I am homeless

[ghostsinthemachine]

Last edited Sun Dec 27, 2015, 04:40 PM - Edit history (2)

I am homeless
Been living in my car for over a year now. Thankfully I knew it was coming so I bought a van which hides out pretty nicely. I belong to a gym and shower and workout there. Got a Computer and download movies etc and have a few bars and coffee shops I have been hannging out in forever so I don't spend much money. I also win trivia almost every week and that is good for a couple of burgers a week. With the food stamps and cash I do okay. I never sell my food stamps (Some do however and that pisses me off) and am going to lose my cash aid next month. My carpal Tunnel is still not fixed but it is better now thanks to painkillers. Now Ic an funtion anyways, but still cannot possibly do any type of job right now till I get the operation.I cannot get SSD because of the time I took care of my parents via IHSS meant that I have a ten year lapse in employment (When working for a parent via IHHS they do not take out social security) so no SS Disability for me.. 2 years till full on SS (62).....

My healthcare story here http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027031413

BUT< there are about 30 people who call this library home. They all have a story and a different situation. Some are flat out drunks. Others are tweekers, others don't do drugs at all but have anxiety so bad they cannot even approach a cash register. One guy has a PHD in Russian (Soviet) studies but his weight and overall look, along with his outdated study, mean he cannot get work. He is new around here and living in his car.

Some of the ones who are pretty much unable to function at all I have taken to get them into programs and see that they get food stamps and aid and take them to the free meals, which are a ways away..

I am lucky, I have 2 two cars, great friends around and things to keep me occupied and into a good groove. Many don't. And the help they get is nothing. $175 dollars a month cash for 3 months (which you have to pay back) and 190 in food stamps and a bus pass. but nobody can take their stuff on the bus they seldom use it, because their possessions are everything to them..

If you don't have a car then that means you eat at the liquor store.

A few churches (and they are the only ones that do) help out, but the GIANT church next to the park has never given anyone so much as a sandwich. Nor has the one across the street from that one. A couple free meals, miles away,and the food lockers, but if you are carless, you are screwed. Even then if you don't have a home the food they do give you is worthless. Rice, noodles? soups, all stuff you need to heat? They try hard but it is tough. Some of it is okay but the food lockers are required to give everyone a bag of rice and some noodles and cereal. If you don't have a car, then you aren't getting there. The bus don't come within a mile of there.

For a lot of these people, I tried, via the various agencies around here, to get some info on shelters, becasue I saw the news trucks etc..... and I got NO REPLY. for two weeks, no return on phone calls no return on emails, NOT CRAP (the head of the biggest non profit did offer some info but those contacts never contacted me). One of the orgs just got 10 MILLION Dollars in grants too. Perhaps they should get someone to answer the fucking phone and emails......

They had a shelter here, right down the street, last week for a week. All the news people were there touting this crapola. NOT ONE PERSON (I didn't even go there) from around here spent more than one night there. And we saw freezing temps for a couple of days. They had meals, food and haircuts and clothing, but nobody took advantage for that from around here.

For one thing, but you had to leave here, go to downtown to get on a bus,(only 100 too) then to light rail to wait on a bus (at 5 oclock) then be transported to an church location and get lucky to get that church. Again, possessions play a role into this. That means bus and light rail and walking a distance but having to leave all your possessions behind.

Another is the once you are in, you are in policy. So smokers aren't gonna buy that. I wouldn't. No dogs, no drunks etc policy as well. I know that you have to have those policies due to insurance and liability issues, but it is restrictive.

So I don't know, everyone has a different thing going on. Mine is pain. And being a white male 60 years old with outdated job skills and lots of health issues. One couple is a black man, white woman couple. He is a Muslim, a Sunni,and she is a Presbyterian (Which the GIANT church next door is). They sleep on the ground. Came here from Seattle for a job and that fell apart. Here they are, not shit. One is from this very neighborhood who got screwed out of the family biz when he dad died and has been here for years. He does the can thing. Couple of total drunks who fly signs.
Someone the other day asked me, besides giving cash, what can I do? I didn't have an answer. I told her that all of us would be grateful for dinner come Christmas. Past that< I am not sure. I think money is wasted with homeless organizations and all that bullshit. do the math, 10 million dollars for ONE org this year? Lets suppose there are 5K homeless people in the region. That's 2k per. I think that money would be better off spent directly to people, so they can pay off the crap that is keeping them homeless. Probation, Driver's licenses, Car registration (one of mine is due next month and I have no idea what to do about that) or buy a car etc. But no, it will go to pay salaries of a homeless org that will dance in the moonlight of the TV cameras but only marginally effect actually helping people.

I think someone, someone with money to experiment, should try to give 10K to every homeless person (A test group of course) along with a advocate to see that the money is spent wisely and solves the issues like traffic fines, child support, drivers license. buy decent cars, clothes, teeth, all the things keeping them from seeing their way out of homelessness. Sure some would squander it, but I think most would sue ti wisely. I would start another non profit myself. my back stuff is all taken care of so I would do what I love with it..

Upon DU's suggestion here is a link to my gofundme page. https://www.gofundme.com/t7g8e648 I didn't start this to get money, I felt it a story to be told but upon many suggestions I did create a page. Help if you can and do help those that are not nearly as fortunate as I am. Compared tyo a lot of people I got it pretty good.
Thanks.

[annabanana]

1. I am kicking for more eyeballs.

Most people have no idea how exhausting and discouraging poverty is in this country.. And how much better other countries deal with it.

[hollysmom]

53. I know how expensive it is too be poor and how inconvenient to not have a home,

but it is like pulling teeth to get a republican to understand who never knew anyone who lived in their car or never saw poverty up close and personal. People who have always had parents to take them in when they lost a job, etc. They just do not have the imagination to see it.

[tblue37]

125. LIVE LINK TO GFM PAGE: I am putting this post under yours not as a reply to you, but so that

the live link to his GFM page will be near the top of the thread where people can find it easily. I believe the difficulty of locating the necessary info to get to his page is the reason why his very modest goal has still not been met!

Here is the link:

https://www.gofundme.com/t7g8e648

[tblue37]

128. Kick. nt

[Katashi_itto]

2. K&R

[tavernier]

3. And another kick...

I much prefer to give some cash to a homeless person in my town rather than mail a check to some solicitor. (and usually I will bypass the homemade "will work for food" signs, and just tuck it in someone's hand). I generally tell them that I've had a very good week and wanted to share my luck.

Thank you for your eye opening story. I'm retired and don't have unlimited resources, but I will try to be more generous.

[tblue37]

30. I have often been sneered at for giving cash to anyone I see with a sign asking for

help, or anyone who asks. The people who chastise me say it is a scam, or they will buy booze or drugs with it. I say that might be what they need to deal with their impossible circumstances. Begging is NOT an easy way to earn a few bucks, so they need the money more than I do. I try to have a few fives on me at all times so when I see someone with a sign I can give enough to buy a sandwich or some other food with. I also try to have a ten on me, so if the person has a dog, he can get something for the dog, too.

I don't have much myself, but I do have shelter and food. There have been times when I have lain awake adding and subtracting to figure out which bills to pay first (or how to pay ANY of them) without losing electricity, water, or gas.

