Your stomach is excruciating with the pain of emptiness of no food. The aroma of your clothes have a horrid smell to them. Asking for change is like asking the full moon to come out. Went to the shelter to only find that they are booked. So your bed is the cold ,
hard pavement sidewalk. When its cold, you are hoping the layer of clothes falling off of you give you warmth against the cold. Blankets help if you can find one. In the summer, you pray you don’t get a heat stroke. All you can think of is being in better circumstances.
I am a former homeless person. Those times were not fun for me, my mother, or my sister. If we ever got any food, my mother and I would just give it to my little sister. I am so thankful everyday that my family and I were able to get out of that situation . I will never wish anyone to be homeless. But what does sadden me is when people talk about homeless people like they are worthless garbage.
In reference I am referring to a blog that I have read called: The Homeless: Send them Back Where they came From. It is a impelling blog about how one feels about homeless people. I am just amazed by the emotions portrayed on this blog. People who put theirselves on a pedestal of finances downing others that are trying to climb on the ladder to reach their own pedestal. This is why I say treating others the way you want to be treated is the best thing to do. No one is better than anyone. While you are going to Starbucks drinking your morning coffee everyday, you could end up on the streets begging for change at that same coffee shop.
Yes there are some homeless people out there that make the genuine homeless people look bad, but every person is not the same.A lot of homeless people did not choose to be homeless. They did try to invest in their money right. They did try to stay with their husband that continuously beat them. They did try to stay with their parents that were on drugs. They tried to go to charities to save their houses and get them food. They did try to get 3 jobs.
Especially the way the economy is slightly going down, everyone is trying to keep afloat on the finance boat. Just because you give money or your time to charity, does not mean that it is still ok to down others. You help your community out so that makes you a good person. Not technically. Think before you speak because you could end up eating away at your own words. Enjoy!
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I am glad you got out of that though. I didn't read the other blog because I knew it was bias. I have been homeless for alittle while, but not like you were. We stayed at salvation army for a few days and the lived with my parent's friend for about 6 months.
I admire your courage
http://www.progressiveu.org/032913-lupus-uncureable-wait-what
Love comments? I do too!
Thanks.When the author replied back to everyones comments, they said they were trying to portray how some people act towards homeless people. Like I told them then they should have stated that somewhere in the blog a little bit earlier.
I have not read the other blog yet, but I plan to as soon as I finish this reply. But I don't need to in order to say that I am also appalled. I've never understood how someone can give the opinions of someone from a different culture, or financial status and believe them. Even if that is what one person or a group of people from that culture said, they should not act as a spokesman or a representative of that group unless they are a part of that group. It just baffles me that someone thinks they can give the opinions of someone else.
Well the author said that they were just trying to say this from a certain person's perpective. They don't exactly believe this but they were trying to say what others believe . Now this is what that person stated. I just feel if that was their actual purpose, they should have stated that earlier.
Although the term "I feel your pain" has become an overused sarcastic comment to the whining multitudes of not so hard luck stories out there, I can actually use the phrase as a response to your submission with complete sincerity.
I too was homeless for a short time and, although it was partially by choice (I was ridding my system of wanderlust by hitching across the country) I experienced the same...bias? is that the right word?...no; it was worse.
People looked at me as if I were a disease, as if I were somehow less than human. When crossing the street, people in cars locked their doors. When panhandling, I was bought off or chased from storefronts by shopkeepers. When asking to trade work for food or a small pittance, I was given the most menial of tasks, such as washing dishes or floors, or scrubbing trash cans. And, when I was fortunate enough to get a ride, conversation was kept to a minimum...unless the driver wanted something in return...like a BJ.
Even after I had found my feet, I observed (and was more sensitive to) the treatment homeless folks are afforded when interacting with those who are not. The dogmatic cries of "Get a job!" or "Bum" pierced me more deeply after I was off the streets. I even heard some jerk challenge one guy to a fight when asked for a quarter. A lousy quarter, for chrissakes.
I do not mean to demean the entire society's behavior; certainly there were anough nice folks out there, people who realized "There, but for the grace of God, go I" and were empathetic enough to take positive action. But these folks were not always the prevalent example. And the scars on my soul are testaments to that
When homeless, I did things I am not proud of, but most of these actions I cannot repent as sins.
