567,715 people, which makes seventeen out of every 10,000, had experienced homelessness on a typical night in January 2019, according to HUD’s Annual Point-in-Time Count. The number makes up more residents than some rural states.
Meanwhile, a recent study showed that pandemic-induced crises in the economy, unemployment, and housing market could lead to a 45% spike in overall homelessness within 1 year. Living without a home is now a real threat to many Americans, and as hard as it is to talk about this problem, one person stood up and shared practical tips on surviving homelessness.
“I cannot tell you how it hurts me to have to write this,” the man who has lived without shelter and had to car camp at some point in his life said in the honest post on Imgur. He then proceeded to list all the know-how useful for anyone who may ever find themselves in this stressful situation.
In these critical times, homelessness is becoming a real threat to many Americans
Image credits: Hayne Palmour IV/The San Diego Union-Tribune (not the actual photo)
The former homeless person shared practical tips on how to live without a home in this honest post
HUD’s Point in Time (PIT) count is the most widely used measure to identify the number of homeless people in the US. However, it’s believed that the PIT count’s number of 567,715, referring to the homeless people on a single night in January, doesn’t represent the whole picture.
First of all, The National Coalition for the Homeless points out that the PIT count doesn’t count individuals who became homeless recently and who are staying in supportive housing. According to Bloomberg CityLab, this population added up to 503,473 in 2017 and pushed the total count of homeless people in the US above 1 million.
Secondly, PIT Count takes place in January, which is believed to suppress the results, because people deliberately use any sources they can to find shelter during the coldest months of the year.
And thirdly, PIT Count doesn’t account for people who are in constant danger of losing any shelter as they rely on friends, relatives, sleeping in cars, and the good will of others.
And this is what others had to comment
It's quite sad the people in one of the richest countries in the world need to have a guide for homelessness. People in those "shithole socialist" countries do not have these worries. The US should look at Finland and learn that homelessness can be solved.
In fact, they need a guide how not too starve. This is outrageous!
Load More Replies...What seems like a total lack of a welfare state in the USA keeps astonishing me. This not how a first world country should look like.
Most of us agree. But we are ruled by the greedy rich, who only care about profit. It's sickening. This greed is what got us tRump.
Load More Replies...Just reading the first few pieces of advise make the homeless in America sound really well off. In SA it means washing in a river, looking for scraps in a dustbin and begging on street corners. Forget thinking of a cellphone, gym or a car. Huge difference between 1st and 3rd world issues.
Not really. While I acknowledge that there is huge divide between 1st and 3rd world problems, when you are homeless America is the worst place to be. Everything here costs $. In SA, there are places to park or live, here everything is owned by someone. In general, in SA you have more people that are poor, so they can empathize with your situation. Here you get branded as lazy or choosing to be homeless you can live off the system. There is a widely held (false) belief that you can eat well, live in a free apartment, have all of your utilities and medical needs taken care of just by holding out your hand. Also I have found that the help people are willing to give is inversely proportional to how much they have. It must be an empathy thing. Without money, the average American doesn't see you as a person but rather as something that is taking from them. Truth is being poor sucks for anyone anywhere. And I know if I'm hungry, I'd rather not have a pile of fatties looking down their noses
Load More Replies...I worked at a hotel one summer in college -- the lady that cleaned up after breakfast put all of the leftover food in a plastic bin and disappeared with it every day and came back 20 minutes later with an empty bin. I asked her about it and she said she threw it away. I asked the manager since it seemed odd and he looked me in the eyes and said "She threw it away as required by corporate policy" and it was clear that was the only answer. Found out later that she took the food to a well known homeless camp where she once lived.
It is obscene and ugly that corporate policy requires you to throw away good food when there are hungry people.
Load More Replies...Been fortunate enough not having to worry about homelessness but it's heartbreaking to hear those stories. I don't mind getting someone a meal, and personal experience, they usually just ask for basic stuff too, but I'm a bit wary of giving people cash though.
Then don't give people cash directly...take your cash and donate it to your local food bank. Or carry granola bars in your bag to pass out when someone asks you for money. Simple fix.
Load More Replies...Evictions also prevent people from finding new homes, because of negative credit histories. Good job, America.
Not to mention first last and security is too much for the average person to come up with!
Load More Replies...Most people don't understand what the realities of being homeless are, since it will likely never happen to them. But, you also have to understand just how hard it really is to get out of homelessness, especially if you have an eviction on your record. Most of the time, property owners just won't rent to you. Their requirements are strict and no one wants to stick their necks out, just in case you have to be evicted. I've been living out of my car for 5 years now, I make my own money freelancing (not a lot, but I don't need to be on welfare) and I have no eviction on my record, but I can't get anyone to rent to me since I have no current rental history, no co-signer, no references. When I did go to homeless shelters/programs for help, because I don't meet the "priority criteria" (single parent, pregnant woman, elderly or disabled) I just get put on the wait-list. The wait can be as long as 7 years, if you ever even get called back (not likely).
That sucks. I wish you luck finding your own place and I'm frankly impressed you've managed to keep things together.
Load More Replies...Was only homeless a few weeks, and lived in a rural situation, so if you are homeless and not urban/suburban? Be sure you are *not* trespassing on private land in rural areas. People do shoot first. If your car is not an option, reduce your life to what you can carry in a suitcase and a backpack, and ask rural landlords if htey need caretakers for off-season (when no hunters/fishers rent cabins). It ain't great work, but even if it's only two weeks, you got a roof, water, safety. Never keep cash in one place, and never keep it in your car if you have one. Every other desperate person will know to look there. And DO NOT PANHANDLE. It's a great way to a meal and a bed overnight at the police department, but you get a record. Wrecks chances for future employment. No jobs? Volunteer. Great connections to make, looks good on resume. And never keep more than you can carry as you *walk*. You will walk. *Use* charitable organizations for help ---- Salvation Army, etc.
Many charitable organization (local or national) have an awful lot of parameters you must fall within in order to qualify for so much as a bed overnight, and still it all tends to be short of what is needed. I've always thought it would be great to have a website database of all national charity's with addresses and contact info of where you can go for what help and what all of their parameters were. I can't imagine spending my last bit of money for a bus ticket only to find out they wouldn't take me because I was 1 year too old or too young etc.
Load More Replies...As a kid, we were homeless quite often. I'm am a master at dumpster diving. Grocery stores are a good bet, but they started locking their dumpsters. If you can get ahold of a lock cutter, you're golden. Many fast food places throw a lot of food away at the end of the night. Check in with them a half hour before close and see if they would be willing to give you the leftovers. Most of the kids working the night shift are more than happy to do so.
My mom works in a well known sit down restaurant. And they make them pour some kind of chemicals on the leftovers they throw out in the dumpster. It’s messed up. And could seriously make someone ill. Idk why they care if someone takes some food that’s getting thrown away anyways. I’ve also heard of some other places doing that.