I will post a list later (when at my desktop rather than my little tablet), both here and as an OP, that was originally posted a couple of years ago by another DU member who was either still homeless or had recently been homeless. (I don't remember any more.) I post that list on my school web page every semester so my students will see it and maybe act on it. The list is of things homeless people really need but that they usually can't get because no one thinks of donating them--like small, easy to carry bottles of shampoo and conditioner; small, lightweight containers for carrying things; sanitary supplies for women who have not gone through menopause yet, etc. Much of what does get donated isn't all that useful for people in such circumstances, but no one thinks to *ask* what they need.

When I donate to food banks, I always include some items like canned fruit, small bags of chips, pudding cups, lollipops, or or Jello cups. I just like to think of some kid, sick to death of rice and beans, getting a little treat once in a while, something to eat for pleasure, without worrying about whether it is nutritious or good for them.

I know food banks can do more with cash donations than with actual food donations, so I do that, too, but I am sure they would not purchase such treats for people who have to use the food bank, so I do, just so some people at least can have something to eat for pleasure. I hope some of the treats go to kids, but adults need such things in their lives, too, so I don't care who gets them.

[tblue37]

35. Here is that list of things homeless people need. I am sorry I can't remember who the

DU member is who originally posted it a couple of years ago.

What do people need on the street? Many things.
Posted on a message board I frequent by a formerly homeless woman.


Something that is a necessity is a good size pack. When you are out there, it is your home. It is something that is in short supply. So if you have a school pack that is the kind a high school kid would carry and is no longer using it, please donate it. Even a rolling suitcase is useful. Rolling backpacks are a dream come true! And if you have a messenger bag that you don’t use, please donate it. They are great for carrying paperwork in. Believe me, when you are homeless, you have a lot of paperwork you need to try (the big word) and keep with you.

Another thing is dark color blankets. They are used all year long. The dark color works as camouflage at night while one sleeps. So, light or heavy in weight, if they are dark the homeless need it! If you have a dark sleeping bag you don’t want anymore, it would be great to. The street is not very soft.

So many could use reading glass. Prescription glass as well. Many places have an eye glass drop off to help people that cannot afford them. Sun glasses, all year around, are need. One must protect from the sun and wind. So if you see some cheap reading glasses at one of those $1 shops, pick a couple up to donate to your local shelter to give out and sunglasses too! You would not believe how much they are needed!

Pens and paper are a great help. I know that sounds odd. But when you are trying to find work or take down information to remember later, you need to have something to write on and with. Folders with pockets are great too. You will not believe how much paperwork is involved when you are in poverty and worse. Sometimes it feels like a full time office job just to get help.

Something some may see as odd is batteries, but they are needed for flashlights and, for the lucky few, radios. The flashlights are a necessity, but the radio can be a life saver in and before foul weather. Information is vital when on the street.

Besides the usual cloths like jeans (jeans are a major thing for women and men), everyday shoes, and t-shirt (sweat shirt and coats in winter), the homeless also need cloths for getting work. Believe it or not there are people out there that are in need of black or khaki slacks, dress shoes, blouses/ white dress shirts, and everything else one need to dress for work are a must have to get a job. The dress codes for department stores, call centers, etc. are what is needed on top of the usual needed cloths. Oh, and underwear! For both sexes (bras are an extreme luxury for a homeless woman and you can’t look nice without one). You would not believe how little underwear can be found at the places that help with giving out cloths to the homeless. Socks, belts and Rain gear is a big plus too!

And here is something to think about too. Ladies with one piece swimsuits you no longer were, please donate. The swimsuits can buy some time if a woman is sexually attacked. The culprits want to do there dastardly deed and get out of the area. The one piece as well as what is worn over them is a time consuming situation that those that want to do harm cannot afford to put up with.

Wallets, glasses cases and phone cases: These are something that is very useful. The government phones do not come with holders and that makes it hard to take care of. Those phones are your only way to reach help in an emergency and get contacted for a possible job. The phone holder, glasses case and wallets make it easier to keep your ID, food cards (many food banks that help with homeless food packs use an ID card and you also need to keep your food stamp card safe) and many other needed cards in and safe. And the glasses case to keep one’s glasses safe. If you have any that you don’t use anymore, please donate them. They will not go unwanted!

Another thing is Maxis and Tampons. Yes, the women need them. But did you know that the guys will carry Maxis’ as part of a makeshift first aid kit? Things one needs to treat wounds are big, everything from decent bandages, peroxide, alcohol, and anti-bacterial ointment. So is hygiene in general. Stuff like travel size shampoos and soaps, even Foot Powder is in high need. And another big one that is asked for at walk-in centers and shelters is toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Toilet paper is also something that is big as well. With a pack on, many cannot go into certain places, so they have to use port-o-potties or park bathrooms. Those choices may or may not have TP, so one learns you must carry your own.

Something else that is also worth its weight in gold is water bottles. The kind that you can fill in a park bathroom or drinking fountain. Having water is something that is very important; there has been many a death due to not having water to drink out there. I remember seeing many homeless get taken away in an ambulance due to being dehydrated. Eating utensils are a nice thought too! Spoon fork and knife is something that are so nice to have. And a can opener! I had been given cans of food but had no way to open it.

The last thing many don’t think of is pet food and leashes. That’s right, pet food and leashes. Many homeless have dogs, some even have cats. They are, for many, what is left of their family. The animals watch them and they watch out for the dog or cat. It is such an attachment that those that do have pets will not go to shelters due to the no pets allowed rule at many. It is that important, the pet is their family, what is left of love. I have seen the attachment so strong that if something happens to that pet, the owner will not be long for this world. The food to properly feed them as well as the leashes to keep legal is in need.

Speaking of keeping pets legal, another big thing that has started to happen is groups that are making sure that the homeless pets get shots and licenses. They ever try to help get then spaded or neutered. If you have a group in your area helping with this, donations to buy the shots are welcome in a big way!

For those that are looking for something to do, I hope that it gives you some ideas. To those that are reading this and remembers that you have some of this stuff and you aren’t using them, please donate!

[rhett o rick]

72. I would like to add to the list. Ziplock bags are very useful. I buy the cheap plastic ponchos and

space blankets. Canned food in pull top cans especially meat and foods that can be eaten without cooking like Pork and Beans or baked beans. Toothbrushes and tooth paste. Gloves and sox, sox, sox. Of course tents, sleeping bags, blankets, coats and stocking caps. Sorry if I repeated some.

Thanks for the post.

[passiveporcupine]

74. The little weiners or sardines in a pull top can

great idea! Peanut butter or just jars of nuts too. They need protein...beans and nuts and meat.

[rhett o rick]

76. Tuna is good also. nm

[tblue37]

110. Yes. People forget that homeless people can't cook rice and beans from the food bank. nt

[rhett o rick]

111. Our foodbank has special bags for the homeless.

[tblue37]

109. Thanks. I see you also added this to my OP about the issue. nt

[rhett o rick]

112. YW. And handwarmers which can be bought in quantity at Costco. Sterno. nm

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

89. Socks.

My son has been homeless for three years and we just got him home. He is staying with his brother. He wanted so badly to stay in California, but he has finally admitted that he just can't make it there.

Anyway, he says good thick socks. They don't last at all, so buy cheap on sale. They get wet and awful and tossed away quickly, unless you just don't have any more.

[ellenrr]

104. I frequent garage sales - and it is common to be able to pick up a backpack

for a buck or two.
also someone had suggested (not sure it might be in the above post) - give ladies an old pocket book (purse) you might have had in yr closet for years and never use.
Fill it with the hygiene and sanitary supplies.

these handbags are also available at garage sales and re-sales shops for a buck or two.

thank for your post.

