Our Vulnerable Youth

Unfortunately, human trafficking has become a rising social issue in America. And sadly, after natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, which devastated the Houston area, there’s a predictable spike in human trafficking due to the high number of displaced and extremely vulnerable people, especially people who were already living in poverty.
The number of homeless youth in America is already on the rise, and natural disasters will certainly attract those shady individuals, including pimps and hustlers, who prey upon these desperate, vulnerable young people.
Supporting and getting involved with helping agencies in any capacity is always appreciated. Becoming more aware and spreading the word about Youth Homelessness and Human Trafficking are helpful as well. Thank you. – Randolph Randy Camp

America Exposed: A Call For Help

Our young people need us more than ever right now. The recent election gave a true snapshot of the real America. All of our hidden, dark secrets and thoughts are now exposed to the world. Those who’ve harbored hatred and quietly belittled others at the dinner table or behind closed doors seemingly have been given the green light to carry these twisted, backward thoughts and ideas to another level.
So many people in America are feeling disenfranchised right now. It’s a terrible thing to feel uncomfortable in your own home, at your workplace, and it’s even worst when you feel uncomfortable and unwanted in your own country.
Already, we have a big problem in America dealing with the rising number of teen runaways and the issue of teen homelessness. It’s a growing issue that I feel passionate about but it hardly ever gets serious attention, especially at the national level. (See TEEN HOMELESSNESS by Justine Pedroza at https://prezi.com/gcen4hk_twcv/teen-homelessness/) Personally, I’m very concerned now about the negative impact that this recent election will have on our young people in America who already feel uncomfortable where they are due to their race or possibly due to their sexual orientation.
Due to the uncertainty of projected policies and the seemingly uncompassionate heart of our future leaders, this election will cause more anxiety among those who no longer feel welcome in their own home and in their own country, especially our young people who are still struggling to find their own identity. Within the next four years in America, youth homelessness will rise and we have to do whatever we can to try to curb it.
What can we do to help? If you have a teen drop-in center or a homeless shelter in your city or town, see if they need volunteers. Some cities may have a soup kitchen that feeds the homeless of all ages. If you can, lend them a hand or donate whatever you can, your time, food or clothing. Your compassion is greatly needed and will be greatly appreciated. If compassion is not flowing from our leaders, then we must make up for it in our own little ways. Let’s help the disenfranchised, especially our young people. Thank you. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

America: The Other Side

As we celebrate America's Independence this weekend, I'll never forget the very first time I saw a slice of America which was certainly nothing to celebrate. I was 15 years old, and I saw a group of homeless people hanging out on the dirty, urine-stained streets of Philadelphia. When I returned back to Virginia from my 'teen runaway experience' I knew what I wanted to do with my life. My love of writing now had a sense of purpose.

There are homeless people in every little town and big city in America. Over the years, I've visited and volunteered at drop-in centers and soup kitchens that serve those in need. A couple years ago, I was honored to be included in a project entitled TEEN HOMELESSNESS by Justine Pedroza. This weekend, as we celebrate the 4th of July, I'll continue to do whatever I can to bring more awareness to 'the other side of America'. Enjoy the rest of your summer Everyone n' have a Safe and Happy 4th of July! - Randolph Randy Camp

More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

The Journey Continues: Breaking Bread

It’s the middle of August 2015. I’m in my mid-50’s and I’m still on my ‘walkabout’, still learning and growing. Recently, I’d graduated from college and received an Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Mental Health Studies – Substance Abuse Counseling.
As I explore and venture deeper into this counseling field, I hope that this college degree and my academic accolades, such as making the Dean’s List three times, won’t be the very thing that will swell my head and, ironically, separate me from the very people whom I’d intended to help. I hope that I won’t become the administrator or the executive behind the fancy oak desk who had never step foot into a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen.
Some of my best conversations have been with “street people” and the homeless. And there’s no better feeling in this world when you’re able to break bread and get to know another human being at a soup kitchen. It would be an outright shame if my fancy college degree actually kept from those who are still finding their way and climbing.
Now that I’m equipped with this college degree, maybe it will open some doors that were once closed to me…and just maybe, I’ll find my way in and prop the door open for those afflicted with an addiction, those in need, and those breaking bread at the soup kitchen. – Randolph Randy Camp
More at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp

Wet Matches: A Novel BOOK TRAILER

Beyond The Surface

We never know sometimes. Every day we see our same acquaintances, classmates, coworkers, and colleagues. Just when I thought I’d really gotten to know someone a little better the hard reality of their actual life hits me right smack in the face.
A Dean’s List straight ‘A’ college student, for instance, is doing her homework by candlelight because she couldn’t afford to pay her light bill. Or what about the coworker who always dresses nice but leaves work ten minutes early so that she doesn’t miss dinner at the soup kitchen.
Nope, we never really know sometimes ’til we look beyond the surface. – Randolph Randy Camp

More at http://www.goodreads.com/randolphcamp