Load More Replies...Actually, there are homeless people almost everywhere. I've known many in the capital of the European country where I live, and they don't live in cars because it's one of the first things to go. It's expensive to own a car and most poor people can't afford one. When someone loses the ability to earn an income they let go everything but their homes, but when they can't pay the rent or mortgage, and don't have anyone to help, they are in the streets with nothing, sleeping in hidden places and hiding from the police and the judgemental looks (or harsh words) from those who don't like seeing what they're going through. Governments usually either ignore their existence or do their best to make them disappear from the view of "respected" citizens and tourists. They exist, but they are hiding, trying to survive without being noticed.
I did the whole car camping thing for 6 months with my partner. We are not homeless anymore, and are now expecting my first born next week. All I can say is, I hope the best for these individuals. If you can make it through without throwing yourself on the train tracks, nothing can beat you in this life.
I've been lucky to never be in that position but it's been very close a few times growing up. I've had friends go through this and have always let them use my washer, dryer, take a shower, and feed them a hot meal. The sad truth is a lot of people just don't see them as people, they just walk by them pretending they don't exist when they could be in that position faster than they realize. I've known a lot of people who've been there either long term or short. Two of the cities I've lived in the longest have larger populations. There's help out there to get you back on your feet through outreaches and programs if you live in a decent city. Also I would add to the advice, know where the warming or cooling centers are. Every city has them and they save lives. You can also hit up chain pizza places, they get mis-made food if the manager is decent they know it's just getting thrown out. Used to have several homeless drop by and see if we had any messups they could have.
Homelessness shouldn't generally happen, as a society we need to take care of people. However, some people prefer to be homeless, please hear me out: They want to live 'off the grid' so to speak. Away from all the insanity of what is going on around them. I know of people that live in forests, they are happy to live there because it gives them serenity.
I think there is a huge difference between being homeless and becoming a hermit on purpose.
Load More Replies...24 million families are on the verge of becoming homeless over the next 2 - 3 weeks so this is pretty fitting. I don't think people really understand how quickly you can go from having a roof over your head to literally having nothing. 1 illness, 1 lost job, 1 tragedy and there you are. Be giving to those who are less fortunate than you, be kind and compassionate to those you encounter on the street that are unhoused and by all means if you can't be any of those things be quiet.
Yeah, all of the state governments shutting everything down pretty much did this. I really feel bad for those that are affected by the draconian measures.
Load More Replies...I hope this can help who needs it. It was also pretty informative in general. However, what if you don't have a car? Also, how do you pay car insurance? Is it not obligatory? As for the laundry, you might consider public laundromat places. If you have coins on you, that might be the solution if you have no friends available for that (as suggested in the post).
Not having car insurance is illegal, but because their is multiple car insurance companies, you have to get caught first. Another reason not to argue with police when they say you have to keep moving.
Load More Replies...A colleague of mine volunteered at our local homeless shelter for many years. When I asked for his perspective on the situation, and why the people he dealt with at the shelter were homeless, he said that 90% of them were severely mentally ill, often dangerously so, and could never function on their own. The story in this thread about a fully functional person who is just down on their luck is the uncommon exception. So my view has been that homelessness is a symptom and not the real problem. The real problem is how should the country deal with that portion of society who are a complete mess and cannot function on their own. President Reagan emptied out and shut down the federally funded mental institutions long ago and jails are overflowing, so what’s next?
They also put a lot of the severely mentally ill in rest homes that aren't equipped to handle their unique needs. It is all around a shtshow.
Load More Replies...My church has a dinner on Monday and Tuesday nights for people in situations like this. I love going and helping people as it brings me happiness that I am able to help. They are still making meals but having people be socially distanced and wearing masks outside. It's terrible that so many people have to go through this everyday. (sorry for my poor punctuation.)
I'm fortunate enough to live in a country where human dignity is not dictated by your net worth. In fact, the first sentence in our constitution reads "Human dignity shall be inviolable." In practice, that means a homeless person is treated with the same dignity as a millionaire, and there is a social safety net everyone can rely on. Greetings from "socialist" Europe.
While we have a welfare state, it still fails a lot of people that end up homeless.
Load More Replies...Wouldn't a shared housing be cheaper? Is that not a thing in America? During my first few years of job, I had no home and less salary, so us 6 friends simply rented out an apartment and shared the rent. We shared Wifi, the apartment had a washing machine, a fridge and a kitchen. We took turns cooking. What else do you need?
In theory it sounds nice. But people are incredibly irresponsible and selfish. Through uni I lived in a flat shared with ONE other person. In 6 years I had at least 8 flatmates, and had been left with utility bills numerous times, had people move out while I was out 2 days before rent was due. Even the ones who stayed and payed the "big bills" constantly "forgot" to buy the stuff they were supposed to buy because it was their turn, like "oh, I forgot to get toilet paper but I'm sure YOU bought some!", and damaged a lot of my stuff. Later in a different city I was lucky to find a girl who was a bit loony but as long as we both stuck to the established rules we got along and everything was payed fairly. So yeah, this works when you have reliable people on board. But it's VERY risky.
Load More Replies...I don't know about now, but when I had to car camp for a while, I discovered that 24 hour Wal-Mart parking lots are friendly. A lot of people car camp there, the bathrooms are right inside the front doors, and food/supplies are cheap. Just be cool to them, don't hide from security/look suspicious, and park far back in the lot as to not take up spots their customers want.
This is awful! After I split with my ex a few years ago I was made homeless. I went to my local council and told them what happened after spending the night at a friend's house. Within 2 hours I was in a furnished apartment, still officially listed as homeless but six months later I had a place of my own. Our version of 'homeless' is quite different. If you're on the streets here it's probably due to choice or serious mental illness preventing you from asking for the help you need. The US seems to be an uncaring, brutal country from what I read..
all these tips are good. from 18-20 i worked w/traveling carnival. wanted freedom & travel. but, when i decided it was enough didn't have enough to for 1st, last, & rent. at the time, had one of those trucks w/the camper on the back. got a job & worked 6 months to save. parked near a gas station that opened early so i could have bathroom & wash in sink. at the time, didn't realize i was homeless as was too busy surviving. now, looking back, so glad i had to do that bc as scared as i was at the time i now know i can survive hard times. so, if you end up homeless remember: keep moving forward. you will survive and conquer these hard times & be stronger for it.
How long ago was this? You can't get a job now without a home address.
Load More Replies...Instead of using a laundromat, which is terribly insecure (really, I've known several people robbed or assaulted in laundromats), try to find a dry cleaners that does regular laundry. The price is often about the same, but you're in and out in minutes, you don't have to keep up with detergent/softener/etc., and if you are careful about days you drop off/pick up you can have your clothing in a safe place where it won't be stolen.