[ghostsinthemachine]

116. Bicycles, bike locks, bike trailers

A bike is everything. I give them away all the time. The problem is they get stolen all the time. A a good bike lock is beyond the budget of someone collecting cans, so they buy cheap ones that are easily broken.trailers or strollers, as long as they roll are a godsend to people.

[passiveporcupine]

73. Something I learned in the winter

The people who chastise me say it is a scam, or they will buy booze or drugs with it. I say that might be what they need to deal with their impossible circumstances.

I know some people are homeless because they are alcoholics, but I think some homeless people drink because it helps them stay warm. I know when my house gets really cold in in low temps (it can drop into the 40's inside), having some wine helps my body handle the cold better. Alcohol really makes your body feel warmer, and you don't hurt as much if cold is affecting your physical issues, like arthritic joints...so when I see a homeless person sleeping on the street with an empty bottle beside them, I don't judge them, I'm just glad they are able to get a little warmer, even if that's the only way they can do it. I never thought about that until I discovered for myself how it helps living in the cold.

And no...I don't drink all winter ...but I do like having wine here when the temps drop really low for extended periods, because my house doesn't hold heat well, and it gradually drops to unbearable temperatures inside. I've been stuck here (snowed in) for a week at a time with no power during bad storms, and didn't have any wine here and really wished I had. I really don't know how the homeless who sleep outside in below freezing temps can survive it. I don't think I could.

[clif]

82. tag line

Can I borrow your tag line?

[Ilsa]

4. I am so sorry.

But I am grateful that you have the mindset to anticipate and plan for your homelessness.

I've been very disappointed in Presbyterians. My experience has been that, compared to other denominations, they do the minimum to help others. I think most of their tithes go towards supporting bloated operating expenses and over-priced infrastructure, leaving just a tiny bit to support charities. Most Methodist churches seem to put more into charity, from what I've seen.

I wish more places had public hygiene facilities, a place to stow possessions, bathe, shave, crap, get a haircut, nails clipped, etc. (Places like that are common near hiking, backpacking locations). Barber/beauty schools could perform weekly services in return for a govt grant or someone could help sponsor them, like nurses do health/BP/vaccination clinics.

These are just stop-gap measures, of course. We need real employment at living wages, health services, education, and above all, respect for the other lives already with us.

Praying for you and others like you or in worse shape may not help, but I'll do it anyway, along with working to get public officials elected that actually care about people vs corporations. I'm grateful you are so resourceful and still with us.

[SheilaT]

25. The Presbyterians I know in my city

have been well involved in helping the homeless. In fact, it is through friends who are Presbyterians that I do my stint helping to feed the homeless.

[Ilsa]

39. That's great news.

My experience has been over three churches in three areas. Apparently my experience was the anecdotal exception.
I'm sorry. I should not have swept with such a broad brush. Please forgive me.

[Nonhlanhla]

29. I am a Presbyterian

and I know that the Presbyterian churches in my city do a lot for the homeless. The Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest and most liberal Presbyterian denomination, not only has a lot of charitable activity going on, but also actively supports changing social structures for the common good.

I'm sorry that your experience with Presbyterians has not been so positive.

[Ilsa]

40. I'm glad to hear it.

My experience has been over three churches in three areas. Apparently my experience was the anecdotal exception. One church was fighting over liberal vs conservative issues, another kept running off staff. The third had more programs going on, but they were constantly dramatically underfunded, which surprised me because there was a lot of upper income members.

I'm sorry. I should not have swept with such a broad brush. Please forgive me.

[Nonhlanhla]

45. I know your experience is real

I was by no means attacking your experience. The Presbyterian tradition has its ups and downs, and I can truly believe that you've had multiple negative experiences. There are multiple Presbyterian denominations, some liberal, some conservative. Within my specific denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), there's a lot of arguing about issues, mainly about the issue of gay ordination. We do now ordain gays, but it took a 30 year battle to get there, and some of the churches in our denomination are not happy about it. There is a deep ideological division within the church, rooted in different ways of reading the Bible.

The PC(USA) also decided to disinvest in certain companies that provide the means to Israel to destroy Palestinian settlements - as you might imagine, that led to a huge outcry of anti-Semitism, but in fact the PC(USA) is probably one of the least anti-Semitic denominations out there. We're just a very social justice oriented denomination. I'm proud of my church, warts and all. I would not claim that we're perfect, though!

As an aside, our least favorite member (at least he claims to be a member, but we can't find any proof) is Donald Trump. He does NOT represent us, and in fact our leaders have issues statements against him.

[closeupready]

48. Well, it may be anecdotal, but that's my experience with Presbyterians, as well.

[closeupready]

47. That is not my experience with Presbyterians at all. Sorry, but it's not.

To the contrary, I agree with the poster to whom you were replying.

[Nonhlanhla]

57. Experiences differ

As I said above, there isn't just one Presbyterian Church.

[brer cat]

5. Thank you for taking the time to share this.

Few people really understand what abject poverty and homelessness is like. You have such a great attitude and understanding that you would be a huge asset for a non-profit working on homeless solutions.

[cwydro]

6. I'm curious as to why you have two cars?

That's confusing to me. If you live in your car, what do you do with the other one?

I don't really understand even rich people having more than one car. You can only drive one at a time.

Not being snarky; I'm genuinely curious.

[Amimnoch]

7. Wagering a guess.

ghost said she/he bought a van. Van's generally require more expensive maintenance, and eat up a lot more gas to run.

I'm guessing the van is really the "home" that is possibly not even operational, and the 2nd car is likely an economic model that runs.

My guess is based on my own cousin who was living that same way (although his had been partially the result of fighting a lifetime of addiction).

[Plucketeer]

33. My guess too

And I do think it's snarky to ask why. I'll bet the second car isn't a Mercedes.

[mountain grammy]

11. I have a friend living in her van and was able to keep her car also,

so she doesn't have to move the van that much.

[cwydro]

16. That makes sense.

I once had a truck as well as my car - using the truck for farm chores, but paying insurance for both was just an expense I didn't need.

[reddread]

12. the more the merrier

where is the harm?

[ghostsinthemachine]

18. A friend gave me a car in july

Good on gas and let's me keep the van from putting on miles. I move it around everyday, so that neither one is ever parked in one place for more than 24 hours. When I do go places overnight or longer I park by a friend,s house who don't mind. Not that tough really.

[Plucketeer]

36. I'd wish you happy holidays

but I genuinely don't believe in that meaningless Bull-stuff. I'll just wish you well and send positive thoughts your way. I've actually lived out of a pickup truck for a time. It makes me appreciate the central heat coming on now and then - and having hot water at hand. These are things so many never even stop to marvel at.
I hand out a few bucks when I can. Loathe the recruitment aspect of churches.

[cwydro]

52. Yeah, I can see that'd be helpful.

Good on ya.

I hope you have a merry Christmas!

[ghostsinthemachine]

108. Both my cars are 88s...

Both run like tops as well. My friend gave me the little car, licensed and insured for the life of the car (told ya I am fortunate enough to have an incredible support group) but the other isn't.

[closeupready]

8. Kick - I hope you find a way out of homelessness.

[steve2470]

9. kick nt

[Live and Learn]

10. I think a basic income for all like Finland is doing is the way to go. nt

[snort]

26. YES

[byronius]

41. Absolutely.

It's a good thing all around. Poor people actually buy stuff from local businesses.

