Why I Choose Streets Over Shelter
Published June 03, 2009 @ 05:25PM PT
Why do people choose streets over shelter? For those who have never been without a permanent home, it's tough to imagine. The comments on a previous post about this topic have been enlightening, including one that was so insightful that I had to share it. "SlumJack Homeless" is a former property manager who has been homeless and living on the streets (read more about his predicament here). He shared his reasons for choosing to live on the streets:
Here are my reasons for choosing to remain "outdoors" rather than go to the shelters (which I initially tried):
1. Shelters usually require that you enter early in the eve and then remain there until early the next morn when you must leave. This can totally waste HOURs of otherwise possibly productive time, just sitting around in unpleasant to worse circumstances -- and a time when EVERY resource, including time, must be marshalled.
2. The shelters I've been to are designed to try to keep alcoholics, drug addicts and criminals from being able to do those things. I don't do those things, so the preventative measures simply needlessly and oppressively impose upon my own adult freedoms. Like going around the corner for a coffee in a cafe and looking for work or some other way to earn money using the wifi.
3. Literally "imprisonment" with some of the worst people. This is a lousy way to spend evenings and is COUNTERproductive. Or worse.
4. Property Impracticalities - I have a bicycle with a trailer attached. This is a GOOD solution to having to constantly carry around one's belongings. It's a LOT more useful, and less "unattractive" than the stereotypical shopping cart, etc. However, shelters typically do NOT offer any kind of secure options for one's belongings, usually severely limiting how much one can even carry in. This forces people to a ridiculous minimum of belongings... one of the factors that actually contributes to perpetuating a person's homeless predicament.
Also, you DON'T want other people at shelters to see what you DO own and have. There are many thieves that will then know what you're carrying around with you, many of whom you WILL run across later... at night, alone, etc.
5. The "solution" IS the "problem" - Shelters are often euphemized as "emergency shelter"... but the emergency is that you have nowhere else to just be and operate, so being AT a "shelter" is the emergency. And being in that predicament, even with the "help" of merely having a lousy place to sleep indoors, a disgusting bathroom and a gesture of a "meal" - AT BEST - just perpetuates your true problem.
While "outdoors" you can spend up until midnight or so at comfortable cafe's, with options to interact with intelligent and, possibly, helpful people. You can work on things that may actually afford a chance to get out of the jam. Use wifi. Etc. The "price" is that of some modest purchases, but then also having to find a place to sleep outdoors. This is becoming harder and harder to do, as cities virtually outlaw being homeless like that.
Thanks for sharing, "SlumJack Homeless."
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Comments (81)
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Author
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Shannon has worked in homeless shelters and service organizations in San Francisco, the Triangle region of North Carolina, and currently in the greater Boston area. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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Good post! I had no idea what shelters could be like. It amazes me that someone can be forced out of there home legally, then forced off the street, legally! Another thing that really bothers me... I rent a condo and MANY other units near me are vacant, and have been vacant for months! Every time I walk past them I think it's so sad that as a society we deny people the basic necessities of life because they have no $$$ to stay in those condos. Therefore, what we put way up high as the most important and respected part of life, is money! The actual people mean absolutely nothing.
Talk about needing change!
Posted by Graham Smith on 06/03/2009 @ 08:08PM PT
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Interesting point. In the UK squatters actually have quite a lot of legal rights. If a building is empty for a certain amount of time then squatters have the right to stay in it, as long as they don't damage the property. You actually need a court order to evict them, you can't just call the police. eg. http://www.timeout.com/london/big-smoke/features/6233/Meet_the_Mayfair_squatters.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jan/28/london-squatters-mayfair-mansion
Posted by Caitlin Fitzsimmons on 06/08/2009 @ 07:06AM PT
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Your right Graham, I must be insensitive. What do I know? I mean I’ve only been doing this for umm… let’s see a couple of years. I mean I’ve only help countless numbers of people get off illegal substances, clean their lives up, reunified families. Helped people with serious mental health issues get proper treatment and get off living on the streets and kept them from living in squalor. You are obviously more SENSETIVE and way more in tuned to the needs of the people, and have better solutions to the current problems that this country is facing. I’m sure you have spent countless number of hours working with the homeless, meeting with city officials to try and come up with better ways to help, that segment of the population. I’m sure we can all sleep better at night knowing that you’re on top of it. Hopefully when you are crowned King of your world you will make it all better.
Posted by Tony tomerson on 06/10/2009 @ 08:41AM PT
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OMG! I commented on your remark, equating the homeless to criminals and drug abusers. I thought that remark was insensitive. So far you have not understood ONE thing I have said here. You misinterpret everything. It makes me think how often you do this to the people you claim to be helping. It must be very frustrating for them as you are already on my nerves. Please, I do not wish to communicate with you any further. Leave another comment if you must. Thanks for the interesting insight into how your shelter must run.
Posted by Graham Smith on 06/10/2009 @ 10:05AM PT
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Graham... Tony... let's not spat here, okay?
To be "fair", Tony likely does have to routinely deal with exactly the type of persons and particulars assured. And I'm sure that it's not only difficult, even heart-wrenching, but must tend to also skew a person's personal perspective and sense of scale, too. AND that's an important and needed service to tend to those folks. There are many and it IS helpful to these and communities.
Still, it's obviously easy to see how those of us that AREN'T among that "population" are "put off" by the expectant and stereotyping attitudes or, worse, treatment. Tony won't be seeing much of the likes of me, for instance, since we're driven OUT of such shelters pretty quickly, as my top entry here explains.
Personally, I have to consider this overall milieu to be ironicly unfortunate, in that I'm arguably among the portion of "the homeless" with some Best Prospects for potentially truly being helped back "out" of homelessness.... except most of the "help" out there is demonstrably focused upon - or characteristically devoted to - those other "types" as Tony emphasizes.