Watch https://youtu.be/w2VwVH4WNYY to see Emmanuel Saez talk about how changes to taxes in the 80s has led to the rise of the 1%. Or go to https://www.edx.org/course/americas-poverty-and-inequality-course to take the free edX Stanford course on Poverty and Inequality
The most interesting part of the video is that since the recession 10 years ago, the wealth of the 1% has risen by 30%, meanwhile, the wealth of the other 99% has stayed the same. This shows how much power and influence the 1% has - we are told that the economy is better based only on how well the top 1% is doing
Load More Replies...Maybe move your a*s out of an overpriced region. No one is entitled to live near a big trendy metropolitan. Move to a small town, get a retail job, and rent a room. It's affordable. Trust me, we had to do this as a family of four. We had to move from CA to Indiana. If we can do it with two small kids on less than $1000 traveling with the clothes on our backs, anyone can.
It takes nothing away from a human to be kind and compassionate to others. Even if we have little, there's always others with a lot less. Be grateful for what we have and share what we can
This is such a sad reality. Heartbreaking, honestly. One thing that didn't sit right with me, though: "Screw your creditors! They're why you're in this situation!". No, they provided a service which you used for a fee. The prices are outrageous and unfair 80% of the time, but you agreed to them when you used them. They still have to pay their bills, why shouldn't you?
forget paying money for a gym. go to a ymca or a rec center. they have gyms and they're free to use for showers. you can get phone plans for $20 w/consumer cellular. health bills: you can negotiate w/hospitals if you ask them. tell them your situation and many times, they'll help you out. all that stuff you have in storage: have a sidewalk sale. and important or valuable stuff, maybe you can store at a friend's place. libraries are a great resource and it's free. and asking people nicely does wonders. i had a $5000 hospital bill after insurance. i asked around and eventually, a hospital was willing to help me out. i will never forget them.
I struggle with the concept of homelessness in the United States. The rest of the world seems to believe that we have zero social programs in place to help those who have fallen on hard times. Now, in the large cities it may be different, but here in rural America, I have rarely seen a homeless person. I know of no one who has applied for food stamps and been denied, we have food banks, we have programs that help with rent, utilities, even purchases of appliances if you do not have them. We have Medicaid which is free medical care, we have free school breakfasts and lunches (when school is actually attended), many churches and other organizations will help if such a request is made. Americans are good people, but we are also realistic. In America, when you need help from the system we simply ask that you work toward self reliability so that we can help the next person in need. Sadly, there are many who do not wish to put in even the smallest bit of effort to become self-reliant.
It's a seriously ill system/government that allows millions of it's citizens to loose their home.
Your statement lacks depth and reasoning. People lose their homes for many reasons, most having to do with insufficient income. That insufficiency can be due to many reasons... A lost job, purchasing a house that you can not afford in the first place, reduced income due to disabiility, gambling issues... the list is long and varied. However, in none of those situations (unless the homeowner has secured a loan through a government agency) does the government have a hand in the removal of said home from its buyer here in the United States. In most, if not all, situations the banks will work with you as long as they know you are making the effort to get them paid... but in the end, it is your responsibility to make certain that you have the means to support yourself and your family. Sometimes this means downsizing, sometimes it means asking the local, state, or federal government for assistance. I know personally of the Catholic Church purchasing a home for a needy family.
Load More Replies...The most important single thing you can do to help homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless in America is to VOTE! Then make sure you get involved in local politics. The more grassroot involvement in politics at every level, the better the democracy can function. Homelessness is a sign of a problematic and inherently egotistical society that prefers exclusion over inclusion.
Most Walmarts DO NOT allow overnight parking. It is often posted as such.
Thalia can't believe humanity has reached the point where ... people love in their cars, watch Netflix, shower at the gym, and eat from food banks. Yes, humanity has really fallen off a cliff. (sarcasm)
Load More Replies...I dont understand the situation in America.. they dont have parents?, brothers? someone to help them? is very weird for me the disaffection and lack of bonds that there are in the families there..
It's a big country. What are people going to do if they get homeless in Calfornia with relatives in New York? The relatives also might be in a similar situation or estranged. I'm sure a lot of other people ARE moving in again with their parents.
Load More Replies...Omg big eyeroll AMERICA IS NOT THIRD WORLDDDDDDDDD
Load More Replies...Yay! Capitalism! It's utterly disgusting that there's people out there who have to live on the streets or in their cars. I mean, this just should not happen. Especially while the 1% just get richer and richer. Makes me so angry.
I have so much to comment - that I'm going to restrict myself to one thing. If you have a friend letting you come once a week for shower and/or laundry be an adult and do chores for them. Yes, they obviously care about you, if it's your parents they undoubtedly love you - but it's still doing YOU a favor and gets a wee bit tiresome. Insist that you WILL vacuum the whole house every time you come over. Or, you'll do dishes as your laundry runs. Or you'll wash THEIR car, and your own - every week. Or you'll thoroughly clean bathrooms on rotation one each time you visit. I have been on both sides of this issue and sometimes you have to 'force' people to allow you to reciprocate, in the long run both parties benefit.
Go to a fast food restaurant for lunch when they are busy. Go to the counter. Tell them you just went through the drive through and they forgot to give you your burger . They will hand you a burger.
I work for a homeless organization and i have heard many stories why they are homeless. some not pretty at all. Here in the UK the government say how they want to prevent homelessness. people on the benefit system was having their rent paid direct but now the rent is paid straight to the individual to pay their own rent. When there is people with substance use, drinking problems ..... they go to the cash point and see a vast amount of money in their accounts their priority is to feed their habits. This causes them to spend their rent money to which leaves them in rent arrears. from rent arrears to eviction. How this helps prevent eviction is beyond me. PS did anyone read the bored panda one about the educated homeless that was helped by a couple? if not, i recommend you do.
Once we get through this pandemic, then I can get back to volunteering to help people in need. There are literally millions of people who will use every minute of their free time to help out those who need it. And it is correct to say there is little difference between the people who use soup kitchens and the volunteers. We are all humans, and those that can help, should. I have really missed doing this work. So if we can get over this desperate need to shut stuff down constantly, we will help everyone we meet. Promise!
For all the foreigners reading this: many of the homeless in the US are homeless by choice. Many many are substance abusers who have burned through relationships with people who tried to help. Mental illness is the root of so many issues causing homelessness in the US. Not ALL, but MANY. I have worked in mental health and have seen it. I have volunteered with homeless outreach services, I have seen it. COVID aside, this is rarely a problem for a healthy (mentally and physically) adult who actually wants out of homelessness. Please don't think that ALL people in the US are rich and are living the high life, walking past the blind man with the change cup on the sidewalk. That is a narrative that is just not commonly true!