[wendylaroux]

93. basic income, absolutely!!!

we can dream,can't we?

[dembotoz]

13. few weeks ago i opened my home to a friend who got evicted

something about being a dem and putting my money where my mouth is.

it has been going ok
things i have learned....

there is no fucking safety net

when your life spins out of control you wear out your friends

when you have very little resources a cascade of minor problems can turn into an avalanche

i am at a loss to include her in my daily activities...I do not want her to be thought of as some sort of 4H project......

she has a large dog and i think it will take years of extra kitty treats to get my cat to forgive me for bringing junior godzilla into our home......

but so far so good if you are called a bleeding heart, sometimes you have to earn that badge of honor

[Mika]

20. Very hard to find balance in that situation.

Was doing the same as you (including the big dog) for a long time. After several months my friend felt so guilty about being a burden (which he wasn't) that he had to move on. From job to job, state to state, homeless the entire time.
Hadn't been able to get in touch with him (his cell service was intermitent depending on money to pay the bill) for a month. Located his family for info. He committed suicide. Cheap booze and a bunch of pills. I was utterly devastated. This was over a year ago. I still think of him every day, heartbroken.

[dembotoz]

70. you did what you could and much more than most

world is not full of happy endings

be proud of what you tried to do

[reddread]

14. thank you for speaking the actual truth

rarely heard

[mountain grammy]

15. Our cities spend millions end homelessness, and it doesn't work

only direct aid to the poor works, whether rehab, a home to move into, or a big wad of cash or all of the above. That's what works.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2015/04/17/the-surprisingly-simple-way-utah-solved-chronic-homelessness-and-saved-millions/

[totodeinhere]

37. You are so right. Many jurisdictions spend millions on trying to help the homeless yet

they are putting not much of a dent in the homeless population. They would be better off to take all of that money and just use it to directly rent decent apartments where the homeless can live. It seems to be such a logical and simple solution to me. I don't know why it isn't being done.

[killbotfactory]

55. It's a simple idea, and it works, and it helps people, and it saves money.

why isn't this an easy sell?

[noamnety]

17. I don't fault people who sell their food stamps anymore.

I know it depends on where you live (food desert or not) and other variables. But here I spend about half your $190 of food stamps for TWO adults monthly for food. I don't have an ethics problem with someone finding a way to eat for less, and trading the remainder so they can buy other things like bus or subway tickets, or toothpaste, or OTC meds if they need them.

[ghostsinthemachine]

19. Ell when they tell you that it is for booze and drugs

It bothers the crap out of me. Especially when you see them on the corner flying signs asking for money (something I would never do) when you know they don't need to do that.

[jwirr]

38. When food stamps are sold the seller only gets about half on

the dollar. The buyer is gaining while the seller is losing. For that reason I do not like to see people selling them. That said I have sold mine a time or two because I needed money for something else.

[ladyVet]

77. Yeah, the recipient ends up shorted, but if that's the only source for cash,

I imagine they have no choice. I think there should be an addition to SNAP to allow for things like toilet paper, personal hygiene items and OTC meds.

When I'm out with my mother shopping, I will trade out food items with her so she can "buy" the non-food things I might need, like zip bags, foil, odd cleaning things. Not technically selling, but it's a way to get things we need when I don't have cash.

[jwirr]

92. That is a good idea.

[chervilant]

21. K & R

I've been close to homelessness three times now--not by choice. I will be 60 in January, and have been told relentlessly by prospective employers that I am over-qualified. However, I suspect that the real reason it's difficult to get a good job is my advanced age.

I just spent almost six weeks bedridden with severe sciatica. (O, the tears I shed!) It has been daunting to remain still and not do any lifting or bending. Add to that the fact that I found out who among my acquaintances here is truly a friend, and who is not. That has been an eye-opening and soul-crushing experience.

One of my acquaintances has gone from visiting almost every day to not speaking (or visiting) unless I call her. The sea change in her attitude came after she discovered I was creating a GoFundMe campaign so that I can pay my rent, utilities, and car expenses for January. She is old-school, and believes that I should "pull myself up by my bootstraps" to get the resources I need. With regards to this one person, I am gob smacked. She taught me to knit (after three other people failed at this endeavor), and has been so supportive in the past--it's difficult to understand her attitude.

Ah, well, enough about me: I am in awe of your resourcefulness. I wish I had some way to help you. I find it fascinating that, like myself and so many other marginalized humans I know, you are still focused on advocacy for others--ways to help via a non-profit. I think that you're helping with OPs like this one, and I hope you continue.

Warmest regards to you in this most challenging time.

[TexasBushwhacker]

22. Have you applied for disability?

You may not be able to get SSDI, but you should be able to get SSI. It's not as much, about $800-900 per month, but you can get Medicare to get your carpal tunnel fixed.

But even if you've applied for disability and been denied, find an attorney that specializes in Social Security cases. They cost nothing up front. They are only paid a percentage of your "back pay" if you are awarded any.

[ghostsinthemachine]

43. Been there

My lapse in employment history, thanks to caregiving for a relative, means I am not eligible. Had to apply for that, and other things as well, to get my GA.

[clif]

23. Except for luck

Any one of us (even those born with a silver spoon could be in your place.)
I lost a friend of 25 years. He passed away without me even finding out for years. He was a decent man until he was introduced to speed.The over the course of a few years he went from a smart, productive,caring parent to hiding out & refusing to allow any of his friends to be a part of his life.
In short, except for the grace of the powers to be, there go I.

[Live and Learn]

97. +10,000 nt

[tblue37]

24. Please set up a GoFundMe page so we can donate for your car registration and some money

to keep in reserve so you can buy food for yourself and others. Also, please contact the broadcastnews organizations in your location, and send this post to them and as a letter to the editor to your local paper. Many people *want* to help, but they can't think of what to do except to donate to the shelters, food banks, and organizations that are not helpful for you and your friends.

I think one idea would be to set up free lockers for the homeless to store there possessions so they *could* use public transportation to get where they need to go. I bet that could be done, but no one thinks of it, because many people assume that a homeless person has nothing to store.

[ghostsinthemachine]

49. I have a PayPal account and now a gofundme acct

Benmakeafish at gmail... Or gofundme.com/t7g8e648 thanks

[tavernier]

60. I couldn't find your acct in gofundme

under the code you gave. Anyone else have a problem, or is there a different password?

[tavernier]

62. Found it!

Never mind! 😄

[tblue37]

63. Thanks for the info. I donated a bit just now. I hope DU responds to help

you with your car registration costs.

[tavernier]

50. ^^^

I have chipped in for surgery for a dog (and the owners weren't poor, but friends; so I felt a bit obligated). I would certainly rather help out a fellow dem. 😄😄

[Iwillnevergiveup]

27. But for a pension,

I'd probably be homeless, too. Along with unions, they have gone by the wayside.
Increasing the minimum wage to a living wage (I think $20-$25 an hour) would sure help.
Ghostsinthemachine, I truly hope your situation drastically improves in 2016 - you have my very best wishes toward that end.

K&R

[redwitch]

28. Would love to be able to donate a small amount to help.

wish I could do much more. We lost our house this year and things are pretty much hand to mouth. Fortunately we did land a nice apartment that serves our needs and is beginning to feel like home. The stress of the last few years has me on anti anxiety meds and hubby is on antidepressants. We still have health insurance, at least until March so trying to address what we can.

