I begged in front of grocery stores, on the street from strangers, from church pastors and from other homeless people. I consider it asking for help.

Many social service agencies discourage giving money to people who are begging - citing that money could go to alcohol or drugs. However, if it wasn't for the Lady in Red - a chapter in my book - I would not have survived. She emptied out her purse to help me two days before Thanksgiving. There were many more who helped me with twenty dollars for gas and ten dollars for necessities as Willow and I lived on daily miracles through the grace of others.

Agencies like the Salvation Army and many missions are overwhelmed with requests for help across the country today. I don't see how anyone can expect homeless people to live without some cash for bus passes, band-aids, aspirin, money for showers at the YMCA and many other things needed on a daily basis.

Many of the new homeless - entire families Grandma living in her car with only her cat, clothes and a few family photos fathers, mothers, and grandfathers are homeless because of our suffering economy. They are lost, afraid, ashamed, frozen in time and they don't know what to do about it.

I suggest if someone asks you for money, try to make a good decision by talking to them, then give it to them. Consider it a gift and then pray they use the money wisely.

One day I will never forget, was the day I went to a small church to ask for gas money and three dollars to get a shower and towel at the YMCA. The minister was there and welcomed me into his office.

I need help, I said. I hate to beg, but could you give me money for gas and a shower? The minister looked at me and said, I will help you, but please don't use that word, 'beg'. You see, you're giving me the opportunity to do what my boss wants me to do each day, as he pointed to the sky. He then took out his wallet and gave me thirty dollars. He treated me with dignity and respect and gave me hope.

Yes, I do and I still go to the Salvation Army and other church dinners as often as possible when I am traveling to speaking events. That is not a guest appearance. They are my friends and they are proud of me and want to know where I am going next. C is quite elusive. He was gone for about a year and a half came back went to jail for an incident and then was gone again. I saw him for about twenty minutes a few months ago and then he disappeared again. But, I do see Randy, John the Mayor Adam, Lyle and many others at Sally's.

It is a wonderful life. And remember that statement comes from a man who did not want to live, not long ago. I live in a small apartment where I am writing. I don't live in a waterfront home with boats, fancy cars and expensive treasures. But I am a much richer man in a different way. I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people who helped me during the storm of my journey. Three hundred or more people helped Willow and me survive and have been a part in my being able to write Breakfast at Sally's.

That book has changed hearts and minds and brought help to homeless people across the country. I would like to say I had a plan and purpose when I wrote the book. But that is not true. I didn't write the book to make some money, or help the homeless. It just happened, and I consider it God's work.

Now I have a purpose and a mission to help others put a face on homeless people and I travel around the country speaking. Some have called me the Voice of the Homeless. That is very humbling.

The homeless, many who have street names, like C, Gentleman Jake, call me Richard, the Writer. That's a wonderful compliment. I now have a richer life than I ever dreamed.

People are often hesitant to ask this question because it is so personal. Often they ask: Why didn't your family do more to help you?

First I always say: I loved my children when they were eight pounds and I love them today. Writing about my family and friends was the hardest part to do in my book, but I felt it was important. My children helped me as much as they could, but, we live in a country with many dysfunctional families and I certainly was dysfunctional at that time. I take any blame that goes with that.

It is important to note that families often can't help a homeless person some times. If families could help, there would be a lot less homeless people.

I have reconnected with my youngest son and my daughter, although I would like to see them more. I have not reconnected with my eldest son. Again, that's my fault.

One of the coolest things that happened was last summer when I was invited to speak at Urbana University in Ohio. My youngest son, Scott, lives there now with his wife Sasha and my four grandchildren. They were all in the audience when I spoke to a full house in the auditorium.

After I was finished speaking and received a standing ovation, my oldest grandson, McKay, came to me and said, Gee, Grandpa, you're famous!

I recently got a Father's Day package with a shirt from my grandkids. The shirt had the hand prints of all of them lovingly placed on the front.

I hope my book helps others. I know from the letters and calls I have received that I have helped others understand families and in some cases have helped homeless people reunite with their family.

It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, you can do something to help the homeless. When I was speaking in Vero Beach, Florida for a fund raiser for the Family Homeless Shelter, I made sure before I spoke that I visited the shelter and found people who volunteered to prepare and serve a meal.

Then at speech at the Country Club, I said, If you ask God to make you a peanut butter sandwich, he won't come and do it. But he will ask these hands to do it. Then I hold up the hands of the volunteer from the Kitchen Shelter.

That volunteer wasn't rich, but later told me, Richard, volunteering at the shelter is the best thing I have ever done in my life.

My appearance in Vero Beach was sponsored by the wonderful and famous author, Debbie Macomber, and others. Debbie read my book months ago and wrote in one of her books, God's Guest List, that reading Breakfast at Sally's changed her mind about homeless people. Now this busy and successful author serves meals and helps the shelter in many ways. Thank you Debbie, for all you do.

There is so much to be done to help the homeless. It's going to take an entire village to come together to rebuild lives of our neighbors. Take time to visit a homeless shelter or soup kitchen and meet the people. You will find children there. Maybe they need toys, new shoes or clothes, dental care, a new book, a trip to the doctor, glasses, or a hug or a smile. I hope you get involved.

Get knowledge and understanding of the homeless. Get everyone you know involved. I know when you help someone you will feel better than you have ever felt. And you will want more.