I wanted to post my feelings somewhere...
there is a lot of sanctimony on the internet about never judging anyone, including homeless people. For one thing, that's silly. It's actually hardwired in humans to judge. Its what you do about it that is up to you.
I have been a supporter of soup kitchens and have helped out folks in need, including homeless people. But how many people actually KNOW a homeless person and their story? I had a (sort of ) friend for many years. She is in and out of jail and currently homeless. I help her out, but only minimally, b/c I have come to see that the poor choices she has made have got her in this place. I won't go into the gory details regarding sex, crack, parenting, alcohol, manipulative behavior, etc. yes, maybe she is bipolar. If she didn't have mental problems before, she sure does now. That life screws you up big time.
The point is, I'm really angry with her and it's coloring my views of homeless people, some of whom are innocent and someof whom are not. So I'd rather help people in nursing homes, blind kids, immmigrant families (kids) and shelter animals--all tend to be more innocent, than, well, my homeless friend.
I understand.
A few years back, I managed a group of people at a car manufacturing plant. We inspected the cars coming off the line (separate company). Basically - you needed a pulse and to show up on time. My husband gave some money to a homeless guy at the store, and gave him my card to come for an interview (btw - way back when this happened, it paid $17 an hour with benefits). He came to the first interview, and I was like, fine. Set up a time for the 2nd interview and drug test - he called (hey, well, at least he called) and said he wasn't coming because he would rather panhandle and not have "the man" looking over his shoulder. Yeah - ok. Kind of colored my idea of the homeless.
I knew one homeless person. He was a talented, high powered lawyer in Dallas. A drunk driver hit him and killed his wife and young son. He lost everything, including his mind. He's completely non-functional now and can't even speak clearly. He used to hang out outside where I worked, and I brought him coffee everyday.
Quoting Anonymous:
I honstly hate it when I see people on the side of the road that have a sign that says veteran homeless please help. I know they can go to the VA for help they choose not to. I know this because I am a veteran. I also take time to drive to get those who can't drive to the VA for their apts and such. So there is help out there.
That's only partially true. The VA will only help you if they have your name. If a vet was involved in a conflict that the US Government denies, it's very difficult to get help. Sadly, that encompasses a lot of vets.
Quoting thefiregoddess:
Not every place has help for the homeless. I was homeless for six months in2012. Judge all you want.
Ah but there is short term homeless-and long term-the long term usually have a substance issue or mental ilness issues. The short term homeless are more likely to be down on their luck (or off of their meds or made a poor choice or two) -most of them get back on their feet and find a place to live....
Quoting ElitestJen:
Quoting Anonymous:
I honstly hate it when I see people on the side of the road that have a sign that says veteran homeless please help. I know they can go to the VA for help they choose not to. I know this because I am a veteran. I also take time to drive to get those who can't drive to the VA for their apts and such. So there is help out there.That's only partially true. The VA will only help you if they have your name. If a vet was involved in a conflict that the US Government denies, it's very difficult to get help. Sadly, that encompasses a lot of vets.
Do you ever get hit on even looking a mess?
Why inflict this silly cosmetic pain on a baby!?!
- pauladela
on Jan. 9, 2013 at 9:40 AM