Much love to you at Christmas, no American should be living in their car. May 2016 bring a change in fortune, the surgery you need, a decent job and a home. GofundMe!

[MisterP]

51. yes, I'll also add GoFundMe--I've helped a lot of friends of friends that way

[villager]

31. The threads are thinner for all of us than we know

A loan from a relative saved me from eviction in the last place I was in -- where I was in the middle of a legal imbroglio since they hadn't been maintaining the place. '

The money allowed me to stay, and eventually prevail in the legal tussle (and thus have funds for the next move that came).

I would have been able to stay with a friend, or I suppose move and stay with family, had things "gone south" in that previous situation, but the point is, even basic assumptions about your circumstances can change. And if we're lucky enough to have a roof overhead (and I have a nice one now, in a smaller place, for which I'm grateful, and work has also picked up since then) it can be easy to forget...

..and let our empathy ebb.

Thanks for posting, Ghosts. Best to you this holiday season. Please keep us informed here of how your own journey is going...

I'm out of the house a lot and often pit stop to work in the local libraries when making my rounds, and have noticed a lot of homeless "regulars" in some of our local L.A. branches. I often wonder what their "stories" are...

[yuiyoshida]

32. We really shouldn't have this kind of poverty in the

so called Richest Country in the world. My living conditions are a little better, at least my place keeps the cold out some times. We are going to need some major change for this country, and the first is to get the poor a place to live, a hot meal and what ever else is needed for basic living. A living wage and jobs would be nice too.

[lovemydog]

34. All the best to you ghostsinthemachine.

I hope with the right help you can improve your situation very soon.

[Tab]

42. First, a k&r. Second...

I'm not surprised by your SSDI problems. Mine was a bit different - I got SSDI, canceled when I got reemployed and stayed employed for nearly 4+ years, with a brief break between companies with my old company continuing my insurance for a few months (technically via COBRA). I got a new job before the old insurance expired, so no gap in coverage. I had to leave that job for a variety of reasons (it was a highly dysfunctional environment), but surprise, surprise, I didn't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period because - guess why - I was on COBRA for a few months - and eligible for Medicare (I didn't know that, and my COBRA care was better). I thought staying OFF the government dole was the objective espoused by all Republicans. Apparently not. Now I'm not covered for anything except inpatient until next frickin' July, and it's probably the prescriptions that hurt the most.

Third: Your post made me think about alternatives for homeless in mainly urban centers. I'm imagining a non-profit that basically is almost a campus - group lockers, bedrooms (perhaps with a roommate), laundry and personal shower facilities, central mail, etc. I don't have the energy to start and do one just by myself but if anyone here has some time, experience, and would be willing to work on it, it could be a positive thing. (if interested, either reply here so others can see or, if you prefer, you can PM).

All I can say is our options are less and less. We are technically still middle class but now neither my wife nor I are working, so I might start refitting my van while my son moves out (he's old enough) and my wife moves closer to her mother, who has her own issues. None of the answers are easy, though. I tried so hard to avoid the difficulties of being homeless, but safety nets are less and less, and I may be parking my minivan nearby.

Please update this thread in a day or two and let us know how you're doing. If you were in my city, I'd have you stay for a bit, but I suspect you're not (mainly because I'm not in the kind of city you describe).

Best of luck

[Omaha Steve]

44. I had no idea what to say

I gave this an R earlier.

OS

[nadinbrzezinski]

46. Ah policy, what would work

housing people first and dealing with issues second is working far better and more efficiently than emergency and transitional housing.

Why HUD is now putting pressure on local governments to adopt that policy.

Locally it's been a fight, since we actually have little rental stock and affordable housing (that is ok quality) is like pulling teeth

Feeding somebody, and giving them a pair of socks if you want to make a personal difference. But if you wan to be a more permanent difference, become an advocate

[Kalidurga]

54. Have you considered moving

http://www.cbpp.org/research/family-income-support/general-assistance-programs-safety-net-weakening-despite-increased

I know even if you don't have family ties to your area moving is a BFD. I love the area I live in and I wouldn't want to move to an unfamiliar place where I don't know anyone. If you have considered it bringing a couple of friends with you might help ease the pain of moving away from all of your friends and familiar places. Plus it would be easier having more than one person to move the vehicles around. The larger the city the harder it is to actually find out of the way parking areas. But, the easier it is to find food and a shelter with a bed which you don't actually need, and temp jobs.

To me it looks like Iowa is the best state overall for your situation. Anyway, the benefits they offer are almost decent and it appears that the threshold for getting them isn't to difficult. But, I don't know for sure. There are so many programs you won't know which one is best until you apply and get it and live with it for a while. All states have different rules and such. I google mapped around a few cities in Iowa and there are some very nice areas in Dubuque, IA.

[psychmommy]

56. There are many in your situation.

We have little tent cities where people put up tents or more likely tarps to protect them from the elements. There is never enough room in the shelters. Although this won't help with your pain, please consider the division of vocational rehab. they can help you develop more relevant job skills to make you more viable in the workplace.

[hfojvt]

58. Are there really 5,000 in your city?

That seems like a lot, even for a major metro area.

I just got done working a night shift at our homeless shelter (well, and then I slept some). It is now about 54 weeks old. We had about ten people last night, a pretty slow night. There is lots of food there now, much more than usual. Christmas cookies, pizza, etc.

I work the graveyard shift, 2-5 am, so I do not see very many people. I only work once a week. They try to have volunteers work every other week, but I have been once a week since I started in June. It's pretty slack work. I get a lot of reading done. Otherwise it is trying to get all the laundry done, and because I am the anal-retentive janitor I usually sweep the basement steps.

The number of people varies from week to week. It's been up to about 21 but is usually around 14. Some are regulars, at least I remember them for a few months. Most of them seem to be men from age 40-65. Some of them have full time jobs.

Another thing our city has started in the last two years, is the community meals. There always (by which I mean the dozen years I have lived here) was one a month, I think at the Lutheran church and one for Thanksgiving at the same place. Now we have two a week at various churches who are each doing one a month. I've helped out there for three meals now at two nearby churches. About 150 meals including 20-30 for the volunteers. Lot of those are take-out meals so they may be feeding others or feeding the same person for a few days.

[ghostsinthemachine]

138. 2600 people in the area (But that is only half I think)

Official estimates are 2,600 people in this area. BUT, when they did the count they never counted anyone I know,or me even, and I tried, again via the big named huge moneyed local homeless shelter to participate in the count itself taking them to where the people are (again never a return call or email) anywhere. Not one person I know from the suburbs, living on the streets got counted that day........

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article28671886.html

[OneGrassRoot]

59. Article speaking to this suggestion...

I've saved articles along the way which report evidence that giving people cash -- directly, and without conditions -- WORKS. Not sure it's been done in the US but it is working in other countries.

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/09/welfare-reform-direct-cash-poor/407236/

I'm going to relaunch my project which enables people to help one another directly (Wishadoo was created long before gofundme, youcaring, etc., became popular). But it isn't only about financial transaction; it's about creating a true community to help and support one another as we go along.

Because I've always envisioned the Wishadoo community as a member-owned cooperative, I've also envisioned member dues largely going toward exactly what you're describing: Giving people in dire need large chunks of money.

All this is to say I hear you, and I agree, and I am so sorry you're struggling so much.

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

[KamaAina]

61. IHSS tells me you're in California. I am a homeless activist in San Jose.

Where in CA are you?

