Thoughts on my Homeless friends
My observations about the homeless community....first, they are not "all alike", let's be clear about that...second, in my mind there are different categories, and those that fit no category (that's an understatement!). There are those in one group who I think will never be in a home, not one we'd consider "normal". They do not want the rules, the closeness of others, they like their community of those like them. On some level, I guess that could be considered mental instability, I just kind of think of them as renegades, living their own lives they way they see fit. Unfortunately, that puts them, many times, on the public dollar.
Another group is those who have been homeless for a long time, and fighting for day to day survival is their way of life. Those folks could be helped into better living situations, but it will be a transition, it won't happen overnight for many reasons....health issues, aging issues, mental issues and simply helping them get out of the habit of day to day survival, helping them plan on a real future, moving forwards in their lives, just helping them feel secure and safe in a home again.
A group that I think needs a lot of attention put on it is the group with the kids moving out of foster care. We can help these kids stop the cycle of moving onto the streets by getting programs in place to help place them in jobs, schools (both college and trade schools) and helping them stay safe and not learn the hard lessons of living on the streets when they are 18 years old. It is heartbreaking to see them come to our public showers, first days on the street, scared to death, and looking for answers. Others direct them to food, the Salvation Army, etc, but it doesn't help much. As time passes, you can see the changes, the hardness develop, the fear in their eyes becomes hard and they look away instead of at you. We have to do something for this group. There are a few programs, but I don't have info on them to give to these kids.
Then there are the seniors, drawing a bit of Social Security, but not near enough to pay rent...on the streets for so many reasons, mostly I hear of medical issues and bills and losing their homes to pay their bills. Some still have a car, but then it breaks down and they are on the street. Living with their cardiac issues, arthritic bodies, other health issues. I can't imagine the fear and pain of their nights. Affordable housing? not in Austin. Foundation Communities is doing what they can and Loaves & Fishes as well, but it takes more.
I guess this is enough, there's more..the vulnerable women on the streets....just heartbreaking. There is not just one story for all of those folks on the street. I'm sure this will be picked apart, but I hope it makes just one person realize there are no easy answers to this horrific fact of life in our city and cities all over the world.
Another group is those who have been homeless for a long time, and fighting for day to day survival is their way of life. Those folks could be helped into better living situations, but it will be a transition, it won't happen overnight for many reasons....health issues, aging issues, mental issues and simply helping them get out of the habit of day to day survival, helping them plan on a real future, moving forwards in their lives, just helping them feel secure and safe in a home again.
A group that I think needs a lot of attention put on it is the group with the kids moving out of foster care. We can help these kids stop the cycle of moving onto the streets by getting programs in place to help place them in jobs, schools (both college and trade schools) and helping them stay safe and not learn the hard lessons of living on the streets when they are 18 years old. It is heartbreaking to see them come to our public showers, first days on the street, scared to death, and looking for answers. Others direct them to food, the Salvation Army, etc, but it doesn't help much. As time passes, you can see the changes, the hardness develop, the fear in their eyes becomes hard and they look away instead of at you. We have to do something for this group. There are a few programs, but I don't have info on them to give to these kids.
Then there are the seniors, drawing a bit of Social Security, but not near enough to pay rent...on the streets for so many reasons, mostly I hear of medical issues and bills and losing their homes to pay their bills. Some still have a car, but then it breaks down and they are on the street. Living with their cardiac issues, arthritic bodies, other health issues. I can't imagine the fear and pain of their nights. Affordable housing? not in Austin. Foundation Communities is doing what they can and Loaves & Fishes as well, but it takes more.
I guess this is enough, there's more..the vulnerable women on the streets....just heartbreaking. There is not just one story for all of those folks on the street. I'm sure this will be picked apart, but I hope it makes just one person realize there are no easy answers to this horrific fact of life in our city and cities all over the world.
Comments