In fact, that was among the core points my top piece sought to highlight.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/10/2009 @ 10:38AM PT
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Slum Jack Homeless, Thankyou for your fair and sensible comment, and yes I do agree with you, believe it or not. Many times I have been completely frustrated when brining up that exact point up to the powers that be. Most, if not all the programs are geared to either someone who was incarcerated, has a substance abuse problem or a mental illness. It is sad that the programs are designed for people who fit those criteria only. Countless number of times I have asked, and what about those who don’t fit? I am still awaiting a response. I do have to say that I have worked with people who don’t fall under any of those categories and I have helped them within my capability, albeit difficult it, due to lack of programs it can be done. Hopefully through your voice and others it will bring more light to the problem. As for Mr. Smith I did understand very clearly your comments, the sad thing of the matter is you are not understanding or logically comprehending what YOU are writing, my suggestion re-read your post and take a moment to think. Think realistically and objectively, hopefully you will come to understand if not, well God help you.
Posted by Tony tomerson on 06/10/2009 @ 11:40AM PT
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Tony, I apologize. I didn't intend for this to turn into an arguement. I think we were just on two different wavelengths here. Obviously this is a topic many of us get passionate about which is a good thing, right? I wish you well and really do think it's great that you've been able to help so many people. I'll let this be a lesson for the next time I post a reply! :) - Slumjack, I apologize for the disruptive behavior. Thanks for coming to referee.
Posted by Graham Smith on 06/10/2009 @ 01:48PM PT
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Good observation, Graham. Not only do many residential units remain empty, but so do all kinds of commercial properties, including humble, out-of-the-way kinds (so as not to "offend" neighborhoods with "homeless people" around). Heck, it's illegal to sleep HIDDEN in parks or other public property shrubs (I'm GOOD at camouflage) or.... well, most anywhere. Except the most demeaning, unsightly and dangerous places. Like right out on sidewalks. Maybe. IF they don't feel like ticketing you and then fining you for $ you don't have.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/03/2009 @ 08:45PM PT
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Thanks for pointing out perfectly reasonable reasons for not going to a shelter. So, as your neighbors, we might want to offer shelter with no restrictions on when you come and go, a place to lock up your stuff (large enough to hold a bike or shopping cart), a clean place to go to the bathroom and clean up, a washing machine, healthy food, internet access - and most important, respect. Did I get it? I think people are afraid that some people would take advantage of this and never leave - but honestly, who wants to stay in that situaton? And for the few who do choose to stay, maybe we should be OK with that too? It's time to rethink our priorities as communities and how we judge our fellow human beings. None of us signed up for life voluntarily and we all should be free to find our own way through it.
Posted by Jeeni Criscenzo on 06/04/2009 @ 10:28AM PT
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This is very well written. I think it's disgraceful that America doesn't even grant people the right to BE anywhere without them paying for it one way or another.
Posted by Elizabeth Barrette on 06/04/2009 @ 10:41AM PT
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Aha the Right to be, I like it Elizabeth. Shelters work on an assbely line attitude. Very little "How can we make life better with you, Or What do you bring to this game?" No treating people like individuals. Just here are the rules obey them or scat.
When I saw the topic I was Livid. But you did a great job in telling the other side of the often untold story. And some do choice to stay out. While many others are FORCED to stay out. Because in Maine the homeless shelters have been Full since 1994
Here is a true story which happened today. A mother of one, who is also 6 months pregnant Called me on the homeless hotline,asking "Where is the nearest family shelter to Bangor, I became homeless on Monday." I do not know if the father is in the picture.
I have to tell her there is not a FAMILY shelter with-in a 50 mile radius. The closest is Ellsworth on the coast and the more likely then not is filled. Then 70 miles away to the south is the mid Maine shelter, in Waterville ME, That's filled also."
This young woman is in tears and about to hung-up I tell her I can help her. She says she is beyond help. And she believes this. I would not be surprised to find she kills herself and her children. Why because the system slapped her hard when she needed help.
How many things were done wrong to this family? This family is living without any water or electricity, they have an eviction notice, and the landlord will not take GA regardless of the state law which says he can not discriminate where the money comes from-Illegal eviction yes. But even the Bangor office of the legal aid, Pine Tree Legal Asst. does not enforce that law.
A couple weeks ago she looked into an apartment in Brewer ME. The towns each told her to go to the other town. This is contrary to the State law providing there is no lenght of residency requirement
I can not see the one lawyer they have in the entire office, taking time to go to court with this mother. When their are 10 things he could be doing in that time. Perhaps I am wrong and she did not misunderstand him. I would not hold my breathe. It will be yet another slap. Why can't the system work as advertised the first time?
Back in 1986 I ran a shelter for two years. The shelter was opened 24 hours a day. There were rules. But one guy had a night job, we made an allowance he could sleep in the day. I was aware these people improved my life.
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 06/04/2009 @ 03:00PM PT
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Thank you for posting this. I remember visiting as many shelters as possible for one past social work job. All of them sucked, but one in particular was extra special. It was a public facility, but the nutjob who ran the place interupted the tour she was providing to yell at a guy who was wearing a hat (until he removed it). After many observable occurances of excessive controlling, we saw the icing of the cake: endless religion pushing. Like the "aid" in Calcutta, it was conditional and subject to endless badgering and abuse. Rev. Bookburn - Radio Volta
Posted by Rev Bookburn on 06/04/2009 @ 05:20PM PT
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I feel the need for a second post here. Someone mentioned "the right to be" and it really made me realize we don't have that right. It is our birthright to "be" anywhere we want. I don't mean in another's home (unless invited of course) I mean to the land itself. The native Americans don't believe in owning land which I agree with. Of course if we didn't own it, they couldn't tax us!!! hmmm But if anyone one of us, with or without a home feels like sleeping under the stars, we should be able to. For a "free" nation we have more rules and laws that choke the life out of everything we do.
Posted by Graham Smith on 06/05/2009 @ 12:07PM PT
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Ironic you should mention this. CA (where I am) has blown the budget so bad, they're closing down all the state parks, too. YOU won't even be able to "camp out" even if you were willing to pay for it.Me? I have to sneak into places where I can get arrested and have what little belongings I have left confiscated and trashed.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/05/2009 @ 12:37PM PT
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So ..let me get this straight, you want people to be given the right to sleep in the street,or any where else for that matter. So when the heroine addicted homeless guy decides to sleep on your front lawn because he refuses to go treatment, he should be allowed...am I getting this right?