[w0nderer]

64. Running start....Kick and Rec

I will mention both 'poverty' an 'working poor' groups (i know the working poor accepts people that aren't currently working)

I will wish you a good holiday

Homeless often solved by an income and a 'home' << always surprises people who haven't been there

I'd like to see homeless money go towards 'land' and 'at cost/discounted' materials
for housing, i'm not talking huge..small cabins

i was homeless in a 'northern' area
when winter hit a friend offered me (way illegally) to live in his 'allotment house)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allotment_%28gardening%29
the houses are like US garden sheds but with windows (9-12x9-12 feet)

not much insulation (i added insulation during the winter, styrofoam, plywood walls inside and painted

one is not allowed to live in them at all theoretically but he had a compost toilet and a stove in his, and i sprung for a kerosene heater and with snow falling...i didn't care much about law and neither did he
(my power was a 50 watt solar panel on the roof that he'd installed)

but it kept me alive that winter
and i was happy to have it, even if 'building code' says it's not 'human habitation' << it beat being on the street

he was happy i modified his house as i lived there (i did ask him in advance before doing stuff) i was happy for walls roof and a heater

[lumberjack_jeff]

65. "...solves the issues like traffic fines, child support, drivers license."

70% of child support arrearage is owed by individuals owing more than $30,000 and who have no income.

https://aspe.hhs.gov/legacy-page/assessing-child-support-arrears-nine-large-states-and-nation-executive-summary-143876

http://www.npr.org/2015/11/19/456352554/from-deadbeat-to-dead-broke-the-why-behind-unpaid-child-support

[spanone]

66. K&R...

[Dragonfli]

67. I spent a few years homeless as a teenager - I was 15 when it started and was afraid of "official"

help of any kind. My stepfather was an asshole and we could not live in the same house, but he did grant my one request to keep the mailing address so I didn't end up in some home. I didn't trust those either, knew too many of my peers that faced abuse in such places, they tended to run away every chance they got.

I remember crashing in abandoned factories and burning scrap wood in a barrel to keep warm, I had my backpack and a hiding place for all the rest. I also spent a great deal of time couch flopping at friends houses and in lots of different basements. There were a lot of "party" houses with three or four roommates that were young people sharing the rent that always had people around after the party from passing out, I didn't party much, but it was a good resource.

I attended school mostly for the lunch until I was sixteen, I was an honor student my freshman year at a private well known catholic HS in my area, it was hard to get into and was a challenging school at least a year ahead of the public schools in my area. After I parted ways with my family I had to leave there as I was only able to obtain a partial scholarship via my scholastic efforts and my step dad stopped cutting the checks. When I transferred to Riverside Public HS I entered a war zone where all my classes were redundant and I was able to get A marks on tests maintaining honor student status without showing up to class very much. I remember they threatened to expel me due to attendance problems so I just quit before my former parents had to get too involved screwing everything up for me, I did not want to be "placed" anywhere as I mentioned earlier. It was better for me anyway as I had begun working for a house painter off the books during the summer when I was 15 and needed money to survive more than I needed education. leaving school allowed me to work to survive on my own.

It was hard the first few years, the work was mostly seasonal but I was learning a trade and saved in summer what I wold need to live on in the winter. Eventually I branched out and learned new trades - drywall finishing and plaster repair, then carpentry, I even learned the electrical trade from my bosses brother who would come on the crew to work after his shift to help his bros. business and make extra cash (he was a union electrician by trade).

Finally two months after my eighteenth birthday I had enough steady work restoring Victorian homes (where being a multi-tradesman is nearly critical) to get a real place to live, my first apartment. I had a roommate, a college kid that was into Carlos Castaneda, Music in all it's forms, and computer science (back when FORTRAN was new LOL) that had a lot of books, I began to self educate.

What I remember most about being homeless was no one really gave much of a shit. If they spotted the homelessness on you they would look right through you like you did not exist.

My teen years changed my perception of the world and of people for the rest of my life. I learned that if you need help, the most likely to help you were other poor people, the more moneyed folks would seldom if ever help you. I learned that most do not want to see such problems in our society and their willful blindness allows them to ignore us without bothering their beautiful minds. I learned that a majority rather than a minority hate poor and homeless people even tho few would ever admit it, so welfare reform and all the other stuff the Republicans cook up for the Democrats to someday pass do not surprise me. In fact I would've been surprised if the war on poverty hadn't turned into the war on the poor.

It is the way of our not so great but unique modern American culture

[LittleGirl]

99. thanks for that

That's a lot to deal with so young and I"m glad you made it through. I really enjoyed your story. Thanks again.

[roscoeroscoe]

68. There but for...

Good luck sir. I know how close it is for many.

Maybe there is something you can do through the net?

[lark]

69. I've done the experiment with my son, more or less.

I've given him around $900 since Oct. and he's just done stupid things with it. He got ID, then lost it so has zero identification now. I got him a birth certificate and FL ID, and he lost both within a month. He destroyed his van, which was his house, and it got impounded and is not running even if I did get it out. He's got mental issues, along with drugs, but won't get treatment. He's got a very high IQ so could always convince the shrinks I took him to when he was a teenager that nothing was wrong, but it is. His paternal grandmother was incarcerated for 4 years at a mental institution for killing her husband (accidentally??) and he seems to have that gene. He makes self-destructive choices and the more I give him the more he pisses it away. So, now he's homeless, staying in some half destroyed small trailer, hiding from the police since he quit going to probation for drug charges. He's 30 going on 13 mentally. My heart is breaking, but I'm not bailing out his car, getting it fixed or paying him gas to come home. I'm trying to hold out for him getting the evaluation and treatment he needs and know he'll never do this on his own, except as a last choice. So, I cry and worry about him all the time, feel sick at my stomach often.

Homeless people without mental issues might turn the $1000 into a new life, but those like him, probably not.

[Liberal_in_LA]

79. I am so sorry.May your son get the help he needs

[lark]

119. Thank you

I pray for this every day.

[ladyVet]

80. Oh, lark, I'm so sorry.

There's a lot of mental illness in my mother's family (and probably my father's, with all the alcoholism), and I've seen some of my cousins going the same way. I'm fearful that my middle son will need to live with me for the rest of my life, at least, and I have some doubts about my youngest. If I'd known how mental illness passes in families, I would have never had children.

[lark]

118. Yeah, I just didn't realize for a very long time that my mother-in-law wasn't just mean.

When I was pregnant with my son, I discovered that not only did alcoholism run on both sides of my husbands' family, but his grandmother had been institutionalized for 4 years because of "psychosis". Unfortunately, his mother didn't know the real diagnosis. I wouldn't have had children if I'd have known.

Luckily, my daughter is fine, normal, for which I am thankful every day.

[Chemisse]

102. It's so hard to cope with this, as a parent.

I have a son who is a lot like yours - only thankfully not as severe - and it is painful to watch.

I use coersion all the time (yes, I will help you with X, if you call and make a doctor appointment NOW). But I only have so much leverage. He has type 1 diabetes. He will forget the appointments, not get the bloodwork done ahead of time, and fail to fill his prescriptions. (Oh, and this is all after I had to sit him down at the computer and force him to apply for medical insurance!). Like yours, he lost his id, birth certificate and passport. He has a job though - for now anyway - and is living with a friend.

So I know well how hard it is. I hope your son gets the help he needs and will be able to cope better.

