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Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

I am not saying it wouldn't be hard. Sheesh, my life not being homeless is hard! you can't wait? Well I really appreciate that Wondergirl!

At many shelters you would become part of the herd and just a number, a "case." You want to find a social worker or shelter volunteer who will value your individuality and autonomy and will allow you to become part of the solution.

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

Look, all I am saying is that I guess some of us are willing to do what is needed and some of us aren't. Some of us plainly just can't. A shelter vs. the street for another 15 years, the choice would be clear to me. Others maybe not. I know we can make a difference!

I learned from my homeless friend how rich and interesting life on the street can be. I even wrote stories around his adventures.

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 01:12 PM

How accurately does Adam Shepard's experience reflect the American reality? - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

You put me on the streets with 25 bucks... a sleeping bag, and a change of clothes. If I didn't have four kids, I may have been the one to volunteer to do it myself, I know good excuse huh?
Got Adams book and can't wait to read through and see what he went through and what he saw others go through. I will get back to you on that. I bet he saw what you are stating about the shelters, and I bet there were some people in his 10 months that made it through... because of self worth and determination. I wish there were a way to let everyone know they are worth it, that they are worth taking the time and energy it takes to succeed. I understand that not everyone feels that, it saddens me.

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I learned from my homeless friend how rich and interesting life on the street can be. I even wrote stories around his adventures.

Interesting? I bet. I would love to read them.

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

How accurately does Adam Shepard's experience reflect the American reality? - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

You put me on the streets with 25 bucks...a sleeping bag, and a change of clothes. If I didn't have four kids, I may have been the one to volunteer to do it myself, I know good excuse huh?
Got Adams book and can't wait to read through and see what he went through and what he saw others go through. I will get back to you on that. I bet he saw what you are stating about the shelters, and I bet there were some people in his 10 months that made it through....because of self worth and determination. I wish there were a way to let everyone know they are worth it, that they are worth taking the time and energy it takes to succeed. I understand that not everyone feels that, it saddens me.

Still, to become more independent, people need certain skills.

"They have to be good at budgeting, solid in their sobriety," she said. "They need to stay on their meds if they have a diagnosed emotional disability."

And how many homeless have those skills? If they did, they very possibly wouldn't be homeless. The sobriety issue is huge. Even the mentally-ill (NOT homeless) surrounded by family and friends don't stay on their meds.

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Still, to become more independent, people need certain skills.

"They have to be good at budgeting, solid in their sobriety," she said. "They need to stay on their meds if they have a diagnosed emotional disability."

And how many homeless have those skills? If they did, they very possibly wouldn't be homeless. The sobriety issue is huge. Even the mentally-ill (NOT homeless) surrounded by family and friends don't stay on their meds.

Very very true. I wish I were more educated in how to deal and help with these situations. They do need skills. Now, the question is where can you learn these if you need to? Would it be one of those shelters that "don't let you be yourself" or a separate place all together?

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

Very very true. I wish I were more educated in how to deal and help with these situations. They do need skills. Now, the question is where can you learn these if you need to? Would it be one of those shelters that "don't let you be yourself" or a separate place all together?

Well, I interned at Catholic Charities that had a transitional program for homeless families. An area church would help finance an apartment and furniture, and the family would have to allow members of the church to help the family manage its personal finances. The families resisted the budgeting help and strangers' poking their noses into their checkbooks, but had to give in in order to put a roof over their kids' heads.

So what could have been a better way to handle that?

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 01:35 PM

Whoa Wondergirl, don't you see that those people only wanted help if it didn't make them uncomfortable. Am I the only one here that sees that? The government takes our money, should we not make sure they are doing the right thing with it? People get food stamps, should we let them buy beer and wine with it? I needed to borrow my dads chainsaw, he said... make sure the tank is full and the chain is sharpened when you bring it back. The charity is for those who are going to put it to good use... and not abuse it. Doesn't anyone see what I am seeing or am I just stupid?
I put you up in a house and get you back on your feet... the least you could do is follow some simple rules.

EDIT:::: a better way to handle it would be to follow the rules or you don't get help. It wouldn't have hurt them one bit till they got on their feet.