If a friend is offering things like laundry time or mail reception, offer to clean the house, cook a freezable meal, walk the dog, or clean the cat box. Both of you get a little help, you feel good having and keeping a commitment, and your friend won’t feel taken advantage of. Be kind, people!
More important than poverty and homelessness is wearing a mask, staying home and destroying the economy. This virus is used to blame citizens for bankers destroying the country. Most people are too brainwashed and mind controlled to understand there is no pandemic and it's being used with your help to destroy us. Same as the Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. Zombies will believe anything the government and media tell them.
I lived near Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and volunteered there. These are good tips. I'd like to add: If your care is newer and you owe a lot on it, take it back to the lot and see if you can swap it for something older and cut your payments or reduce them. Know when your registration expires -- a sad story of one man was that while he was out looking for jobs, his car was towed for expired registration. DO NOT LEAVE A MESS where you park. Have plastic bags and containers if there isn't a bathroom nearby. Dispose of them in dumpsters. And buy a case of MEDLINE READY BATH antibacterial body wipes -- they are made for people in the hospital who cannot get wet. $35 for a case and they will last for months -- each pack has several wipes and if you do it properly, one wipe will get the job done.
You can establish a legal address from several email services on the interwebs. The State will accept these address for drivers licenses, car insurance, health insurance and bank services, and the IRS. You can have the mail forwarded to wherever you are or many offer a service to open and scan and email it to you FL and TX do not require you to be there to establish residency, some others also, so you can be a resident of several different states, which ever ones works for you (fl has no state income tax, for example)
@XianJaguar Shelters are horrible places. People steal your stuff, bully you and threaten you. I did not WANT to sleep in a park or my car but it was better than being in a shelter.
There is no way my friends would let me do laundry but not give me a place to stay knowing I was homeless. Maybe I have good friends??
I have lived in the woods (dont own a car) for a few months after my divorce. It wasnt nice and i drank alot because it felt hopeless. I had a job and it was during the summer though. So it was warm. And near a lake so i took baths there or at the gym or at work (we had showers there). The hardest thing was getting my phone charged... but it was walking distance to the nearest uni so i could charge there. And it will feel hopeless. I had a drinking problem too, and that wont help... i had to stop drinking to get help but at the same time i couldnt stop because i was homeless. Like with most people who are homeless with addiction problems...most of my Money went to alcohol. Some times i didnt have money for food so i did some dumpster diving... I could light a fire to heat some meals... hot dogs was a nice treat! But you have to eat most meals cold. Just accept that. Find a church near you. They provide company and a hot meal if you are lucky.
And also, if there is food... EAT. You dont know when you will get more. I lost about 10kg during those months.... when ever i got food i would eat my gut out (almost).
Load More Replies...You forgot the biggest one: toilet. Number one is no big deal, but Number two can be a problem. Park near a toilet if you can, or use a bin liner and flush the contents later when you can. It's not pleasant, but it can be done. Surprisingly, odour isn't really a problem. Vandweller for 7 years and counting in New Zealand.
Also a lot of food places in the mall throw out their food at the end of the night and might give you food
Most bakeries throw out their baked goods. Go in at the end of the day and ask if they can give you the food they throw out before they put it in the dumpster. They will just hand it to you. Also you can get toilet tissue rolls most places. Find a bathroom that doesn't lock the rolls they some also have free tampons find these places and remember where they are
There is lots of help in America! Food stamps, cash assistance, rent assistance, section 8, food banks, cheap camping gear, learn to hunt, fish, farm. Live on an industrial fishing boat in Alaska, free room and board, make $10,000 in three months. Live off the land in Alaska, get $3,000 a year subsidies from the oil companies. Join a commune. One moose or elk can last you all winter. Tons of fish. Use that money to Build yourself a log cabin. Hunt, fish, trade, sell food and honey and berries and homemade art at local farmers markets. Buy a boat, hunting rifle, wifi, books, fight back, be strong, be brave, realize you need to plan. People on the sidewalk are drunks, drugged or mentally ill. You can get your life back and survive and have a nice life in the country and avoid homelessness if you're tough and want to!
I think you have a car and internet and feel comfortable scamming people, so you're way ahead of the game. Nit homeless now. when I had my stroke a decade ago I was transcribing and raising two kiddos in a weekly rental motel room. After my stroke, the state put the kids in foster care {non binary first born was raped} and Awesome Partner slept in a parking garage for a month. We went through renter's rehab, got our first place in a co-op and worked our way up to an economical roach-infested apartment with broken appliances because partner's work is really the only priority for this family.
this is actually a very useful post, they make it seem like being homeless isn't that bad. unfortunately, it is, and it's terrible that governments all around the world aren't supporting their citizens in these rough times. although i do have to say, america is definitely not the richest country in the world, albeit it's in the top 25
Going homeless, first thing I would think wouldn’t be netflix for sure. A car is expensive itself. There are charity places almost everywhere to sleep safe in. Most people sleeping on the streets just don’t want to stay there. I did volunteer for meals for those who preferred to live on the streets. Even in the broken Italy we have "family houses" which are basically charitable organization looking less than a dormitory, and more of a college dorm. But better than stations. People just refuse to get there because of course you have to stick to rules, and that’s the problem.
I have never had to deal with homelessness, but I know a guy who has. He lives in another town, but fortunately, they have a homeless shelter and when he comes to my hometown on occasion he is able to stay with my uncle. A guy that lives in my town has been offered an apartment by the housing authority and he would rather live in his car. Homelessness should not be a reality in a first world country, but unfortunately it is.
@FredSaidRight, let me counter Wikipedia with this: https://homelessworldcup.org/homelessness-statistics/ , plus this: https://ourworldindata.org/homelessness , and this: https://mahb.stanford.edu/library-item/yet-another-emerging-global-crisis-homelessness/
This is a daily reality for between 600,000 and a million Americans, every single day. This includes entire families, and single parents with children. One of the biggest shames of the affluent western world is that we allow this to happen, while public buildings sit empty.
I love going to the USA for holidays.......... but have realised lately that if your skint/poor then its a terrible place to live.
Sasha has failed as a human. :/ A bit of an over-generalization, no?
Load More Replies...First of all vote for Trump... Then it is much more likely to get homeless without a Job and no health insurance. Eben social secuirty will get lost...
Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless can call or visit their local VA Medical Center or Community Resource and Referral Center where VA staff are ready to help. Veterans and their families may also call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to access VA services.
What is it with the levels of propaganda coming out of Europe or are you just that ignorant of your own countries? America does have a homeless problem that is sad and needs better funding to help. But those levels are far less than many of the European countries that a lot of you self righteous hypocrites call home. Homeless per 10,000 population: USA=17, France=21, Germany=79, Ireland=21, Luxembourg=28, Netherlands=23, Sweden=36, UK=46. Extras: Canada=36, Australia=47. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_homeless_population#:~:text=%20%20%20%20Country%20%20%20,Homelessness%20in%20Italy%20%2038%20more%20rows%20
You're extremely naive and it shows. It's not easy to get a job when you're homeless, and chances are you'll lose the one you have once you don't have easy access to a proper shower. You may not have close enough friends to share with, maybe they don't have space. Its not as simple as you think.