[daredtowork]

71. superkick for truth. nt

[Hekate]

75. Kick for more exposure

[passiveporcupine]

81. Thank you for posting your gofundme link

I can't help you right now, but will when I can. I want you to know I am sorry for your circumstances...I'm not well off, but far more fortunate than you, and only because I was able to get on disability when I needed it. I'm finally on social security instead, and so grateful for the security, knowing they can't take it away from me. I worried about that the whole time I was on disability.

I do not have good living conditions, but I do have a home, and food and medicine and Medicare. I wish I knew what to say but this country just has so many holes in the nets and too many people fall through.

I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, with food and warmth and love.

[tavernier]

83. Kicking again ...

Hoping we can help to register your vehicles as you carry on your work to help others who are unable to help themselves.

Angels come in all shapes and sizes!

[liberalnarb]

84. K&R

[haikugal]

85. K&R! Excellent, thank you! nt

[Liberal_in_LA]

86. His gofundme acct

https://www.gofundme.com/t7g8e648

[tavernier]

87. Ten bucks will get us close!!

Who can give ten bucks??

I promise not to take my clothes off for $10

LOL!!

Seriously, please help our guy to help other homeless men, women and children with a just a few dollars. 🎄🎄🎅

[ghostsinthemachine]

88. Thank you all so much

I really didn't start the op with idea of raising money, I just thought it a story to tell. But thanks, things are looking good towards the biggest thing hanging over me. Thank you all so much. Merry Christmas, Happy solstice, happy holidays.
Thanks lots.

[tavernier]

94. We never thought that.

Your post was honest and insinuated nothing. If anything, we were being shameless in our efforts to get some assistance for the help you lend.

Don't apologize for letting us be part of your generosity.

[MrMickeysMom]

90. I think you're just dissected the adhesive to hold together a society ...

... I hate to reduce anything of what has just been said, because what you are saying describes such a profound failure of our collective American dream, reduced to the fortune of having a car to survive. Causes are external. They are also internal. Yeah, we could throw money at some of it with anticipated outcomes, but what holds everything together is very aptly shown as ripping people apart... one by one.

I need to think more after reading your story. It doesn't matter what day I think about this, because the problem is cast most permanently and we are way past being able to do more than throw money at.

[Jack Rabbit]

91. Welcome back, GhostInTheMachine

Or you you been posting in a forum I don't frequent all this time?

I'm sorry fortune has not been kind to you. I can relate, but at least I have a roof over my head that I share with three cats.

If you have the strength, please help us build a better world than the one that's run too long on voodoo economics.

Stay warm and dry.

And merry Christmas.

[CajunBlazer]

95. K&R

[DonCoquixote]

96. Thank you for multiple reasons

First, thank you for having the guts to get in this board and offer your life story. There are a lot of illusions about how people can become poor, and sadly many people here on DU either need help dispelling them, or are the outright purveyors of them.

If I may humbly add a side dish to your entree, when I became disabled, one of the things I saw were a lot of Cadillacs and Benzes in the lot. They were not driven by any professional "welfare queen", but by the many formerly upper middle class professionals who, up until your job was lost, thought "this will never happen to me." They got defensive, and took out their frustrations on any clerk, as if all they had to do was yell about their proper social status and all will be dispelled. of course, I know that behind all that bluster were a bunch of people thinking that if they clocked their magic slippers, and said "there's no place like home" that they would be back where they thought they should be. It is sad when you realize that not only do many Millionaires see us as useless, but the Billionaires have grown so fat that they eat the Millionaires, and many a fancy suit or dress realize that, guess what, you boss thought you were no better than the help. I mention this whenever someone gets angry at the idea of removing the income level on social security, the people who "will never need it" and do not want a "tax on the middle class."

Of course, getting back to you, I realize that I am lucky. I buckled down, applied for disability, got a lawyer that would take pay if I won, and made it. Of course, if I did not have parents who were willing to support me, I would probably be dead or blind. I wound up being legally blind for two years because I had to wait till I could get surgery on a charity list.

In any case, thank you for your honesty.

[JDPriestly]

98. For years, I worked for a homeless agency.

You are right. The money should go directly to the homeless people.

But our system does not permit that. First, a lot of the money comes from private individuals and foundations. It takes a lot of work to raise that money.

Second, even the government money comes in (at least for our non-profit) larger amounts but is only given for very specific purposes.

All that money involves writing grant requests to get it. You usually have to specify what you want the money for in very certain terms like feeding so and so many individuals or maintaining so many beds for so many nights or setting up a job placement program. If you say you just want to hand the money to people who need, you probably won't get much support.

There are many other hurdles between the money and the homeless person.

And the truth is that in some areas like psychological counseling that you may not need, but you will probably agree that many homeless people do need (after all, being homeless is distressing and often depressing even if the reason for the homelessness is not mental illness, alcoholism or drug addiction -- which it often is) more than just money. Many want to get back and work and be self-supporting. Most want housing and lots and lost of them would like a drug- and alcohol-free housing situation.

A minimum income might help, but in our country, landlords would probably raise the rents to make sure the income could not both feed and house any person.

Homeless shelters are in this system probably the least expensive way to deal with homeless people in emergencies.

There is hope. I have a friend who was homeless for years. She slept in shelters. Finally her number came up for subsidized housing. It was great. It made such a difference for her. I have to say she is a different person since she got housing.

So it's a complicated problem.

I favor SRO (single room occupancy) housing over shelters, but it costs more, and homeless people have to abide by the rules of the housing just as non-homeless renters and even homeowners do in their neighborhoods. As you know for some homeless people, that is very hard.

I give money to homeless individuals every once in a while. Sometimes that works out, but some homeless people have scams. Having worked in that field for so long, I have compassion for them because sometimes they are really unable to find a place in our society if they are honest. That goes for people who have been in prison and people who have alcohol and drug dependencies. Still it is very troubling for a person who tries to be honest to realize that someone just succeeded in pulling the wool over their eyes.

So this is a complex problem. But there is a reason the money goes to the homeless agencies. It all has to be accounted for. That's an expensive process that requires professionals to do it -- accountants, grant-writers, etc. It's a shame. I'd rather the money could go directly to homeless people.

[ghostsinthemachine]

117. Extremely complex problem

Especially seeing it up close for a year now. If an agency even puts out a garbage can it is assumed responsibilty and an admission that it is okay to be there.

The costs are staggering though. One guy around me is in the hospital right now. Spleen that he ruptured last night in a drunken fall. Third time in the past few months he has done this.
Then there is Jessie, who gets the ambulance called on him once a month or more, passing out in the middle of the street, falling down etc. Been drunk forever, know him twenty years or more and never seen him have a sober period.

No rules for these guys.

[NJCher]

100. the chasm

Ghost, I gotta' love you for your resourcefulness. It sounds to me like you have a pretty good life experience, even if it doesn't meet the criteria for what middle-class Americans consider a safe and comfortable existence. Yours is certainly interesting.

I am reminded of this writer, Beverley Nichols. Nichols wrote about his cats, and one essay he wrote has never left my mind. It is about how a housecat whose needs are completely met, and who leads a life of boredom. After all, cats are cut out for the wild, catching small, moist, delicious morsels to feed their existence. Nichols knows this, but doesn't know what to do about it. He feels for his cat, but is caught up in his love for the cat and for the existence of comfort.

Now, if you are to believe the Fancy Feast ads, their daily prey is served to them in a martini glass. Yawn.