I hope there are more essays out there from the former homeless. Certainly the tone that we have set has proven the homeless, whether presently so or not, are anything but unintelligent. Certainly we can claim that our experiences have made us more compassionate. And, like Scarlett O'Hara, we are driven by the resolution, "we will never go hungry again"
Perform Acts of Random Kindness on a daily basis
Chuckhoek
I hope there are more essays out there from the former homeless. Certainly the tone that we have set has proven the homeless, whether presently so or not, are anything but unintelligent. Certainly we can claim that our experiences have made us more compassionate. And, like Scarlett O'Hara, we are driven by the resolution, "we will never go hungry again"
Liked that whole paragraph. Sorry I did not get the chance to respond to you as quickly .Well at least you know how it is to be homeless. I am just glad I came out of that situation. Glad you did too.
"When asking to trade work for food or a small pittance, I was given the most menial of tasks, such as washing dishes or floors, or scrubbing trash cans."
I don't necessarily see this as bad. These are the kind of jobs that uneducated and untrained people that do have homes get. I've been a dishwasher before, and it's not that bad.
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truthfully i was appalled. appalled at anyone who would think along such elitist thoughts, and now they are saying that they wanted to portray a yuppie point of view?
now that is down right disgusting. i mean it wasn't new to me, those points of view. someone who is more worried about the bottoms of their shoes than someone's life?
what has this world come to? sure, if you make "thousands of dollars an hour" you can be more upper class, but why would someone who makes that much money take the subway? wouldn't they have a helicopter and their own expresso machine? starbucks is crap anyway. i have had quite a few cups of their brew, every single one was a disappointment. i would rather have watered down, soapy-tasting diner coffee than purchase another beverage from starbucks, excepting those frappicino's (sp?) they are so delicious.
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If you (or anyone else) is ever in the Milwaukee area, I will make you a high quality cup of coffee. Or espresso. Whichever. :-)
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Oh yes. The frappacinos are really good. I am ont a big cofee person though. I think the comment that he made after everyone commented on his blog was a cover up because if you were trying to portray what other people say about others, you would do it like for example in my other blog called: Since you Look Abnormal, I will Treat you Horrible. Something like that.Thanks for the feedback.
sure, if you make "thousands of dollars an hour" you can be more upper class, but why would someone who makes that much money take the subway?
I would if I were in that situation because I like to minimize my impact. Taking the subway is a much better option than helicoptering.
I like starbucks coffee, but I generally just make my own. The baristas here always mess up my order.
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The baristas inside the grocery stores in TX make Starbucks look bad. One time I went in Kroger to get my Strawberry Frapuccino, they put 3x the strawberry that you are supposed to put in there.It tasted so bad, normally I would just throw it away, but this time I asked for my money back ASAP!
Back in my old high school days. The school would have a one day camp out on the football field trying to reenact the life of a homeless person. The portrayal wasn't exactly "real." First of all they would camp out in April when it's fairly warm and second it was only for a day with fully intact clothing and sleeping bags. The high schoolers didn't have to brave through wintery storms or the simmering, scorching sun.
"Far and away the best prize life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt
Yeah.Many people try to make others portray how it feels to be homeless but it really is not the same as being homeless for real. It is good that your school was aware about homeless people though.Thanks for the comment.
Like you, I was once homeless. It wasn't on purpose, nor was it easy. It was my last semester at the university, and I couldn't afford anything no matter how many hours I had put in. People had used my generosity before this incident, never to repay me. Odd considering they were supposed to be my best friends and the man I was dating. They just laughed at me when I needed help the most.
Safety came from the strangest place. The janitor of the building I worked at allowed me to keep a few things for bedding in his "office", then every night as he was the last one to leave he opened up a class room for me to sleep in. I was grateful to have never had to sleep in the freezing cold more than a few times.
I'm glad you survived to tell the tale and implore that more people be helpful.
The sanity within is overwhelming.
Well I am glad you are doing well too. It just sometimes I get upset when people try to down others. Including homeless.
I've been in that situation as well, except I was lucky enough to have a car. It does make me less accepting of people that use excuses and don't try, but more accepting of those who do try and sincerely have bad luck.
F*** Religion. Read more here:
http://www.progressiveu.org/020528-f-religion
Thanks. I am just glad I didn't have to stay in that situation for a long time.
me, too! I don't know if I could have taken sleeping in my car and random couches much longer. I was so happy to finally get a house after that!
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I was so happy to find a permanent shelter after this whole ordeal.