Posted by Tony tomerson on 06/09/2009 @ 08:46AM PT
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Tony, obviously that is a situation no one would want as you describe it. I believe you have some idea of what point I was trying to make. If you genuinely don't, God help ya!
Posted by Graham Smith on 06/09/2009 @ 11:25AM PT
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Sir, I have more than a good idea of what I am talking about. I work in a homeless shelter. Yes, there are people who have the misfortune of being in a difficult situation where they need help; however there are those individuals who do not want to follow any type of rules or structure, those who do not want to pay rent, even in a low-income housing situation. Those who do not want to give up their drug of choice. Do we still let those individuals do as they please, sleep where they want, accost those in the street for money? Where does it end? It is really easy to have an outsiders point of view, and bad mouth the very organizations who are working and dealing with the problem everyday.
Posted by Tony tomerson on 06/09/2009 @ 12:38PM PT
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Tony, working in a homeless shelter has nothing to do with the idea I was getting across. Anyway, you missed the point entirely. Thanks
Posted by Graham Smith on 06/09/2009 @ 12:50PM PT
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It's regrettable to see this kind of equating "the homeless" with just such criminals and wastrels, even in avoiding so much as acknowledging all that aren't that. And by one claiming to be running shelters, especially
That's also part of WHY I've come to mostly avoid staying AT shelters, as this isn't uncommon and I don't deserve to be treated that way and won't willing succumb to it, either
The ONLY thing that "the homeless" have in common is that we don't have homes. Criminals are criminals, housed or not.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/09/2009 @ 01:06PM PT
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Okay, we all have our status in society, and we all can't be rich, and we all can't be poor...my main point in all this, is that it is AWFUL to be homeless..it is degrading, depressing, humiliating, you lose all your possessions; if you stay in shelter there are limitations to what you can and can not have, and can and cannot do....my main point is that there are NOT ENOUGH shelter beds in our country right now to accomodate the homeless that the recession is causing....and that is why I would like to create some good shelters to help people. To SlumJack: I am not saying that homeless people are criminals, I was saying that our society makes them criminals by arresting them simply because they have no place to live and are sitting on the street in an urban area! To Tony: For one thing, I would let people stay in during the day if they had to, (Especially if they are sick!) if people could stay in a shelter during the day instead of roaming the streets (If they don't have anything planned to do!), then they wouldn't get into trouble roaming the streets. Or have some sort of programs for them during the day...education, job training, job search, so that people are not out hanging out on the street until it's time to check in. I basically would try to be NICE to them and have staff be NICE to them, too!
I just think we need more good shelters in this country right now...
Posted by Debra Blum on 06/09/2009 @ 02:34PM PT
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Slumjack, thank you for saying what I was thinking. My last comment was brief because the attitude from someone who works in a homeless shelter seemed extremely insensitive, and I had to bite my tongue and "run" outta here.
I SO agree that it is so wrong to equate the homeless with drug addicts and criminals. It seems the shelters are worrying too much about keeping the criminals at bay that they forget what their real purpose should be.
Posted by Graham Smith on 06/09/2009 @ 02:55PM PT
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I'll just throw in my intensity, hope no one minds much....love how everyone is like, "get a job, get a job" there are some people in the world that are tired of being enslaved and that is not to say they cannot contribute productively, it is just that they don't contribute with servitude.
Secondly I think the point of paying "to be" is valid and understated, especially in big cities, because you can not even park your car anywhere without paying for it, let alone sleep. I think it is a law that you are allowed to park on the freeway and sleep because they wouldn't want you to fall asleep at the wheel.
Lastly, it is a jail-able crime to be homeless now. If you all don't wake up and see what's happening to people and how labor is forced on all but the elite, and that it is gettin worse, then i feel real sorry for you!
People can be productive and happy and crime free without having to be at a job or career. They can sew, babysit for members in their community, start a community garden, rescue animals, etc. Imagine if non- profits got paid as much as a U.S Burger King CEO? Wouldn't the productivity of do-gooders and environmental clean up and such really have an effect of positivity magnified? If the guy who worked at a shelter was paid top dollar, maybe the people he helped would really get helped and good food and respect and if not, he would loose CEO status and people would do good for others competitively to get the job. In other words (the next CEO would try to outdo the latter in good deeds)
Posted by Margaret Free on 06/10/2009 @ 12:26AM PT
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I want to afterword my piece by adding that I'd been contacting shelters offering to contribute: belongings (furniture, bedding, household supplies, electronics, etc.) as I'd been illegally evicted and didn't want to just lose everything -- plus I was offering to work for them, too.Not looking for ANY free rides. Just some real "help"... to get me OUT of the jam, not reduce me to ONLY remaining in it with less than ever, of everything. And, yes, including simple basic human, adult respects and freedoms. Which I earn.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/05/2009 @ 12:30PM PT
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Very interesting post ,and sadly very true, I am the director of a homeless shelter ,an try every way possible to help those in our house to find employment and rebuild thier lives. we do stress Christ and the power of salvation , The power of the cross can change lives.We try to take the time to work with each client one on one.With God in the center we have helped to rebuild and restore families.Pray with and for us that We can change where WE need to ,and always be teachable
and never forget that anyone at any time could become homeless and we all need help and prayer.Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, pretty good advise along with these words ! The Greatest of Gifts is "LOVE"
in Christ ,Jimmy
Posted by Jimmy Burroughs on 06/07/2009 @ 08:47PM PT
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Hi Jimmy! I agree with you that Jesus is the way to go and that we should love our neighbor and do what we can to help others! I think what it is all gonna come down to is that people are going to have to start helping one another more...that's what Jesus wants anyway, right? Jesus also said "Do not Judge" and our society does that anyway, doesn't it?
God Bless you that you are able to be one of those that CAN help others!
Jesus loves you and everyone!
