I've been homeless. Its not fun. We are not all druggies. not all uneducated. many have children and jobs. Dont judge what you have not experienced. BTW, for homeless families, there is a 2 year waiting list for assistance. There are several million homeless families. Homeless single people are most likely to have schizophrenia, and thus no way to 'better themselves' and will talk for an hour, likely because they dont know if they are talking to you or to the giant purple dinosaur.
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Some Eye Opening Shit.
- Thread starter Bushido
- Start date
Dumbbell Nebula
New member
Yes DG, but you're not anymore. That's my point. Someone with the will to get out of that situation, will do so. They ones who are just asking for handouts, are lazy assholes. Or.... yeah... mentally ill. But I don't think that's most of them.
Yeah, but it takes a long time and hand outs to get out of that position. So people like you are just keeping people down by justifying not helping because you want to judge them because they are not in the same fucking bracket of income.
Like I said before, 1/3 of the homeless 'people' are families. Most of these people work full time. Think about it....minimum wage after taxes is what, 800$ a month? An average 1 bedroom house is 400 dollars a month. Then you have to have first, last, and security, which winds up being 2-3 months of income that, unless you can afford a lawyer, you will never get to see back.
So you go apply for HUD thinking, cool, they will help me get a house....but they don't help you, not for 1-2 years, 2 if your children are not babies, 1 if they are, and in some areas it is worse, families have been waiting for low income housing for 3 to 5 years, while living in thier vehicle.
Point being, when you see a homeless person, don't judge them. Help them out. So what if they are crazy, lazy, addicted, or just flat out poor. They need it more than you do.
PS: If people had not given CL and I help, we would be on the streets right now. We were just lucky.
Like I said before, 1/3 of the homeless 'people' are families. Most of these people work full time. Think about it....minimum wage after taxes is what, 800$ a month? An average 1 bedroom house is 400 dollars a month. Then you have to have first, last, and security, which winds up being 2-3 months of income that, unless you can afford a lawyer, you will never get to see back.
So you go apply for HUD thinking, cool, they will help me get a house....but they don't help you, not for 1-2 years, 2 if your children are not babies, 1 if they are, and in some areas it is worse, families have been waiting for low income housing for 3 to 5 years, while living in thier vehicle.
Point being, when you see a homeless person, don't judge them. Help them out. So what if they are crazy, lazy, addicted, or just flat out poor. They need it more than you do.
PS: If people had not given CL and I help, we would be on the streets right now. We were just lucky.
Ok DG. I guess I haven't seen that side of the homeless world. Where I live, all the homeless people I know are crackheads, alcoholics, or junkies. I live in a small community, and everyone knows everyone. The homeless people here are homeless because they want to be. I know it's not like that everywhere, but even when I lived in a big city, I didn't see anyone in the situation you just described. I still won't give most of these druggies my money, because once you give them money once, they come up and bother you in the street every fucking day. I work hard for my money, and there's no reason most of them can't do the same. My outlook on this issue seems to be skewed by my circumstances though, so I won't argue it anymore.
rancherkid
New member
People only see what they want to see. Thats a fact of humanity. Our perceptions are rarely challenged, unless that perception has a voice. Most homeless people do not have a voice.
For instance, 75 years ago a black person was percieved by the general public to be a nigger, a worthless, jobless drain on the economy. Middle and upper class white people rarely saw any value or reason to help them because thier perceptions were not challenged until the 1950's, when civil liberties began.
Fact of the matter was, most black people in that time could not get a decent paying job because they were black. But then our perception changed because people stood up and gave them a voice.
While I am not saying that homeless = historic perception of color, but the fact is that most homeless people have no hope because you can not get a job if you do not have an address and a telephone, if your clothes are dirty because you can not take them off to launder them and you don't have extra clothes anyways.
Another point.....there have been studies of teenage homeless in Seattle, Washington. It is becoming an increased problem and one that leads to young age prostitution, drug abuse, and in some, suicide. Studies have shown that nearly all of these teenage homeless were raped, sexually abused, or physically abused by thier parents or foster parents. That is how they wound up on the streets. Once you get used to living like that, you don't think there is a better world, because your perception is one of horror. Therefor, you live a life of horror, because that is your normalcy.
It is so easy to judge from the outside looking in, but from the inside, its just the way things are. There is no hope, no future, and no repreive. It is a prison of social perception and income, and not one easily broken.
For instance, 75 years ago a black person was percieved by the general public to be a nigger, a worthless, jobless drain on the economy. Middle and upper class white people rarely saw any value or reason to help them because thier perceptions were not challenged until the 1950's, when civil liberties began.
Fact of the matter was, most black people in that time could not get a decent paying job because they were black. But then our perception changed because people stood up and gave them a voice.
While I am not saying that homeless = historic perception of color, but the fact is that most homeless people have no hope because you can not get a job if you do not have an address and a telephone, if your clothes are dirty because you can not take them off to launder them and you don't have extra clothes anyways.