Or is it the fact that the system is broken? I would guess the latter. No matter how creative, smart, talented, "professionally educated," etc a person is, it does not guarantee anything, especially in this economy.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
I think a little bit of both. I do think there are homeless and poor that work hard, try, have their priorities straight, and just don't get ahead. I've seen it before. At the same time, I've seen a lot that just don't want to try, and a lot that have a hard time getting jobs because they don't already know someone with a job in their area of expertise. For example, I have a friend who graduated college recently but just accepted a job in a restaurant because all of the jobs she can find require experience, and the few that she found that don't require it don't pay enough for her to survive. It's a bad situation, and I think the government could do something to help it out.
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I seriously agree with you on that. It seems even worser because people tell you to go to college, and you will have a very good paying job afterwards. But when you graduate, you find yourself looking for a minimum wage job instead of a career. It's just sad.
I disagree to an extent. There are some people out there that "just don't want to try," but it's not nearly that simple. You don't just decide to be lazy. Most of the people have lost a job randomly, often without any other experience and no education. There are no options. It's not as simple as not wanting to try. More that a person has lost hope or the floor went out from under them to quickly to do anything about it. Once you're in that cycle, it takes so much more to pull yourself out of it.;
I have come to the realization that I will always be a part of the working poor- one paycheck away from getting sued, utilities shut off, or evicted. I am lucky I set up good credit at a young age though, just in case. It's an honorable class of mostly hard-working people. I never decided on college for higher paying career opportunities and a "better" lifestyle. It's always been about getting an opportunity to help people. (Medical insurance would be really cool too though....) Priorities and perspectives are just different.
For example, when some people do see homeless people, their thought might be, "They should just get a job. I don't want to see that!" Someone else might think, "I wish I could give them a place to stay and food to eat. I really want to help them get on their feet." Others might be truly apathetic and not even notice anything that they don't want to.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
good entry.
What a lot of people don't seem to understand there are many people who are, due to the circumstances they find themselves living in are living hand to mouth, only one missed paycheck away from homelessness. nobody wakes up one morning and decides to be homeless, but the (false) belief that "it could never happen to me" leads people to maintain superiority over those who are living on the street. What they dont seem to understand is that all it takes is one missed bill, a couple of missed mortgage payments, some medical thing not covered by their insurance - and they too could be homeless. i
Thanks. Now only if some people could realize this and not take being homeless as a joke.
A small criticism: To 'double in pain', properly said 'double over in pain' means to bend over and fall forward. Your stomach bending over and falling forward would be quite a strange thing.
And this is the reason why I purposely quoted double in pain. To say double over would be like what you just mentioned: bending over and falling forward . Yeah that would be strange. When I meant double in pain, I meant the pain of emptiness was so excruciating . Maybe I should have said that. Thanks for the correction . Besides that, did you think the rest of it was ok?
It is easy to read and has a discernible quality to it.
Well thank you. I try my best.
It sounds like the author of the other blog was getting so much negativity, it was just easier to say, "Well, I don't believe that, others do." Most people would actually preface that in the blog I would think. I'll have to find it after I reply...
I've never truly experienced homelessness. I was a couch surfer for several months, but that was the closest I came. I am empathetic to the situation though. A lot of my friends have spent time on the streets in their youth. Many left home out of addiction, others were trying to escape abusive parents, and in reality, the streets can be more friendly than the foster care system. (Note that I did say CAN BE- it's a gamble)
I spent a lot of time when I was younger hanging out with street kids- travelers mostly, that came through town in packs, hung out and left within a few months. They chose to live this lifestyle, and never complained. They weren't necessarily running from bad situations. They were just young and wanted to see the country and experience more. I wish I would've had the balls and opportunity to do it.
We live in a society that tends to blame the victim. People are poor because they don't try hard enough, they don't work enough, they... well, it's all their fault. Never mind the fact that not everyone has opportunities to succeed. Once a person loses a home, it's a dead end one way street. You lose a job and a home, you can't get another because you can't get either without an address and/or telephone number.
Then there are other issues to consider. The lack of good psychiatric care and the lack of assistance programs for women and children leaving abusive relationships... It's easy to say that anyone can make it in this country, but it's just not always true.
In any case, being poor and/or homeless gives people a more appreciative perspective on life. As much as it sucks, it does make a person stronger and probably better equipped than most to deal with economic uncertainty that we're living in now.