I guess I am saying that a good life experience does not necessarily mean all needs are met. Sometimes the chasm is what keeps us alive.

Furthermore, I detect that you thrive in the camraderie. You help others, and I see that is satisfying to you.

The only thing that troubles me about your scenario is the carpal tunnel and how you can't work because of it. I agree the first priority is the car registration, but the carpal tunnel has to be Priority 2. Do I understand it correctly that if you were to be able to solve that problem, you might find work? I'm asking for a reason--one of my work projects is in a welfare-to-work program, and I know a few things.


Cher

[redwitch]

101. Kicking so the goal is reached and surpassed fast!

It's Christmas Day. If you are looking forward to a feast and family and gifts take a moment and a few bucks to pay it forward. ghostinthemachine needs us today.

Merry Christmas all!

[Chemisse]

103. Thank-you for sharing this with us.

My daughter and 4 children are homeless, in a city 1,000 miles away from me. Fortunately they got into a shelter, after wearing out their welcome at friends' houses for nearly a year.

So many people think there is a safety net out there. But there is not. People also think there is cash assistance available, regurgitating old myths about welfare cadillacs (yes, absurd but true! I had that conversation with someone over lunch at work recently).

$175 dollars a month cash for 3 months (which you have to pay back)

This is the reality, and it's about time the general public realized it!

[redwitch]

105. link to gofundme page

https://www.gofundme.com/t7g8e648


Come on DU!

[Scuba]

106. K&R

[Bonobo]

107. Some people think there is no difference between the extra $400/month from $12-$15/hour

What would $400 extra do for you if you had a full time minimum wage job?

The difference between homelessness and not homelessness would be my guess.

This is why we support Sanders. Because he is the only Dem candidate to truly support a "living wage".

I sincerely hope things turn better for you soon.

[redwitch]

113. Kicking! nt

[Tobin S.]

114. A live link to ghost's GoFundMe page

https://www.gofundme.com/t7g8e648

[redwitch]

115. He is almost at his goal.

11 people have raised $410 so far today. Imagine what 50 of us could raise. Or 100 of us. Come on DU! Show your holiday spirit!

[redwitch]

129. Things are looking good!

[qwlauren35]

120. Because I'm a pig...

I sometimes have bought more burgers than I need. So I give a burger to anyone I go past on the corner. I'm thinking of carrying beef jerky in the car. Please give some ideas of foods that are "ready to eat-no heat". I think I used to also consider carrying energy bars. And what about Ensure? I think that is "ready-to-drink".

I'd like to pass on to my friends some ideas about giving. It's the season. It's what's right, all year long. I've heard that toothbrush/toothpaste packages are welcome, sanitary goods are welcome.

I'm open to suggestion.

And if there are any charities that are actually worth a d*mn, please name them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wrote this before I read all the posts. Still not sure about food, but I think I'm going to stick with the bars.

I think it's important to note that while this is a thread about the homeless, there are some people who are not homeless, but are hungry. I think these are the people who can cook, but are spending all of their available money on a home, and thus need help with food.

This was a rough read for Xmas. I am SO blessed.

[tavernier]

121. Kick...

It's still Christmas, a time for miracles. 😊

[redwitch]

122. Happy Boxing Day everyone!

Kick for the original post.

[tblue37]

123. I am kicking this again. You are just $60 short of your goal, and I am hoping

that if more DU members see this they will make it happen for you, especially since you have asked for so very little compared to most GFM pages--just enough for immediate and essential needs, like your car registration.

How about it, DU? Can we come up with another $60 to help ghostsinthemachine?

[tblue37]

127. ...kick... nt

[tblue37]

124. You should add the info for your page to the first line of this OP (as a link!) so that

people who would like to donate can do so easily. As it is now, they have to scan the whole thread to find the info, and since it is not in link form, it is hard to spot. I bet that is why your very modest goal has not been met yet.

[redwitch]

130. I agree!

Adding link to original post would help. But... The goal has been reached and surpassed! Let's keep it going!

[tblue37]

131. Yes, having a bit of a cash cushion can help. Besides, I suspect the OP underestimated his needs

because he didn't want to impose and therefore asked only for help with the cost of car insrance and registration.

[tblue37]

126. Kick. nt

[tavernier]

132. Another kick

for those just now sobering up after the holiday! 😄

[ghostsinthemachine]

133. So many thanks to all. I am going to be indoors for a while

Housesitting for some friends while they travel to Japan so things are looking up, at least for me, for now. Thank you all so much and if you can help people out who don't have anything. There is a list here on this thread of things to give.
Thanks again, I am overwhelmed really.

[tblue37]

134. kick nt

[ghostsinthemachine]

135. About the 20 people who live around the library

One, Kevin, had his bike stolen yesterday and all his belongings taken by landscapers this morning. Clothes, food and sleeping bag. He has had 3 bikes since October but can't take the money out of his life to buy a decent lock. So they get stolen all the time, when he goes to the bathroom, inside a store or visits the library. The landscapers came while he was in the bathroom across the park and grabbed up his stuff before he could get to it.

Because I will be inside for a while I gave him mine... My baby, a 20 degree bag and he will probably be warmer than he has been since October. Thanks to you all, I will buy myself another when it comes necessary. I also gave a few others some pillows and blankets I have gathered up. It is going to be in the low thirties tonight so I try to see they stay warm.

A couple of the severest drunks are in the hospital, one with a lacerated spleen prompted by a drunken fall and another for passing out in the street...again.

The cops are really starting to hassle people all the time and the day after Christmas I had to stop one from removing another person's belongings that were sitting unattended.

Again I tried to contact our famous homeless org and again no return call. Not sure what they do but they never do jack shit for anyone I know. They get an assload of money to not help let me tell ya.

[tavernier]

136. Thanks for the update

and for sharing your modest belongings to those who have none. I hope another kick might inspire some more donations, especially since winter is here and there are many needs in your circle.

Please keep us informed... People want to help but often don't know where or how.

[ghostsinthemachine]

137. Super cold last night here

Hope everyone stayed warm. Living in the burbs there are NO services or shelters here, everything originates downtown, so people have to sleep outside. Last night was COLD COLD COLD.

[ghostsinthemachine]

139. I bought a couple of sleeping bags I found at Goodwill

today for a couple of people here. BRRRR.................. low 30's for a while round here.

[redwitch]

140. Thinking of you ghost.

Happy New Year, here's hoping 2016 is better to you.


And a link to your page. I think you set too low a goal, hope you have what you need.

https://www.gofundme.com/t7g8e648

[polly7]

143. I wish gofundme would accept PayPal.

If there is any way to donate with PP I'd be glad to.

[Odin2005]

141. (((hugs)))

[ghostsinthemachine]

142. A group that is actually helping out around here

http://www.thewayriderz.com they come to parks in the suburbs five times a week (different parks with one receiving two visits a week) with food (hot meals) blankets, toiletries etc. Really nice people. Not preachy outside of the prayer before they start giving things out. I understand that they have been told to stop using one of the parks, too many people making "regular" people nervous.

Where they come to however is a very long ways from my area, so most around here don't go there unless I drive them. I try to at least once a week and last week three times due to new people coming round and aggresive property removal policies by the park and library staff. The sleeping bags and stuff I bought for people are all gone...again.

I am not the biggest booster of organized religion, but thge reality is, if it weren't for churches, homeless people would be without any support at all.

I asked the Reverend Nix where the money comes from to do what his group does and he told me " it comes, I don't know how but it comes"....