shelter. Safeguarding the right of every member of society to adequate housing, in the long run, prevents a breakdown in society since homelessness results in a rise in substance abuse, crime, clinical depression etc.
The causes of homelessness are diverse. An individual may end up homeless for various reasons, such as substance addiction, mental health illness, child abuse, a lack of resources, difficulties with life skills, etc.
Once a person has fallen into homelessness, these challenges can make it difficult to regain housing.
Homelessness was once considered a social problem in third-world nations or regions battered by war or economic depression. Homelessness is now a major social issue in most developed countries.
“So New” pinpoints the importance of good family support in preventing people from becoming homeless: “I like when you’re by my side. All of the years we’ve shared”. Many are blessed with people who love and support them unconditionally. With a strong family bond coupled with loyal friends, it is highly possible to prevent an individual from experiencing homelessness or help a loved one who has experienced homelessness.
Where the family is dysfunctional or unable to meet an individual’s needs sufficiently, relationships can be cultivated with members of an alternative community where support is given to the homeless.
With commitment and suitable investments, we can create a world where no one is forced to sleep in the streets. As Girl Pow-R succinctly says, “We’re looking, we’re looking for something new. We’re waiting, we’re waiting to feel brand new.” We can have a world where no one is trapped in a vicious cycle of homelessness and where individuals are given the power to break free of poverty.
To learn more about Girl Pow-R visit their website. Be the first to know about the bands new music and get access to new videos by checking out YouTube. Check out Spotify to listen to their latest hit ‘So New’.