Great blog, by the way!
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
You might be interested in my blog on homelessness. At the end it links back to this one, as well as the "satire" one that you are searching for. :-)
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Thank you for your reply. Even if you have never been homeless or have been on the verge of being homeless, it doesn't give anyone the reason to make fun or be sacastic towards homeless people.
Read my blog. Which character am I emphasizing? Which character point of view am I showing? Who am I making fun of? Do I describe homeless people enough that you would have a definite impression of whether they are laughable or pitiable?
I have read your blog. It motivated me to write this one. You are emphasizing first point of view as being a middle wealthy person that hates homeless people and does not understqand their being for being present.It seems the way you presented your blog was in a sarcastic, whimsical way (like making fun of).
Don't think I am trying to down your writing or your blog, you just didn't present it in a more understanding way.If you stated even towards the end of your blog what you were trying to express, I would have totally agreed with you on your point of view on people that act that way towards homeless people.
It sounds like the author of the other blog was getting so much negativity, it was just easier to say, "Well, I don't believe that, others do." Most people would actually preface that in the blog I would think. I'll have to find it after I reply...
But it is more the result of reading comprehension problems. Have you ever watched "Life is Beautiful"? It's a comedy set in a Nazi concentration camp. The viewer can certainly complain that it makes light of the conditions of Jewish prisoners, but a discriminating viewer would immediately see that it isn't about the Nazis or a concentration camp, it's about the human condition.
And it is this modern man's callousness towards life that I am making fun of.
Ok . I understand now the point you are trying to make. No I have not seen that movie or documentary but when I have the chance, I will watch it. Don't think I am trying to down you or others are trying to down you because of me or sawaboof.
When you wrote that blog, you caught people's attention by the title. There was no problem there. When people started reading the blog, they felt like you were commenting on how good you are and how homelesss people are like garbage on the street: You want to get rid of it.
No where in your blog did you state that this is what people think or this is what some people are like and that is why people felt you were trying to be on the bad side.
By the time you stated what you really meant, it kind of made a lot of people think that you were trying to cover yourself. Some people kind of got your idea after you explained yourself though.
Instead of just tagging the blog as "Shared Responsibility," it would have been much clearer to add "satire." The way it sounded was that it was a shared responsibility to get rid of the homeless, not get rid of the reasons that make people homeless.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
If you were to come across this on the web, even if you know absolutely nothing about the site, should you, as a reasonable person realize it's satire?:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/nations_poorest_1_now_controls_two
If the article does not state anywhere it's satire, and it uses newspaper-speak, does that mean you automatically think it's real? Shouldn't some common-sense apply sometime?
I read somewhere that more than half of so-called collegians can't pick out a theme from a piece of reading material. I would guess far less have the comprehension skills to pick out satire.
Hmmmm..... Another good point!
I forgot about the term "couch surfer". I would consider my previous situaton as partial couch surfer, because I had about a 50% chance of finding a couch.
Homelessness does prepare one for anything life has to offer. I feel like I can do anything now because it taught me to be resourceful and creative.
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I don;t know if my friends always felt a responsibility to "the sick girl" or would have done anything for anyone, but I was lucky to always have a place to sleep, food to eat, and friends that love me. I really don;t think it was all about "the sick girl" though. They all know as long as I have a roof over my head, so do they. I guess that's just the way we are. Indianapolis is a small town, or at least in every group or clique or whatever, we have small town attitudes. We all look out for each other.
I was also lucky to get sick at such a young age (14). That definitely prepared me for anything, and made me feel strong enough to handle everything.
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
I felt lucky to go through the things I did as well. I feel like if I wouldn't have had such a hard childhood I probably wouldn't have the courage and motivation to keep on going. I'm so relaxed that it's borderline apathy, so knowing how far I have come keeps me motivated.
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I have tried... You're not the first person that's said they became apathetic after trauma in their lives. I understand that it is a defense mechanism, but I just don't understand how that's a good thing. I love feeling passion- good, bad, and ugly. I love getting pissed off when I hear about injustice. I guess having all the passion is what keeps me excited about life.
Everyone has traumatic experiences of different degrees or whatever, but they all change that person. There is no contest to see who had a rougher life or anything, and I really wish people would get off that pity thing. (I'm NOT TALKING ABOUT ANYONE ON HERE!) I have listened to people whine for hours about how rough they've had it- dad was always at work and mom liked sister better, and then the depression, blah blah blah.... Yes, I do understand all that, but it is so not the end of the world! It's just a little hurdle. If you don't jump the hurdle, you're stuck there forever!