Posted by Debra Blum on 06/09/2009 @ 03:42PM PT
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I saw somewhere an idea about a multistory parking-lot structure with bathrooms and showers where people can lock these secure, portable, collapsable tent-like structures to live in. That would be a great solution for the larger cities of the USA, would you agree Slumjack?
Posted by Kylie Gillis on 06/07/2009 @ 10:08PM PT
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Another question- Slumjack, are you aware of the Couchsurfing movement? Do you think that would be a help to you?
Posted by Kylie Gillis on 06/07/2009 @ 10:10PM PT
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Kylie - thanks for sharing your concern and ideas.There are a number of issues involved in those kind of structure ideas, including issues of civic codes/legalities, hygiene and safety, operations management and funding, etc. I see various innovative structures, but often without all the surrounding pragmatics thought or worked out.As for the "couchsurfing", I've tried that and some examination and commentary of such options is probably worthwhile, at some point. Maybe in a further blog piece or elsewhere. Again, thanks.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/08/2009 @ 07:10AM PT
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Thanks for re-posting this article. One of the young men I met who used to live on the sqaure outside Toronto city hall told me when I asked if he wouldn't prefer a shelter on a cold snowy night: " man, I just got out of prison. I don't wanna go back inside..."
Posted by Andy Cc on 06/08/2009 @ 08:24AM PT
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There are good shelters and there are bad shelters. I would like to create some good ones that really help people. Would anyone like to assist me in starting an Economic Recovery Shelter System across the USA? We could make it really flexible for people's circumstances, with lots of programs to help people get back on their feet....counseling, job search, housing search, meals, showers, clothing, child care, transportation assistance, relocation assistance for jobs, etc..
I need some people to be on a Board of Directors to help me do this.....come on......there are Tent Cities now!!!
Posted by Debra Blum on 06/08/2009 @ 09:41AM PT
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Everything you just described showers, food, counseling, different programs, relocations currently exist in shelters now how would you make it different?
Posted by Tony tomerson on 06/09/2009 @ 01:19PM PT
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See my original points.
I've attempted to negotiate with several shelters, according to my own individual circumstances, needs and even real offers for exchange.
The city-affiliated shelter has little to no flexibility, is especially oriented to a "recovery" (i.e. substance abuse/criminal) authoritarian scenario to the point of being like incarceration. The "faith-based" shelters are far less funded and mainly interested in proselytizing and even having people feel "bottomed out" in order to "surrender" to their beliefs.
The most pungent irony to all this is that those of us that show up in the best shape and even with distinct potentials to succeed in getting back OUT of the jam are driven further into it by the shelters existing and their demands and impositions and limitations.
By now I've had to realize that MOST of the shelters, programs and "helps" are designed far more to perpetuate a chronic homelessness, if only by default of mainly to somewhat ease the very worst forms of it, but little to nothing more.
UNLESS one IS a drunk/addict/felon... in which case there are options that I, for instance, don't "qualify" for.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/09/2009 @ 01:46PM PT
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Yes Debra I would like to work on the real cause of homelessness-ITS poverty! I still want to get the words out Shelters are not the answer. Each day they turn away 3 to 5 people for every person, they serve. I think its to wipe out poverty - guess what, there's a conference for that.
Building the Unsettling Force: A National Conference to Abolish Poverty
July 16th to 19h Natl. Abolish poverty conference in Louisville KY wants people working to end poverty in the new months to join them. One of the two sponsoring groups is www.ppehrc.com
Conf. fees are on sliding scales, and include 6 of 9 meals.
It is billed to pick up where Martin Luther King Jr. left off. At Spalding university. That leaves travel costs and Poor Peoples economic human Rights Campaign may be able to aid with that. http://old.economichumanrights.org/index.shtmltop left, hit overview, flyer, and reg. form.
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 06/08/2009 @ 02:43PM PT
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Hi Jan! Yes, I know about the Conference...I am an email subscriber to the PPEHRC. I think BETTER and MORE shelters are the answer....people without money and the homeless are criminialized (especially SINGLE people!) everyday in our society simply because they do not have money....shelters that are accomodating to actually HELPING people!!
Posted by Debra Blum on 06/08/2009 @ 04:30PM PT
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How did you type this article if you are homeless? 404 error, logic not found
Posted by Ali Khan on 06/08/2009 @ 03:56PM PT
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I am not homeless....I have been homeless in my life, but am not homeless now. When you are homeless you can always go to a library and use their computers, or a coffee shop, or internet cafe that has computers.....you would be surprised at how you learn how to survive....like I said, there are good homeless shelters.
Posted by Debra Blum on 06/08/2009 @ 04:23PM PT
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You doubt that I'm genuinely homeless? Because I was able to type the text or participate online?
I'm sorry, but you'd have to explain yourlogic to me.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/09/2009 @ 09:06AM PT
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I'm doubting you are genuinely homeless.
I don't doubt the skills, I doubt the means.
Posted by Crazy Dude on 06/15/2009 @ 03:13PM PT
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Well, that's just bizarre, although you still haven't said why.
But I might wish you were right about that.
Tell ya' what, let's check your conviction, since you've felt it important enough to bother to challenge that here -- if you're wrong, we'll swap residence for, say, six months?
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/15/2009 @ 04:54PM PT
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Really interesting. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Posted by Zach Knowling on 06/09/2009 @ 11:52AM PT
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We have to *at least* give homeless people prison-quality living conditions, but their experience shouldn't be like living in a prison, i.e. they should have more freedom.
I say this because it seems wrong to reward criminals with accomodation but not homeless people. We don't want to incentivise people to commit crimes.
Posted by Stoo Denno on 06/09/2009 @ 10:06PM PT
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Now you've ventured some of the, possibly, more controversial aspects. As others are pointing out, simply being homeless is being "criminalized" in fact.
Example:
I was "curb camping" (see photo above) at a location that the local police had previously directed me to. As I prepared, late one night, three cops were down the block (having pulled over some car) and saw me doing so. Yet, the next morn, three cops awakened me by kicking my feet and then wrote me a citation for being there - allegedly "obstructing the sidewalk".