Another point.....there have been studies of teenage homeless in Seattle, Washington. It is becoming an increased problem and one that leads to young age prostitution, drug abuse, and in some, suicide. Studies have shown that nearly all of these teenage homeless were raped, sexually abused, or physically abused by thier parents or foster parents. That is how they wound up on the streets. Once you get used to living like that, you don't think there is a better world, because your perception is one of horror. Therefor, you live a life of horror, because that is your normalcy.
It is so easy to judge from the outside looking in, but from the inside, its just the way things are. There is no hope, no future, and no repreive. It is a prison of social perception and income, and not one easily broken.
ThangQanime
New member
okay, if some mexican can come to the US and doesnt speak a lick of english... can get a decent job... rent an apartment... all with nothing other than the sweat on his back.... then these assholes can get off their buts and do the same.
Problem is... homeless people are usually too damn proud and picky. They dont want to follow rules... they dont want to try... all because poor idiots walk down the road and give them a handout. Nobody ever gave me crap. I have earned everything i have, and i am not homeless because im not too proud to dig a ditch or pick up trash or wipe down a shitter. When you are in a shitty spot... their is shitty work to go right along with it. And it usually pays decent enough to make a living off of.
More often than not, homless people were once people trying to live beyond their means to impress people and got their bills handed to them. When they didnt have the money, they lost all their shit. no car, no house, no shower... so you know what mister white collar douchebag.... your ass is on the street.
When i moved to new york... i got a job the first day i was there. I walked right up to a guy (dressed in jeans and a t-shirt: changed from original "decently dressed") and said "hey man, i need a job... i can learn most anything and i am decent with a wrench. If you dont like what i can do with what i know, ill gladly move heavy shit around"... they guy said come back tomorrow and he would put me to work. They guy paid me ten an hour. You know what i did... i learned how to weld... i learned how to work on hydrolic systems and i moved tons of heavy shit. why did it all work out for me? Because i had drive... and he saw that i was eager to help him to help me.
You dont get something for nothing in this life... and if you're homeless... you shouldnt be for more than 4 to 5 months. If you cant manage to eat off of 100 dollars a month... by yourself... or less... then you need to die.
A loaf of bread costs about 2 bucks if you buy it sliced. 1 dollar if you buy french... deli cuts cost about another two bucks and usually come with at least 10 to 12 slices... bam a sammich. You could bum that mad quick. "but the deli cuts get all nasty"... no they dont bitches... wash that shit in a public bathroom and eat it. Assuming you dont want to be a total bum and bum every meal you eat off of someone. So 3 to 4 dollars for two weeks... and save the rest. Be a sport and invest in a thurmos for taking to public water fountains... or even "stealing it" from houses.
Where there is a will there is a way.
Problem is... homeless people are usually too damn proud and picky. They dont want to follow rules... they dont want to try... all because poor idiots walk down the road and give them a handout. Nobody ever gave me crap. I have earned everything i have, and i am not homeless because im not too proud to dig a ditch or pick up trash or wipe down a shitter. When you are in a shitty spot... their is shitty work to go right along with it. And it usually pays decent enough to make a living off of.
More often than not, homless people were once people trying to live beyond their means to impress people and got their bills handed to them. When they didnt have the money, they lost all their shit. no car, no house, no shower... so you know what mister white collar douchebag.... your ass is on the street.
When i moved to new york... i got a job the first day i was there. I walked right up to a guy (dressed in jeans and a t-shirt: changed from original "decently dressed") and said "hey man, i need a job... i can learn most anything and i am decent with a wrench. If you dont like what i can do with what i know, ill gladly move heavy shit around"... they guy said come back tomorrow and he would put me to work. They guy paid me ten an hour. You know what i did... i learned how to weld... i learned how to work on hydrolic systems and i moved tons of heavy shit. why did it all work out for me? Because i had drive... and he saw that i was eager to help him to help me.
You dont get something for nothing in this life... and if you're homeless... you shouldnt be for more than 4 to 5 months. If you cant manage to eat off of 100 dollars a month... by yourself... or less... then you need to die.
A loaf of bread costs about 2 bucks if you buy it sliced. 1 dollar if you buy french... deli cuts cost about another two bucks and usually come with at least 10 to 12 slices... bam a sammich. You could bum that mad quick. "but the deli cuts get all nasty"... no they dont bitches... wash that shit in a public bathroom and eat it. Assuming you dont want to be a total bum and bum every meal you eat off of someone. So 3 to 4 dollars for two weeks... and save the rest. Be a sport and invest in a thurmos for taking to public water fountains... or even "stealing it" from houses.
Where there is a will there is a way.
Kr8, dude...how many homeless people do you actually know? Because I know homeless people, and I've never heard any of them say, ID RATHER EAT GARBAGE BECAUSE THE DELI SLICES BREAD WIERD.