(That was for all random people that decide I look like I need their life story as we wait in line at the grocery store, doctor's office, whatever.)
-Sonja :)
"Democracy works only when you vote. When you don't take the time to vote for the candidate you find the least offensive, you run the risk of electing the candidate you find the most offensive."
I wouldn't call it apathy in the sense of not caring or feeling emotion, but in the sense that I don't get worked up if something goes wrong. I've seen people flip out because a restaurant is out of something, but I wouldn't do that because I know there's much worse things that could happen. I would call myself apathetic in the sense that I only care or get worked up about the things that I have control of.
I try to not bask in self-pity. I like to use my story to help others to see that they can do better if they try, though.
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This really makes me think of how pitiful some of us are for complaining about money, and then getting mad about the taxes we have to pay and the "lazy" people out there the government is making us support. Even if you read my blogs, you'll find me complaining about my problems which are petty compared to what some people face. people think begging on the streets is pitiful...what i think is pitiful is spoild rotten kids these days who expect, not want but EXPECT cell phones, cars, ipods, brand named clothing, whatever. Then they go and complain about how scary their financial situation is and how they are sick of being the hard worker that has to pay for everyone else's laziness. I think people should take a second before they say such things. They have no idea how that person they just put down has lived his or her life. They have no idea what circumstances that individual has faced that they would never even need to imagine being in. I think its disgusting that people think they are so ABOVE the rest that they have the right to think that way...to categorize and stereotype and justify behavior that is JUST PLAIN WRONG.
You are very right about that. Even before my family and I became homeless, I appreciated the paycheck I got, and even having a roof over my head. I still am thankful that I have a roof over my head now also. You made very good points that I can agree on also.
Its unfortunate that so many people (ProgressiveUers included) have experienced being homeless. I have been so lucky not to be in that situation and I hope I never will be. Thanks for writing a blog that makes me remember once again how much worse things could be. Its always nice to have a reminder of how blessed we are, even if it means just reading about other people's hard times. Its good to hear that you are all back on your feet and hopefully enjoying some well-deserved successes.
Well thank you very much . That was my main point. Don't judge others about anything because it can happen to you. If you are not in the same situation, help the people that are in that situation. It could just be talking to them that helps them cope with life. You don't have to dish out money all the time. Thanks for your comment. Now I have to reply back to the author that wrote the bad blog.
I'm glad sawaboof pointed out this blog. It's a great story to share with us, even though it was a hard time for you and your family. Situations like these really come into focus when such a personal story is shared. Thanks for sharing.
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Your welcome. Just like I told Saxplayer2 I just want people to understand that they can be walking in the same shoes of a homeless person before they know it. Help people, don't bring them down. But the author of the other blog could not seem to understand this. Well now I have to get ready to reply back to their comments they left me. Thanks for reading my blog.
Am so happy you wrote this blog and I admire your courage, unless such people who down look people are in your shoes they will never know how hard and poignant it is.I have never been homeless but I have had a tough moment, when I went begging for money to buy some medicines that my mum really needed and slept hungry for my siblings sake and guess what I used to wake up every morning and thank God for the gift of life. I sincerely don't think I will read that negative blog but thanks for writing this blog am new to this site and I plan to write a blog soon.
Thank you for your insight and also reading my blog. I 'll read your first one too. If I don't read it right away , it's not that I didn't care. Sometimes I can be forgetful and I am trying to comment on all my friends blogs and everyone else's . You may have to remind me but I am very interested in reading your blog and the more to come.
It is nice to see another young woman who is willing to talk about her experience with homelessness. I also have been homeless and I know how hard it is. I live ever day working on bettering my future so I never have to have the experience again. It is not an enjoyable experience and it was not one that my mother put us into my mother has many health issues and is unable to work and could not afford a place for her, my two little sisters or I to live on the income she was able to bring in. She didn't qualify for disability because she was not disabled she was fighting cancer and other medical difficulties. We lived day to day living every where from the street, shelters, hotels, her car. I am thankful for every day we have a meal on the table and a roof over our heads.
Same here. I am thankful everyday when I have food on the table and a roof over my head. I just would not ever want my daughter to have to go through what I went through.