Now I'll have to go to court (more costly and wastefully time consuming than you can imagine, requiring going all the way to another city to do so) where they typically then impose fines (far more 'expensive' in this predicament than you might realize) which can also be "paid" via "community service"... which means working, unpaid, for perhaps 30 hours or so. Free slave labor, really, and from people that STILL can't sleep or live anywhere.
Some number of people that become too stressed or desperate DO commit crimes, even just to "go inside" for spells. OR some go "5150" -- to get nabbed for being "mentally ill" for the same purpose, PLUS then "qualifying" for coveted "checks" (i.e. Social Security and/or Disability).
And, as I mention above, there ARE "programs" for drunks/drug addicts/criminals that provide even better housing (i.e. "halfway houses") that I don't "qualify" for... simply because I'm NOT a drunk/addict/felon (although now I'm a cited sidewalk obstructor... and who knows what's yet to come?).
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/10/2009 @ 09:21AM PT
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Thank you for this blog. It is true I was homeless and we face a lot of problems that most people are not aware of. Even if someone does drugs or whatever they are still human. We need to stop judging and learn to reach out with our hearts. This is a problem that I hope more people will want to get involved with since it could happen to most of our population at any time. Thank you again to those that strive to understand and come up with solutions.
Posted by I C on 06/10/2009 @ 12:01PM PT
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Like I told jack and the others I have been homeless, I have also been drunk and homeless. Drunk and homeless is easier. Perhaps being a woman I did not like sleeping in view. I took to back allies, and the woods.
But I was in college at the time. not your typical homeless person-they aren't many once you get to know the homeless as people.
My point is When I was a teenagers their were not enough shelters. Since 1994 most shelters are filled. Anyone know the shelters are filled-That is not the kind of news, mainstream media prints not do in-depth stories upon.
Perhaps to eradicate homelessness what we need is the media covering the news from the viewpoint of those mired in poverty. Any feedback on that?
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 06/10/2009 @ 03:12PM PT
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Thank you for sharing your story!
Posted by Amanda Kloer on 06/12/2009 @ 12:54PM PT
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You are all nuts...(shh silence) umm peace
Posted by rick rogers rogers rick on 06/12/2009 @ 02:52PM PT
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Thanks for the post, Slumjack, and the rest for the insightful comments. I am a student in a Human Services program at our local community college, and attend monthly H.O.T. (Homeless Outreach Team) meetings, a collaboration of county agencies (social services, shelters and law enforcement) that are on the streets outreaching to those who want help.
I am going to provide copies of this page to everyone at the next meeting. For those of you who wish you could put your ideas before the 'powers that be', you will be heard, at least on my little corner of the planet.
Posted by Linda Clark on 06/13/2009 @ 04:57PM PT
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Gosh, I'd be very curious what everyone at that kind of meeting might have to say about all this. If you ever get a chance to summarize or share any of it, do let me know!
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/13/2009 @ 06:16PM PT
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SlumJack - The meeting was yesterday and I brought copies of your post for everyone. Since I'm an observer and not part of the team, I had to wait for the end of the meeting to make my comments and pass out the copies. So I really don't know what anyone thinks and will have to wait a month for feedback, if there is any. The good news is that everyone was very interested and everyone took a copy. Thank you again for sharing your experience and some very valid points. Keep on keepin' on!
Posted by Linda Clark on 06/18/2009 @ 11:50AM PT
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Hi, good comments, I have set up a homeless project in the UK where we have volunteers who let people stay in their homes. I can be an alternative for people where hostels aren't appropriate for them to stay in. Maybe you need something like that where you are. We need to have lots of different solutions, and we can't expect that a hostel is suitable for everyone. - check out the website www.hopehousing.org.uk
Posted by Helen Syrop on 06/17/2009 @ 03:49AM PT
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Dear Helen, I am going to show my ignorance what is a hostel? Or how does it work? Are there age limits in the UK?
Showing lack of knowledge is the only way to overcome ignorancee.
Linda, it is great that your little corner of the world will read this thread. If I could tell people what the homeless wants besides homes, its old fashion RESPECT.
I would also like to say governmental programs that do not work the first time causes alot of homelessness. As 2/3 of those who appeal SSI and SSDI win. But what about the guy with four kids, and a wife who was just told he has cancer and the doctor gives him six month to live?
I actually had this call. Because the town mistakenly or in flagant disregard of the general Relief/town assistance/welfare laws Said because he was denied long term help, they would not aid his family in the short term.
This was a few days before the winter holidays in the 1990's
I told him of the Appeal system and 1/2 the time that works. But his lost of energy resuted in him not attempt what he saw as a stacked system against him and his family.
He told me if he were dead SSI would take care of his family. He also mentioned If I called the cops he would deny that statement. A week after Christmas he was found shout, with the gun, in the back yard.
His kids immediately got survivor's benefits the family was allowed to stay housed. All this father has to do was scar his children for life, with his desperate last act.
I would also tell the powers to be being ending 100% of poverty, taxpayers saves funds in the long run.
JUST A MONTH AWAY
Plus I would tell the readers about the "Abolish poverty conference in Kentucky July 16th thru 19th, 09.' It is Billed as "The Conference to Pick up Where Martin Luther King Jr. Left off. It will call for economic human rights. http://www.ppehrc.org/ Building the Unsettling Force: A National Conference to Abolish Poverty in the left corner. In Loiusville KY, Spaling university.
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 06/17/2009 @ 08:23AM PT
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Slumjack isn't homeless, he's dwellingless. What I mean is he is capable of making a home of where he goes. And that should be rewarded not criminalized.
My gf and I have been trying to find ways to get into a 6 bad/4 bath rent to own (for the power the property rights allow us). We are beyond disappointed by this mockery of a social welfare system. Essentially the idea is to have at least one or two families paying us 3/5 of the rent and a homeless person getting back on their feet for free.
I'm not looking for help. I'm looking for opportunity and power. To help.
Unfortunately a lot of the 6 bed houses have pools which means ixnay the ardengay. And the ardengay is a key component. We would like to provide a week's worth of rent to anyone who would like to work the ardengay - maybe 4 hours a day. Maybe even some of the produce when it comes out of the ground.