Also, as stated before, many homeless have psychosis. And not your usual every day bipolar, we are talking serious schizophrenia--I know this because when I was going for my nursing degree I interned at the VA and the mental ward. That is MORE THAN HALF OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION.
30% are families with at least one child, WHO DO WORK. Many of whom had homes but lost them because job loss, disability, or other calamaties.
10-20% are teenagers or younger escaping abuse, and not usually your average my mommy grounded me abuse, I mean hard core my dad raped me abuse. They are escaping one violence for another.
The rest probably do choose that lifestyle.
I hope you are never in a position where you have to rely on the kindness of strangers.
Also, as stated before, many homeless have psychosis. And not your usual every day bipolar, we are talking serious schizophrenia--I know this because when I was going for my nursing degree I interned at the VA and the mental ward. That is MORE THAN HALF OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION.
30% are families with at least one child, WHO DO WORK. Many of whom had homes but lost them because job loss, disability, or other calamaties.
10-20% are teenagers or younger escaping abuse, and not usually your average my mommy grounded me abuse, I mean hard core my dad raped me abuse. They are escaping one violence for another.
The rest probably do choose that lifestyle.
I hope you are never in a position where you have to rely on the kindness of strangers.
.:FrEe FrOm EvRythInG:.
New member
Did you ever hear in mythology about a god who would take the form of a beggar to test people? I know it's silly to adopt beliefs from 5000 years ago, but you never know.
Incorrect.
And what if you were in a car accident with no health insurance that left you speech and mobility impaired? Or, as I have seen, shot in the head in Vietnam? Then you couldn't get a job, and would have to figure out how to live off of the 450 dollars a month you get from the government.
Hopefully when that happens to you, nobody looks at you and goes, "He must be a picky fucking loser'
And what if you were in a car accident with no health insurance that left you speech and mobility impaired? Or, as I have seen, shot in the head in Vietnam? Then you couldn't get a job, and would have to figure out how to live off of the 450 dollars a month you get from the government.
Hopefully when that happens to you, nobody looks at you and goes, "He must be a picky fucking loser'
Fuck you kre8or, I know many many-manymanymany homeless people. Like 90% of them either got fucked out of a divorce or suffered from some long-term illness which pushed their employers to crap out on them, and leaving them with a crippling hospital debt which they could not pay even if they tried.
villagirly
New member
Lets keep it civil cheese. Kr8 is entitled to his opinion. You also have to remember that homeless people are probably different based on the region to. So mabye that is true in New York City, I just don't think it applies everywhere.
You know, Im the kind of person that if I see someone in need, I will give if I can as long as it is not taking away from my family. Yesterday I saw a woman with a little boy and a sign that said "Family in need please help" I think thier car had broken down. I didn't have anything to give though, and I felt awful.
You know, Im the kind of person that if I see someone in need, I will give if I can as long as it is not taking away from my family. Yesterday I saw a woman with a little boy and a sign that said "Family in need please help" I think thier car had broken down. I didn't have anything to give though, and I felt awful.
cherry clairey
New member
Assuming you don't live in michigan he gets $0.05 per bottle and can. That means 20 per dollar or 8000+ each day. That is ridiculous. He must have like an army of homeless people working for him and a truck and stuff. Does he work weekends? Assuming he doesn't take time off and works weekends (104 days a year) He is making a 6 digit income collecting bottles. If you live in MI it is half that many cans per day but that is still ridiculous.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "By the most generous estimates, in the event of a financial emergency, the typical American family doesn't have enough saved up to last more than a few months."
A case in point was brought home to us a few years ago. My mom had a series of strokes, resulting in a forced "early retirement" from her civil service job. Continuing medical treatment quickly ate up most of her savings, and the pension she had earned was not enough to keep up with her basic monthly expenses.
The strokes had an effect on her speech, movement and driving capabilities, so she was not able to find a job, in spite of her work experience. My sister and I were more than willing to help pay the bills, allowing her to keep her home, and eat on a regular basis.
But what if we hadn't been around? Would she have been that colorfully dressed bag lady, mumbling in slurred speech about the end of the world?
Anyways, that's what I think about when I see someone panhandling, or sleeping in a darkened shop doorway. If I can help, I will.
A case in point was brought home to us a few years ago. My mom had a series of strokes, resulting in a forced "early retirement" from her civil service job. Continuing medical treatment quickly ate up most of her savings, and the pension she had earned was not enough to keep up with her basic monthly expenses.
The strokes had an effect on her speech, movement and driving capabilities, so she was not able to find a job, in spite of her work experience. My sister and I were more than willing to help pay the bills, allowing her to keep her home, and eat on a regular basis.
But what if we hadn't been around? Would she have been that colorfully dressed bag lady, mumbling in slurred speech about the end of the world?
Anyways, that's what I think about when I see someone panhandling, or sleeping in a darkened shop doorway. If I can help, I will.