Homelessness

[handmade34]

Anderson Cooper in the clip says we have support systems and that the homeless just have burnt through them (the support)... I would argue that many homeless (and others) don't have that support system to begin with

[jwirr]

1. I agree that they do not have these systems. Many do not know what or where they exist and many

of these programs require both an address and documentation of resources etc. If by chance the homeless person is mentally ill and cannot negotiate through this paperwork that adds to the problem. My brother is not homeless because our family gave him the family acreage to live on and my sister does all the financial work for that. He has a banker who handles his money so that it last the month out and when medical papers etc are due we make sure they get to the office completely filled out.

That is what many homeless persons face before they can get the available services.

[handmade34]

5. support systems

normally start with family, friends, community... state/government is usually the last resort... the story of your brother is a good example... my sister is much the same

my point is that there are many people that start out in life without even some of the most basic support

one example...

"According to national statistics provided by Arrow, 40 to 50 percent of those children (raised in foster care)will never complete high school. Sixty-six percent of them will be homeless, go to jail or die within one year of leaving the foster care system at 18.

Arrow also said 80 percent of the prison population once was in foster care, and that girls in foster care are 600 percent more likely than the general population to become pregnant before the age of 21..."

[jwirr]

10. Good points.

[drynberg]

2. I AM SO IMPRESSED THAT ANDERSON KNOWS WHY ALL HOMELESS ARE THAT WAY

I would have thought that each recipient would be different...amazing! What a flaming A-Hole!!

[handmade34]

6. he is at least trying...

that is more than many are doing...

[Cleita]

3. Or, like in my area, they are spread out by miles. So a homeless person with

a backpack has to walk for miles between reaching the services he needs on a daily basis. Some end up on curb sides begging for a meal because any existing soup kitchens are too far away and aren't always open.

[handmade34]

8. just got back

from a bit of work and stopped at a run down gas station to use the restroom... noticed an old backpack by the door and had to wait for about 10 minutes because someone was in the only bathroom... I heard a lot of scuffling and when the man came out he sincerely apologized (no problem I said ) ...it was obvious that he was homeless and had been in there cleaning up...

had no cash to give him, but would have if I did

[Spitfire of ATJ]

4. There is a myth in this country that you can go to the "welfare office" and get money.

[handmade34]

7. yup...

lots of myth out there about the homeless and "poor" people

people spreading the myths and lies need to experience life as some of the homeless do, for a year or so...

[Spitfire of ATJ]

9. The ultimate lie is when you hear white people claim there's a special welfare they can't get.