Load More Replies...I suppose you think the Virus is a hoax too? Doesn't matter who is president, homelessness exists.
Load More Replies...We're encouraged to save about 6 months worth of expenses. These young folks who are becoming homeless haven't been in the workforce long enough to have a year or two worth of savings. Lockdown since February in many places. Time's up. Credit isn't necessarily evil, it's just the way things work nowadays, but if you finance a home at 25% of your monthly income. Six months with no work is not something that the average person can really plan for. Also, the finance company that you borrowed from... they also borrowed that money.
Load More Replies...It's quite sad the people in one of the richest countries in the world need to have a guide for homelessness. People in those "shithole socialist" countries do not have these worries. The US should look at Finland and learn that homelessness can be solved.
In fact, they need a guide how not too starve. This is outrageous!
Load More Replies...What seems like a total lack of a welfare state in the USA keeps astonishing me. This not how a first world country should look like.
Most of us agree. But we are ruled by the greedy rich, who only care about profit. It's sickening. This greed is what got us tRump.
Load More Replies...Just reading the first few pieces of advise make the homeless in America sound really well off. In SA it means washing in a river, looking for scraps in a dustbin and begging on street corners. Forget thinking of a cellphone, gym or a car. Huge difference between 1st and 3rd world issues.
Not really. While I acknowledge that there is huge divide between 1st and 3rd world problems, when you are homeless America is the worst place to be. Everything here costs $. In SA, there are places to park or live, here everything is owned by someone. In general, in SA you have more people that are poor, so they can empathize with your situation. Here you get branded as lazy or choosing to be homeless you can live off the system. There is a widely held (false) belief that you can eat well, live in a free apartment, have all of your utilities and medical needs taken care of just by holding out your hand. Also I have found that the help people are willing to give is inversely proportional to how much they have. It must be an empathy thing. Without money, the average American doesn't see you as a person but rather as something that is taking from them. Truth is being poor sucks for anyone anywhere. And I know if I'm hungry, I'd rather not have a pile of fatties looking down their noses
Load More Replies...I worked at a hotel one summer in college -- the lady that cleaned up after breakfast put all of the leftover food in a plastic bin and disappeared with it every day and came back 20 minutes later with an empty bin. I asked her about it and she said she threw it away. I asked the manager since it seemed odd and he looked me in the eyes and said "She threw it away as required by corporate policy" and it was clear that was the only answer. Found out later that she took the food to a well known homeless camp where she once lived.
It is obscene and ugly that corporate policy requires you to throw away good food when there are hungry people.
Load More Replies...Been fortunate enough not having to worry about homelessness but it's heartbreaking to hear those stories. I don't mind getting someone a meal, and personal experience, they usually just ask for basic stuff too, but I'm a bit wary of giving people cash though.
Then don't give people cash directly...take your cash and donate it to your local food bank. Or carry granola bars in your bag to pass out when someone asks you for money. Simple fix.
Load More Replies...Evictions also prevent people from finding new homes, because of negative credit histories. Good job, America.
Not to mention first last and security is too much for the average person to come up with!
Load More Replies...Most people don't understand what the realities of being homeless are, since it will likely never happen to them. But, you also have to understand just how hard it really is to get out of homelessness, especially if you have an eviction on your record. Most of the time, property owners just won't rent to you. Their requirements are strict and no one wants to stick their necks out, just in case you have to be evicted. I've been living out of my car for 5 years now, I make my own money freelancing (not a lot, but I don't need to be on welfare) and I have no eviction on my record, but I can't get anyone to rent to me since I have no current rental history, no co-signer, no references. When I did go to homeless shelters/programs for help, because I don't meet the "priority criteria" (single parent, pregnant woman, elderly or disabled) I just get put on the wait-list. The wait can be as long as 7 years, if you ever even get called back (not likely).
That sucks. I wish you luck finding your own place and I'm frankly impressed you've managed to keep things together.
Load More Replies...Was only homeless a few weeks, and lived in a rural situation, so if you are homeless and not urban/suburban? Be sure you are *not* trespassing on private land in rural areas. People do shoot first. If your car is not an option, reduce your life to what you can carry in a suitcase and a backpack, and ask rural landlords if htey need caretakers for off-season (when no hunters/fishers rent cabins). It ain't great work, but even if it's only two weeks, you got a roof, water, safety. Never keep cash in one place, and never keep it in your car if you have one. Every other desperate person will know to look there. And DO NOT PANHANDLE. It's a great way to a meal and a bed overnight at the police department, but you get a record. Wrecks chances for future employment. No jobs? Volunteer. Great connections to make, looks good on resume. And never keep more than you can carry as you *walk*. You will walk. *Use* charitable organizations for help ---- Salvation Army, etc.
Many charitable organization (local or national) have an awful lot of parameters you must fall within in order to qualify for so much as a bed overnight, and still it all tends to be short of what is needed. I've always thought it would be great to have a website database of all national charity's with addresses and contact info of where you can go for what help and what all of their parameters were. I can't imagine spending my last bit of money for a bus ticket only to find out they wouldn't take me because I was 1 year too old or too young etc.
Load More Replies...As a kid, we were homeless quite often. I'm am a master at dumpster diving. Grocery stores are a good bet, but they started locking their dumpsters. If you can get ahold of a lock cutter, you're golden. Many fast food places throw a lot of food away at the end of the night. Check in with them a half hour before close and see if they would be willing to give you the leftovers. Most of the kids working the night shift are more than happy to do so.
My mom works in a well known sit down restaurant. And they make them pour some kind of chemicals on the leftovers they throw out in the dumpster. It’s messed up. And could seriously make someone ill. Idk why they care if someone takes some food that’s getting thrown away anyways. I’ve also heard of some other places doing that.
Load More Replies...Actually, there are homeless people almost everywhere. I've known many in the capital of the European country where I live, and they don't live in cars because it's one of the first things to go. It's expensive to own a car and most poor people can't afford one. When someone loses the ability to earn an income they let go everything but their homes, but when they can't pay the rent or mortgage, and don't have anyone to help, they are in the streets with nothing, sleeping in hidden places and hiding from the police and the judgemental looks (or harsh words) from those who don't like seeing what they're going through. Governments usually either ignore their existence or do their best to make them disappear from the view of "respected" citizens and tourists. They exist, but they are hiding, trying to survive without being noticed.
I did the whole car camping thing for 6 months with my partner. We are not homeless anymore, and are now expecting my first born next week. All I can say is, I hope the best for these individuals. If you can make it through without throwing yourself on the train tracks, nothing can beat you in this life.