Gardening is not a crime, yet.
Anybody have any idea how two urbanly (as opposed to royally) pissed off individuals can accomplish this?
I have server space I haven't paid for in 6 months. I have coding skills, but lappy died.
Posted by Anti Vigilante on 06/18/2009 @ 07:14PM PT
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Actually I'd like to take this a little further. Let's redefine homlessness as:
-being unable to cook for oneself
-being unable to communicate one's needs to others in a professional manner
-being unable to navigate the streets
-not knowing where a motel is
-not knowing where a restaurant is
-not being able to beg for enough dough to get a night in a motel
-not being able to beg for enough dough to get an hour to shower in a motel
-being unable to negotiate cleaning a few toilets for a night in a motel
Yeah, who's homeless now? Ok now that that's settled, about them dwellingalings?
-Power not patronizing.
Opportunity not Obamavilles.
F- the Enlightenment.
Viva la Renaissance.
Posted by Anti Vigilante on 06/18/2009 @ 08:06PM PT
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I do not get it. But your redefining sounds like nit picking to me. Let us focus on ending the poverty which causes homeless.
People in motels still lack a dwelling of their own.
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 06/19/2009 @ 09:01AM PT
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If only it were that simple. "Poverty" probably isn't the ONLY "reason" nor the only solution or warranted effort.
Besides, eradicating "poverty" as a sole or prerequisite venture will almost certainly involve just neglecting and leaving countless people needlessly homeless until that could somehow, sometime ever be accomplished. Which would only perpetuate and allow for even more people to join the homeless rosters in the meantime.
For instance, in my own personal case, it wasn't simply poverty that was the main cause. It was the cause of my becoming broke, which was due to illegal employers not paying what I'd rightfully, lawfully earned and was due. And an absence of various manifests "help" to allow me to legally correct that, and restore my rightful status, was due to an absence of resources for that purpose, due to a possible overemphasis upon other presumed problems. Much like you just did.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/19/2009 @ 09:38AM PT
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People in rental property lack a dwelling of their own as well. And don't folrget contract workers who live a pretty comfortable life with no permanent residence by staying in hotels. Those who don't move too much might get a weekly deal in a studio.
The point is treating people who are not helpless as if they are keeps them poor.
Posted by Anti Vigilante on 06/19/2009 @ 01:16PM PT
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Thanks for answering me in person, Jack. When I said "poverty" I mean the mindset which says employers can pay workers less then the cost of rent, never mind other the basics.
How was your not getting paid not a result of culture of human lack of ethics? *Poverty* is far from simple. And I base this statement upon my experience with others who phone me, at the homeless hot line
Their are thousands a year. There are secondary cause which might be more recognisable to sociologist, as sickness causing lack of being able to hold a job. But those circumstance causes *Poverty *. There are women and men escaping abuse. But their partners most likely, kept the beaten down person at home, not working-So they lack income. The hidden cause is *Poverty*
I do not know where you get homeless will be avoided when we address poverty? Except if you do like churches who stop giving to housing, to provide heating. I am talking about ending 100% of poverty for 100% of those in need.
Employers paying a fair wage not slave wages so the employees do not become competitors. But paying the real cost of items which cannot be done without- otherwise referred to as a livable wage.
As long as we fail to recognize the underling causes of homelessness- as unable to afford first last and deposit =*Poverty.*
From my 25 year experience dealing with others homelessness, as well as a bout or two of my own of not having a roof of my own over my head. I have found 90% of the time its the attitude that its fine to underpay, or in your case not pay workers which causes poverty, then that causes homelessness.
What I was trying to say is do not bicker over terms. Jack I have nothing but respect for the homeless, but ask your self what is the consequence if someone like myself is correct, and everyone ignores it?
What happens is nothing. Nothing improves! And human suffering continues.
What would happen if people along the same thought lines, were heard? We would end poverty and hunger and homeless before a nine year old graduated high school. Again thanks for responding.
I hope the system begins to work for you. the way society imagines it will work. With compassion enough to end poverty
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 06/19/2009 @ 11:24AM PT
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I think you have some valid points, Jan, but I don't agree that we must attempt such a global, deep change of human ethics/societal systems in order to importantly address other factors and even enjoy some relief and lessenings of the problems of homelessness.
In my own experience, apparently it's precious resources being diverted to such lofty "advocacies" that are outright depriving existing homeless people from the very manifest help thatc otherwise actually "end homelessness" for them. Now.
I can only seriously caution against that pitfall.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/19/2009 @ 12:30PM PT
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My redefinition is to separate homeless who need situational care and homeless who need professional (medical, institution) care from homeless who need a kickstart and are otherwise capable.
Poverty is not a systemic breakdown (as in Stalin's statics vs strategy - systemic = statistics). It is a local disaster that may be caused by sytemic problems, but can also be caused by treating the victim according to a preselected model instead of picking the model after speaking to the victim.
Posted by Anti Vigilante on 06/19/2009 @ 01:12PM PT
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Anti, I still do not know what you speak of. And poverty IS a systemic break down. Since the Dawn of person kind It has been thought fine to pay less the need of the worker.
Jack I agree, that resources should not be diverted from over coming our current homelessness. The bible says you give to the according to the need. Which means find more funds to pay for motels. And also give extra to help the elderly heat their homes.
I do not know about a global change I know a little about America. And I ask you to consider changes come only when we think something is wrong. Like in the 1890;s Americans began to decide it was WRONG to treat children as slaves. We changed that here. workers must be 16. But not abroad
When I talk about ending poverty, by improving our thought processes, its not funds to be diverted. It is treating each person as if they are valuable, and should be paid enough to cover all of their basic bills.
Over 70% of America's workers are paid less than it cost to live. That is the accepted attitude. When mention we should pay burger flippers $17. an hour, I mean Nurses should get $35.00 an hour.
Entry level work should pay all the bills, and Skilled workers should be pay more. More than a decade and half ago it was decided ending world wide poverty means getting resource's to those deprived and would cost 0.02% of the world resources.
So how does treating people kindly, as we want to be treated, really harm the already homeless? Why wouldn't they also be treated with the compassion few receive?
