Living from paycheck to paycheck is a painful reality for most people. Some manage to juggle the dollars to keep a roof over their head. However, others are caught without a dime and must face homelessness, a fate that puts their lives in a tailspin of horror.

Yes, a few may willingly accept their fate, but it is unimaginable that anyone would want to sleep in a cardboard box, eat from trash cans and not know from day to day where they will sleep.

Some of us turn away from the homeless or complain when we see them hanging around city streets or bedding down in our public parks. Some say, "It is their problem, not ours, because jobs are plentiful. Therefore, they chose this life of uncertainty."

Our reasons are many. Some say, "It hurts business. It's unsightly. They are annoying and it hurts the overall good image of the city."

It is far too easy for one to sit back in comfort and complain about the problem of homelessness. But it takes courage and heart to come up with a solution.

A few years ago, I was fortunate to meet a giant of community service who saw the problem of homelessness as her mission.

Her name was Jamie Praytor, and before my introduction to this awesome woman, her name was only familiar to me from the real estate world. It was not long before I realized that she was a testament to what is good and kind in our community. She didn't complain, but became a beacon of change to solve the problem. Since her death last week, I am reminded of the urgent telephone calls, the Homeless Task Force meetings she chaired and her noble goal to create a shelter for homeless women in our community. It was in her spirit, but most of all in her heart.

A few days ago Tonney Algood with the United Inner City Mission and Dan Williams with Housing First shared the true story of Lula Mae Ifill, one of many that led Jamie Praytor to work feverishly to create McKemie Place, a shelter for homeless women.

Mrs. Ifill never dreamed she would be homeless. She thought it was something that happened to other people. She had worked 20 years as a welder and 10 years as a caretaker. In a few years, she and her husband would have owned their home lock, stock and barrel. Life was good.

Unfortunately, her husband died and she ended up in the hospital with a lengthy illness. Upon her release from the hospital, her home had been foreclosed on and she was homeless. In the twinkling of an eye, Mrs. Ifill was forced to live in her car. She feared for her safety and sleep became a premium.

When McKemie Place opened its doors, Mrs. Ifill was among the first group of residents. It is a safe and secure place to sleep, get a good meal and a hot shower. Her stay at McKemie Place gave her the opportunity to find a job and save enough money to move into an apartment.

Today, Lula Mae Ifill is on the staff of McKemie Place, and stands proudly as one of the success stories that gave Jamie Praytor so much pride and joy. So much so that Jamie and her employees served a hot meal to the women of McKemie Place once a month.

As I sat at Jamie's funeral, the memories of this beautiful woman, inside and out, were vivid. As a testament to her last wishes, she asked that no flowers be sent to her services, but that donations to McKemie Place be made. She epitomized the quotation from Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Though many of you may have not known Jamie, please join me in making her legacy a lasting testament by making a monetary gift in her memory to McKemie Place.

Some can only afford a dollar, while others can afford more. Whatever your status in life, please give and become a part of a solution to homelessness. Let's walk in Jamie's footsteps and give back to the community.

Barbara Drummond is executive director of administrative services and community affairs for the city of Mobile and a former Press-Register reporter. This column contains her personal viewpoints and does not reflect the opinion of city officials.