I've been lucky to never be in that position but it's been very close a few times growing up. I've had friends go through this and have always let them use my washer, dryer, take a shower, and feed them a hot meal. The sad truth is a lot of people just don't see them as people, they just walk by them pretending they don't exist when they could be in that position faster than they realize. I've known a lot of people who've been there either long term or short. Two of the cities I've lived in the longest have larger populations. There's help out there to get you back on your feet through outreaches and programs if you live in a decent city. Also I would add to the advice, know where the warming or cooling centers are. Every city has them and they save lives. You can also hit up chain pizza places, they get mis-made food if the manager is decent they know it's just getting thrown out. Used to have several homeless drop by and see if we had any messups they could have.
Homelessness shouldn't generally happen, as a society we need to take care of people. However, some people prefer to be homeless, please hear me out: They want to live 'off the grid' so to speak. Away from all the insanity of what is going on around them. I know of people that live in forests, they are happy to live there because it gives them serenity.
I think there is a huge difference between being homeless and becoming a hermit on purpose.
Load More Replies...24 million families are on the verge of becoming homeless over the next 2 - 3 weeks so this is pretty fitting. I don't think people really understand how quickly you can go from having a roof over your head to literally having nothing. 1 illness, 1 lost job, 1 tragedy and there you are. Be giving to those who are less fortunate than you, be kind and compassionate to those you encounter on the street that are unhoused and by all means if you can't be any of those things be quiet.
Yeah, all of the state governments shutting everything down pretty much did this. I really feel bad for those that are affected by the draconian measures.
Load More Replies...I hope this can help who needs it. It was also pretty informative in general. However, what if you don't have a car? Also, how do you pay car insurance? Is it not obligatory? As for the laundry, you might consider public laundromat places. If you have coins on you, that might be the solution if you have no friends available for that (as suggested in the post).
Not having car insurance is illegal, but because their is multiple car insurance companies, you have to get caught first. Another reason not to argue with police when they say you have to keep moving.
Load More Replies...A colleague of mine volunteered at our local homeless shelter for many years. When I asked for his perspective on the situation, and why the people he dealt with at the shelter were homeless, he said that 90% of them were severely mentally ill, often dangerously so, and could never function on their own. The story in this thread about a fully functional person who is just down on their luck is the uncommon exception. So my view has been that homelessness is a symptom and not the real problem. The real problem is how should the country deal with that portion of society who are a complete mess and cannot function on their own. President Reagan emptied out and shut down the federally funded mental institutions long ago and jails are overflowing, so what’s next?
They also put a lot of the severely mentally ill in rest homes that aren't equipped to handle their unique needs. It is all around a shtshow.
Load More Replies...My church has a dinner on Monday and Tuesday nights for people in situations like this. I love going and helping people as it brings me happiness that I am able to help. They are still making meals but having people be socially distanced and wearing masks outside. It's terrible that so many people have to go through this everyday. (sorry for my poor punctuation.)
I'm fortunate enough to live in a country where human dignity is not dictated by your net worth. In fact, the first sentence in our constitution reads "Human dignity shall be inviolable." In practice, that means a homeless person is treated with the same dignity as a millionaire, and there is a social safety net everyone can rely on. Greetings from "socialist" Europe.
While we have a welfare state, it still fails a lot of people that end up homeless.
Load More Replies...Wouldn't a shared housing be cheaper? Is that not a thing in America? During my first few years of job, I had no home and less salary, so us 6 friends simply rented out an apartment and shared the rent. We shared Wifi, the apartment had a washing machine, a fridge and a kitchen. We took turns cooking. What else do you need?
In theory it sounds nice. But people are incredibly irresponsible and selfish. Through uni I lived in a flat shared with ONE other person. In 6 years I had at least 8 flatmates, and had been left with utility bills numerous times, had people move out while I was out 2 days before rent was due. Even the ones who stayed and payed the "big bills" constantly "forgot" to buy the stuff they were supposed to buy because it was their turn, like "oh, I forgot to get toilet paper but I'm sure YOU bought some!", and damaged a lot of my stuff. Later in a different city I was lucky to find a girl who was a bit loony but as long as we both stuck to the established rules we got along and everything was payed fairly. So yeah, this works when you have reliable people on board. But it's VERY risky.
Load More Replies...I don't know about now, but when I had to car camp for a while, I discovered that 24 hour Wal-Mart parking lots are friendly. A lot of people car camp there, the bathrooms are right inside the front doors, and food/supplies are cheap. Just be cool to them, don't hide from security/look suspicious, and park far back in the lot as to not take up spots their customers want.
This is awful! After I split with my ex a few years ago I was made homeless. I went to my local council and told them what happened after spending the night at a friend's house. Within 2 hours I was in a furnished apartment, still officially listed as homeless but six months later I had a place of my own. Our version of 'homeless' is quite different. If you're on the streets here it's probably due to choice or serious mental illness preventing you from asking for the help you need. The US seems to be an uncaring, brutal country from what I read..
all these tips are good. from 18-20 i worked w/traveling carnival. wanted freedom & travel. but, when i decided it was enough didn't have enough to for 1st, last, & rent. at the time, had one of those trucks w/the camper on the back. got a job & worked 6 months to save. parked near a gas station that opened early so i could have bathroom & wash in sink. at the time, didn't realize i was homeless as was too busy surviving. now, looking back, so glad i had to do that bc as scared as i was at the time i now know i can survive hard times. so, if you end up homeless remember: keep moving forward. you will survive and conquer these hard times & be stronger for it.
How long ago was this? You can't get a job now without a home address.
Load More Replies...Instead of using a laundromat, which is terribly insecure (really, I've known several people robbed or assaulted in laundromats), try to find a dry cleaners that does regular laundry. The price is often about the same, but you're in and out in minutes, you don't have to keep up with detergent/softener/etc., and if you are careful about days you drop off/pick up you can have your clothing in a safe place where it won't be stolen.
Watch https://youtu.be/w2VwVH4WNYY to see Emmanuel Saez talk about how changes to taxes in the 80s has led to the rise of the 1%. Or go to https://www.edx.org/course/americas-poverty-and-inequality-course to take the free edX Stanford course on Poverty and Inequality
The most interesting part of the video is that since the recession 10 years ago, the wealth of the 1% has risen by 30%, meanwhile, the wealth of the other 99% has stayed the same. This shows how much power and influence the 1% has - we are told that the economy is better based only on how well the top 1% is doing
Load More Replies...Maybe move your a*s out of an overpriced region. No one is entitled to live near a big trendy metropolitan. Move to a small town, get a retail job, and rent a room. It's affordable. Trust me, we had to do this as a family of four. We had to move from CA to Indiana. If we can do it with two small kids on less than $1000 traveling with the clothes on our backs, anyone can.