It is good talking to you. too many homeless both families and individuals are to ashamed to speak out.
If you have seem any posts elsewhere I say 3 things are needed to overcome poverty. These are basic human rights.
1) employers must pay a livable wage
2) the poor must speak out for OURSELVES, telling where the flaws are.
3) Our courts must allow the underpaid to use the courts to address injustices, as Government official turning away people who in fact our eligible for aid.
I think we are talking about different things- But this pain in the neck advocate, will continue to speak out.
I too am against highly paid National advocates, who only want to cure 50% of poverty.
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 06/19/2009 @ 02:46PM PT
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Lol. Well said! Hey, we're on the same page. I'm just.... much further down on it, so to speak.
Maybe some more creative solutions -- like give us a shot, if we slip into homelessness -- to earn our keep somehow and somewhere helping out with the ballooning elderly that are having some trouble tending things; or the disabled that need some assist; or let us repair a place that might be sitting idle while we stay there; etc.
Things are getting tough and tougher all over and for more of us. We ALL got to help out - one another.
Thanks for your acknowledgments and thoughtful remarks.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/19/2009 @ 04:27PM PT
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Lol. Well said! Hey, we're on the same page. I'm just.... much further down on it, so to speak.
Maybe some more creative solutions -- like give us a shot, if we slip into homelessness -- to earn our keep somehow and somewhere helping out with the ballooning elderly that are having some trouble tending things; or the disabled that need some assist; or let us repair a place that might be sitting idle while we stay there; etc.
Things are getting tough and tougher all over and for more of us. We ALL got to help out - one another.
Thanks for your acknowledgments and thoughtful remarks.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/19/2009 @ 04:27PM PT
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You can become poor in an economic boom when your roomamtes claim to have paid their share for rent but used the money for drugs.
Poverty is incident by incident. It is not an abstract unfortunate statistical event connected purely to vaguely defined variables over the whole economy. It's real not it's not a side effect.
The rhetoric of systemic breakdown ignores the individual and individual causes. Systemic breakdown rhetoric comes from desk jockeys and bean counters. It's inaccurate, insulting, and useless.
Posted by Anti Vigilante on 06/19/2009 @ 06:17PM PT
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I hope in less than a month to visit Kentucky and meet with advocates who work on weekends. Often for little or no pay. Check out www.ppehrc.org They are people who know first hand what bouts of poverty, and homelessness does. The group will help with getting people in need there.
Thanks for your kind remarks. I like to think I have gone to the bottom of the page. That I see just a bit more then most caring people. Only now the question is, how do I get others to catch up? Perhaps this conference.
Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 06/20/2009 @ 07:27AM PT
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I just worked in Montana in a homeless shelter for 10 months. There isn't enough room on this page to even begin to list all the mental cruelty, abuse, control techniqes, etc, that go on there. And I have the evidence to prove it. Just doesn't do any good. No one cares anyway. It's all about donations and the income for the staff. The 20 or so paid staff members there, all make a living off the backs of the homeless. The whole secret to their livelihood is public perception. The truth is that they are experts at deceiving the public into believing they are helping the homeless, and they do a bit, but no where like how they portray themselves.
Posted by Jesse Hutson on 06/25/2009 @ 01:07PM PT
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Thank you for these comments. I've come to find that this is far more true than I'd realized, and I'd already realized more than was comfortable.
Woefully, you're also correct -- not many really care. That's why there are these problems. Recently an outfit here got outright busted for just embezzling a coupla' hundred dollars with their "nonprofit" missioned with "helping the homeless". Busted. Caught.
No individual was charged or convicted. Instead, the "organization" had sanctions brought and was ordered to make restitution. Of course, if a broke, gutted "organization" doesn't have it and so is forced out of biz... then what?
People would do better to either check where their "donations" are really going, and to what actual results, or if they really want to help, consider taking some other actions. I've found some people that just get together with others and go and simply help homeless people, in manifest ways. THAT's making differences. Differences that they can see firsthand.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/25/2009 @ 05:38PM PT
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Correction:
"couple of hundred dollars" in text should read:
"couple of hundred thousand dollars"
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 07/01/2009 @ 06:23PM PT
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Humane shelters would recognize the distinction between the kind of help differing groups of people need and tailor their service to them accordingly. The model we use is a totally outmoded model it sounds like to me of 100 years ago or something. Obviously it costs more to provide better services but it also is for the the good of the community to do so. Good social services are a benefit to everyone and the humanity of the community as a whole, to not see that we are all interdependent is a fallacy of the individualism we focus on but there must be both a protection of individual freedom and the offer of assistance with dignity.
The problem is that doing this strictly on the local level makes a benevolent community a magnet for everyone the other communities simply want to get rid of and then overloads that communities ability to help. Siimilarly with health care and other services, the state or community that helps becomes the dumping ground of the socially irresponsible communities and states.
Posted by Charles Gillard on 06/26/2009 @ 09:14AM PT
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Here is a page that I found on the net. Perhaps everyone here already read it, as I am usually the last to know anything! LOL But I find that it is quite accurate in it's findings on shelter life.
http://www.wpunj.edu/~newpol/issue43/BMandell43.htm
The tragic thing I think is that when you are in a shelter, you have to keep your mouth shut or you are thrown out on the streets again.
I am not totally against shelters, so I don't want to appear negative about them all, but when I see an honest, caring one, I will mention that also. Let's just tell it like it is.
I would love to see a "Guide to Homeless Shelters" type handbook, where they can be rated like they do campgrounds! And I will volunteer to spend the next year or two doing the research. Anyone interested? With the amount of homelessness on the rise, people should at least know about the shelter they are going to. Bye for Now
Posted by Jesse Hutson on 06/27/2009 @ 04:07PM PT
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That's an interesting idea, but I wonder about the logistics. And the audience. For instance, how many people even check for such a guide in any form before needing shelter?
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/28/2009 @ 10:05AM PT
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I totally understand what you're saying. It would be the last thing I would look for. However, there is a need for this info, whether it is on a state level, nation wide, or both.