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

EDIT:::: a better way to handle it would be to follow the rules or you dont get help. It wouldn't have hurt them one bit till they got on their feet.

So you would have said that to them, point blank.

inthebox · Feb 20, 2009, 01:41 PM

How about those thatbeckme homeless due to job loss or illness or medical bills?

We don't need the president or the government to "inspire" us to do good things.

I know my church has been helping in the community, I know the salvation army and Catholic Charities have been helping in my town. We all should be doing more on our own. How much can the gov help? Look at Katrina.

In western ky, it was neighbors and families helping each other out during this past months ice storms - yes the state and the gov will help also - but it is individuals helping out.

In this crisis do we sit passively awaiting for Obama or the politicians to do something or do we people of this country help each other

I am more inspired by the folks in the links I posted

G&P

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 01:43 PM

Heck yes... I would say, "I am willing to get you back on your feet as long as you prove to me that you can do it. In this time I will want to see that you know how to spend the money you are receiving and I would like to make sure you are not abusing the system. I will do this for someone else that will not take advantage of me. Can you do that or would you rather keep living on the streets? It is up to you"
What is so wrong with a few rules that WILL HELP YOU?

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by inthebox

We don't need the president or the government to "inspire" us to do good things.

So what are "we" doing to help those with illness and job loss? Are we organized? Are we helping most of them?

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

Heck yes....I would say, "I am willing to get you back on your feet as long as you prove to me that you can do it. In this time I will want to see that you know how to spend the money you are receiving and I would like to make sure you are not abusing the system. I will do this for someone else that will not take advantage of me. Can you do that or would you rather keep living on the streets? It is up to you"
What is so wrong with a few rules that WILL HELP YOU?

That line won't work with most of them. It sounds punative and arrogant.

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 01:50 PM

It sounds arrogant to the people wanting the help because? That is not the only thing I would say... I am a very compassionate person Wondergirl, I would encourage them to take the offer and encourage them to understand that I believe in them, and I that I think they are worthy and able of doing it. I wouldn't say here take my money and run with it. And that is what I think many want me to do. THAT IS WRONG. It is time to hold ourselves responsible.

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

It sounds arrogant to the people wanting the help because?? That is not the only thing I would say...I am a very compassionate person Wondergirl, I would encourage them to take the offer and encourage them to understand that i believe in them, and I that I think they are worthy and able of doing it. I wouldn't say here take my money and run with it. And that is what i think many want me to do. THAT IS WRONG. It is time to hold ourselves responsible.

Um, sounds like a parent talking to a naughty or disorganized child. Is that the kind of relationship this is? Is that how you want to proceed? (They don't give a hoot about your compassion.)

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by inthebox

How about those thatbeckme homeless due to job loss or illness or medical bills?

We don't need the president or the government to "inspire" us to do good things.

I know my church has been helping in the community, I know the salvation army and Catholic Charities have been helping in my town. We all should be doing more on our own. How much can the gov help? Look at Katrina.

In western ky, it was neighbors and families helping each other out during this past months ice storms - yes the state and the gov will help also - but it is individuals helping out.

In this crisis do we sit passively awaiting for Obama or the politicians to do something or do we people of this country help each other

I am more inspired by the folks in the links I posted

G&P

I agree. AND again, I wish I were more qualified to help these individuals.

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

I agree. AND again, I wish I were more qualified to help these individuals.

So who's going to help them, if not you and the other unqualified people?

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

Um, sounds like a parent talking to a naughty or disorganized child. Is that the kind of relationship this is? Is that how you want to proceed? (They don't give a hoot about your compassion.)

But they give a hoot about my loot;) Funny how that works

Wondergirl · Feb 20, 2009, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by startover22

But they give a hoot about my loot;) Funny how that works

No, actually they don't. Most of them just want a fair shake and some respect.

Notice how you are throwing out the baby with the bath water?

startover22 · Feb 20, 2009, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

So who's going to help them, if not you and the other unqualified people?

Not sure, I am stumped. I am pretty sure we have some crappy funding and crappy help for these people. What should I do?