It takes nothing away from a human to be kind and compassionate to others. Even if we have little, there's always others with a lot less. Be grateful for what we have and share what we can
This is such a sad reality. Heartbreaking, honestly. One thing that didn't sit right with me, though: "Screw your creditors! They're why you're in this situation!". No, they provided a service which you used for a fee. The prices are outrageous and unfair 80% of the time, but you agreed to them when you used them. They still have to pay their bills, why shouldn't you?
forget paying money for a gym. go to a ymca or a rec center. they have gyms and they're free to use for showers. you can get phone plans for $20 w/consumer cellular. health bills: you can negotiate w/hospitals if you ask them. tell them your situation and many times, they'll help you out. all that stuff you have in storage: have a sidewalk sale. and important or valuable stuff, maybe you can store at a friend's place. libraries are a great resource and it's free. and asking people nicely does wonders. i had a $5000 hospital bill after insurance. i asked around and eventually, a hospital was willing to help me out. i will never forget them.
I struggle with the concept of homelessness in the United States. The rest of the world seems to believe that we have zero social programs in place to help those who have fallen on hard times. Now, in the large cities it may be different, but here in rural America, I have rarely seen a homeless person. I know of no one who has applied for food stamps and been denied, we have food banks, we have programs that help with rent, utilities, even purchases of appliances if you do not have them. We have Medicaid which is free medical care, we have free school breakfasts and lunches (when school is actually attended), many churches and other organizations will help if such a request is made. Americans are good people, but we are also realistic. In America, when you need help from the system we simply ask that you work toward self reliability so that we can help the next person in need. Sadly, there are many who do not wish to put in even the smallest bit of effort to become self-reliant.
It's a seriously ill system/government that allows millions of it's citizens to loose their home.
Your statement lacks depth and reasoning. People lose their homes for many reasons, most having to do with insufficient income. That insufficiency can be due to many reasons... A lost job, purchasing a house that you can not afford in the first place, reduced income due to disabiility, gambling issues... the list is long and varied. However, in none of those situations (unless the homeowner has secured a loan through a government agency) does the government have a hand in the removal of said home from its buyer here in the United States. In most, if not all, situations the banks will work with you as long as they know you are making the effort to get them paid... but in the end, it is your responsibility to make certain that you have the means to support yourself and your family. Sometimes this means downsizing, sometimes it means asking the local, state, or federal government for assistance. I know personally of the Catholic Church purchasing a home for a needy family.
Load More Replies...The most important single thing you can do to help homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless in America is to VOTE! Then make sure you get involved in local politics. The more grassroot involvement in politics at every level, the better the democracy can function. Homelessness is a sign of a problematic and inherently egotistical society that prefers exclusion over inclusion.
Most Walmarts DO NOT allow overnight parking. It is often posted as such.
Thalia can't believe humanity has reached the point where ... people love in their cars, watch Netflix, shower at the gym, and eat from food banks. Yes, humanity has really fallen off a cliff. (sarcasm)
Load More Replies...I dont understand the situation in America.. they dont have parents?, brothers? someone to help them? is very weird for me the disaffection and lack of bonds that there are in the families there..
It's a big country. What are people going to do if they get homeless in Calfornia with relatives in New York? The relatives also might be in a similar situation or estranged. I'm sure a lot of other people ARE moving in again with their parents.
Load More Replies...Omg big eyeroll AMERICA IS NOT THIRD WORLDDDDDDDDD
Load More Replies...Yay! Capitalism! It's utterly disgusting that there's people out there who have to live on the streets or in their cars. I mean, this just should not happen. Especially while the 1% just get richer and richer. Makes me so angry.
I have so much to comment - that I'm going to restrict myself to one thing. If you have a friend letting you come once a week for shower and/or laundry be an adult and do chores for them. Yes, they obviously care about you, if it's your parents they undoubtedly love you - but it's still doing YOU a favor and gets a wee bit tiresome. Insist that you WILL vacuum the whole house every time you come over. Or, you'll do dishes as your laundry runs. Or you'll wash THEIR car, and your own - every week. Or you'll thoroughly clean bathrooms on rotation one each time you visit. I have been on both sides of this issue and sometimes you have to 'force' people to allow you to reciprocate, in the long run both parties benefit.
Go to a fast food restaurant for lunch when they are busy. Go to the counter. Tell them you just went through the drive through and they forgot to give you your burger . They will hand you a burger.
I work for a homeless organization and i have heard many stories why they are homeless. some not pretty at all. Here in the UK the government say how they want to prevent homelessness. people on the benefit system was having their rent paid direct but now the rent is paid straight to the individual to pay their own rent. When there is people with substance use, drinking problems ..... they go to the cash point and see a vast amount of money in their accounts their priority is to feed their habits. This causes them to spend their rent money to which leaves them in rent arrears. from rent arrears to eviction. How this helps prevent eviction is beyond me. PS did anyone read the bored panda one about the educated homeless that was helped by a couple? if not, i recommend you do.
Once we get through this pandemic, then I can get back to volunteering to help people in need. There are literally millions of people who will use every minute of their free time to help out those who need it. And it is correct to say there is little difference between the people who use soup kitchens and the volunteers. We are all humans, and those that can help, should. I have really missed doing this work. So if we can get over this desperate need to shut stuff down constantly, we will help everyone we meet. Promise!
For all the foreigners reading this: many of the homeless in the US are homeless by choice. Many many are substance abusers who have burned through relationships with people who tried to help. Mental illness is the root of so many issues causing homelessness in the US. Not ALL, but MANY. I have worked in mental health and have seen it. I have volunteered with homeless outreach services, I have seen it. COVID aside, this is rarely a problem for a healthy (mentally and physically) adult who actually wants out of homelessness. Please don't think that ALL people in the US are rich and are living the high life, walking past the blind man with the change cup on the sidewalk. That is a narrative that is just not commonly true!
If a friend is offering things like laundry time or mail reception, offer to clean the house, cook a freezable meal, walk the dog, or clean the cat box. Both of you get a little help, you feel good having and keeping a commitment, and your friend won’t feel taken advantage of. Be kind, people!
More important than poverty and homelessness is wearing a mask, staying home and destroying the economy. This virus is used to blame citizens for bankers destroying the country. Most people are too brainwashed and mind controlled to understand there is no pandemic and it's being used with your help to destroy us. Same as the Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. Zombies will believe anything the government and media tell them.
I lived near Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and volunteered there. These are good tips. I'd like to add: If your care is newer and you owe a lot on it, take it back to the lot and see if you can swap it for something older and cut your payments or reduce them. Know when your registration expires -- a sad story of one man was that while he was out looking for jobs, his car was towed for expired registration. DO NOT LEAVE A MESS where you park. Have plastic bags and containers if there isn't a bathroom nearby. Dispose of them in dumpsters. And buy a case of MEDLINE READY BATH antibacterial body wipes -- they are made for people in the hospital who cannot get wet. $35 for a case and they will last for months -- each pack has several wipes and if you do it properly, one wipe will get the job done.