There is power in honesty. All kinds of people could use this info. Social workers, gov't agencies, ( ie: VA, ) councellors, churches, any community center, or outreach org. etc.
While no one plans to be homeless, the statistics are frightening and the amount of families that are just one paycheck away from the streets is mind boggling.
An honest resource like the one mentioned above wouldn't change that, but it would be one more tool available to arm people with accurate information. Information that can make a lot of difference, whether it helps to make an informed choice by the reader, or maybe forces a less than respectable shelter clean up it's act.
Posted by Jesse Hutson on 06/28/2009 @ 07:27PM PT
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Thank you, Thank you....My stay in the shelter in Fairfax was exactly described by your experience in many many ways. The Curfew at 9:30 controls the "Inmate" population and the subtle and not so subtle coercive measures again controlled those that went along to keep a bed. Insanity masked as concern. I could go on about this but I wont. You have said it well enough for me. Thanks, and dont give up before the miracle.
Posted by Keith Bender on 06/27/2009 @ 07:32PM PT
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You were luck to have such a late curfew. Some around here are as early as 5pm or 6:30pm. The whole evening is shot there.
Yes, the predicament is that while these operations are demonstrably designed to keep the worst cases from their own demise (while mainly actually perpetuating their predicament) they also thereby become real liabilities for the more functional among us -- and, thereby, serving to actually prevent us from being about to get back out of the jam.
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 06/28/2009 @ 10:09AM PT
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My entire career has been working with folks who have a mental illness, I was laid off and now work for the "welfare" office for my state doing food stamp applications. I am desperate for information - accurate info - from people who have actually experienced homelessness. Many, many people come to apply for food stamps now for the first time and are on the verge of losing their home or have become homeless. Many are couch surfing, some use shelters, some the streets. To have an objective report on the shelters in my state would allow me to feel like I'm giving information that is reliable - and therefore respectable - to anyone who I see struggling would be like a gift from God. Accurate and reliable info is my lifeline at work. It allows me to be the best food stamp worker I can be which then allows me to be a much better resource for applicants, which then hopefully translates into their ability to make better informed decisions for themselves on what steps to take next. Perhaps such a guide book already exists. I have searched my state websites, various social service sites, etc, but nothing complete or comprehensive exists.
SlumJack, I have always wondered...for the folks who are homeless in cold climates (like New England), why do they not head to warmer climates in the winter? The number of deaths we have just seem so senseless. I always thought, in my ignorance, that if I were faced being homeless and winter came, I would start walking South to warmer weather. But I am also someone who would spend my entire life living someplace new every 2 years if I could, so growing roots isn't my natural inclination.
On another note - it has always bothered me that EMTs are paid $8-10/hr to save people's lives. And yet here I am being a glorified data entry person that is being paid far more than that. It makes no sense.
I have always been in awe of the people who suffer from an illness or who are homeless or face any other severe disruption to what society thinks is a "normal" life. How they have the courage wake up in the morning and still face the day is amazing. Thank you SlumJack for educating us from your experiences. I hope you continue to post - with or without a dwelling. What I am able to learn from you I can hopefully help the next person better. Pay it forward...
Posted by Miss Pam on 06/28/2009 @ 05:47PM PT
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Have you seen this:
http://www.shelterlistings.org/
Posted by SlumJack Homeless on 07/02/2009 @ 11:31AM PT
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Just checked out the DC/VA. AREA on SHELTERLISTINGS and looks like they have everything. Nice , have you seen their WIDGET? I have one for this site on my blog. That how I remind myself to check these posts. Then the email reminder helps too. Going to see what the widget looks like. Can anyone check AREA's they know? and feed back on it.
Posted by Keith Bender on 07/02/2009 @ 12:11PM PT
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The curfew was 9:30pm, but dinner was at 4 pm to 5pm, and once you were back you had to decide if going out was worth it. I didnt mention that the county had a contract with them to house the Sex offenders that must register their address with the State Police. And Jail releases and Mental Health cases that were unmedicated . And the ability to keep a decent attitude when the "Resident Managers" excercise their "Power" which is a bluff and coercive as well is difficult.
But you know that its a one day at a time deal because you can get kicked out and on the street inside of an hours time.So there is not a true sense of any stability. Then the shelter becomes transitional housing for those with Jobs. So It really is insane living arrangements.
Posted by Keith Bender on 07/01/2009 @ 06:53PM PT
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Institutionalism is fantastic, eh?
Posted by Anti Vigilante on 07/01/2009 @ 07:55PM PT
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Hi,
This is new for me, so be gentle. My name is Melissa and my husband (who was homeless for a short period of time) and myself are currently in the process of renovating a warehouse to provide an "emergency shelter" and also house a one-year spiritual recovery program. We are in the program planning stages and I came across this blog because I want to do something different re ending homelessness. I'm open to all ideas and was particularly provoked by the comments of Debra Blum and Slum Jack. Where's a good place to start? BTW-we are located in Upper Darby, PA.
Posted by melissa blackson on 08/20/2009 @ 06:03AM PT
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Hi Melissa! Props for creating change on such a personal level! You may want to consider applying for grants to help fund your project. Even with the current economic weather (the universal disclaimer!), there are a lot of private funders around. I recently took a grant writing class and was really amazed at the resources. Setting yourself up as a 501(c)(3) (IRS non-profit status) might be a step in the right direction as well. This is a stretch, but perhaps you can collaborate with local agencies to get free or low cost labor, especially under the umbrella of 'training' for the folks.
Good luck & God bless!
Posted by Linda Clark on 08/20/2009 @ 12:39PM PT
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http://www.upperdarby.org/homeless%20program.pdf
try this link to get an idea of whats also going on in Upper Darby regarding homelessness. Depending on the acceptance level you encounter about your Spiritual program then asking local churches and other houses of faith for involvement might work once you finish defining exactly what you are offering.
Best check with the township about needed permits first!! Just because you rented or bought a warehouse doesnt make your emergency shelter safe or approved by Fire Code and any zoning regulations that may apply.
Best wishes
Posted by Keith Bender on 08/20/2009 @ 02:13PM PT
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