You can establish a legal address from several email services on the interwebs. The State will accept these address for drivers licenses, car insurance, health insurance and bank services, and the IRS. You can have the mail forwarded to wherever you are or many offer a service to open and scan and email it to you FL and TX do not require you to be there to establish residency, some others also, so you can be a resident of several different states, which ever ones works for you (fl has no state income tax, for example)
@XianJaguar Shelters are horrible places. People steal your stuff, bully you and threaten you. I did not WANT to sleep in a park or my car but it was better than being in a shelter.
There is no way my friends would let me do laundry but not give me a place to stay knowing I was homeless. Maybe I have good friends??
I have lived in the woods (dont own a car) for a few months after my divorce. It wasnt nice and i drank alot because it felt hopeless. I had a job and it was during the summer though. So it was warm. And near a lake so i took baths there or at the gym or at work (we had showers there). The hardest thing was getting my phone charged... but it was walking distance to the nearest uni so i could charge there. And it will feel hopeless. I had a drinking problem too, and that wont help... i had to stop drinking to get help but at the same time i couldnt stop because i was homeless. Like with most people who are homeless with addiction problems...most of my Money went to alcohol. Some times i didnt have money for food so i did some dumpster diving... I could light a fire to heat some meals... hot dogs was a nice treat! But you have to eat most meals cold. Just accept that. Find a church near you. They provide company and a hot meal if you are lucky.
And also, if there is food... EAT. You dont know when you will get more. I lost about 10kg during those months.... when ever i got food i would eat my gut out (almost).
Load More Replies...You forgot the biggest one: toilet. Number one is no big deal, but Number two can be a problem. Park near a toilet if you can, or use a bin liner and flush the contents later when you can. It's not pleasant, but it can be done. Surprisingly, odour isn't really a problem. Vandweller for 7 years and counting in New Zealand.
Also a lot of food places in the mall throw out their food at the end of the night and might give you food
Most bakeries throw out their baked goods. Go in at the end of the day and ask if they can give you the food they throw out before they put it in the dumpster. They will just hand it to you. Also you can get toilet tissue rolls most places. Find a bathroom that doesn't lock the rolls they some also have free tampons find these places and remember where they are
There is lots of help in America! Food stamps, cash assistance, rent assistance, section 8, food banks, cheap camping gear, learn to hunt, fish, farm. Live on an industrial fishing boat in Alaska, free room and board, make $10,000 in three months. Live off the land in Alaska, get $3,000 a year subsidies from the oil companies. Join a commune. One moose or elk can last you all winter. Tons of fish. Use that money to Build yourself a log cabin. Hunt, fish, trade, sell food and honey and berries and homemade art at local farmers markets. Buy a boat, hunting rifle, wifi, books, fight back, be strong, be brave, realize you need to plan. People on the sidewalk are drunks, drugged or mentally ill. You can get your life back and survive and have a nice life in the country and avoid homelessness if you're tough and want to!
I think you have a car and internet and feel comfortable scamming people, so you're way ahead of the game. Nit homeless now. when I had my stroke a decade ago I was transcribing and raising two kiddos in a weekly rental motel room. After my stroke, the state put the kids in foster care {non binary first born was raped} and Awesome Partner slept in a parking garage for a month. We went through renter's rehab, got our first place in a co-op and worked our way up to an economical roach-infested apartment with broken appliances because partner's work is really the only priority for this family.
this is actually a very useful post, they make it seem like being homeless isn't that bad. unfortunately, it is, and it's terrible that governments all around the world aren't supporting their citizens in these rough times. although i do have to say, america is definitely not the richest country in the world, albeit it's in the top 25
Going homeless, first thing I would think wouldn’t be netflix for sure. A car is expensive itself. There are charity places almost everywhere to sleep safe in. Most people sleeping on the streets just don’t want to stay there. I did volunteer for meals for those who preferred to live on the streets. Even in the broken Italy we have "family houses" which are basically charitable organization looking less than a dormitory, and more of a college dorm. But better than stations. People just refuse to get there because of course you have to stick to rules, and that’s the problem.
I have never had to deal with homelessness, but I know a guy who has. He lives in another town, but fortunately, they have a homeless shelter and when he comes to my hometown on occasion he is able to stay with my uncle. A guy that lives in my town has been offered an apartment by the housing authority and he would rather live in his car. Homelessness should not be a reality in a first world country, but unfortunately it is.
@FredSaidRight, let me counter Wikipedia with this: https://homelessworldcup.org/homelessness-statistics/ , plus this: https://ourworldindata.org/homelessness , and this: https://mahb.stanford.edu/library-item/yet-another-emerging-global-crisis-homelessness/
This is a daily reality for between 600,000 and a million Americans, every single day. This includes entire families, and single parents with children. One of the biggest shames of the affluent western world is that we allow this to happen, while public buildings sit empty.
I love going to the USA for holidays.......... but have realised lately that if your skint/poor then its a terrible place to live.
Sasha has failed as a human. :/ A bit of an over-generalization, no?
Load More Replies...First of all vote for Trump... Then it is much more likely to get homeless without a Job and no health insurance. Eben social secuirty will get lost...
Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless can call or visit their local VA Medical Center or Community Resource and Referral Center where VA staff are ready to help. Veterans and their families may also call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to access VA services.
What is it with the levels of propaganda coming out of Europe or are you just that ignorant of your own countries? America does have a homeless problem that is sad and needs better funding to help. But those levels are far less than many of the European countries that a lot of you self righteous hypocrites call home. Homeless per 10,000 population: USA=17, France=21, Germany=79, Ireland=21, Luxembourg=28, Netherlands=23, Sweden=36, UK=46. Extras: Canada=36, Australia=47. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_homeless_population#:~:text=%20%20%20%20Country%20%20%20,Homelessness%20in%20Italy%20%2038%20more%20rows%20
You're extremely naive and it shows. It's not easy to get a job when you're homeless, and chances are you'll lose the one you have once you don't have easy access to a proper shower. You may not have close enough friends to share with, maybe they don't have space. Its not as simple as you think.
Load More Replies...I suppose you think the Virus is a hoax too? Doesn't matter who is president, homelessness exists.
Load More Replies...We're encouraged to save about 6 months worth of expenses. These young folks who are becoming homeless haven't been in the workforce long enough to have a year or two worth of savings. Lockdown since February in many places. Time's up. Credit isn't necessarily evil, it's just the way things work nowadays, but if you finance a home at 25% of your monthly income. Six months with no work is not something that the average person can really plan for. Also, the finance company that you borrowed from... they also borrowed that money.
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