A new outlook on homeless people

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I had never went without having a home. I have a degree in Criminal Justice, have worked in Security at a college. Have done a little police work and have been a Corrections Officer. Without going into great detail, I found myself homeless this summer. My daughter and I lived in a homeless shelter for a short time. Before ever being homeless, it is sad to say that I sometimes would think that many of the people who are homeless could do something about their situation and just don't try. I mean I have always had a heart for people who are struggling but I also was kind of leery, thinking that maybe that person just isn't trying to improve their life. Oh, did I ever have a reality check. I know first hand, that first of all, being homeless is exhausting, even while living at a shelter. There are so many rules (which is good, not complaining about this) and you are always busy doing something, whether it be mandatory "dorm" meetings, meetings with your coach/counselor and etc.and completing your chores. You only have certain times when you can eat, and if you ever want to sleep in, you will miss breakfast. You have to get up early and you are constantly going all day long, looking for work, finding somewhere to hang out to stay cool, whether it means you walk around in a store all day or stop at a restaurant (and hopefully have enough $ to at least buy a drink so that you don't get kicked out). Even finding a place where you can use the restroom can be stressful. When you are a single mother looking for work, it is extremely difficult to find work while living at a homeless shelter. You are not allowed to leave your child in the shelter without you at ANY time, unless you pay one of the other mother's to babysit. If you don't have a job, you have no money to pay for the daycare. Even though my daughter is 16 and we had our own room (with no other families), she was not allowed to stay there without me. I believe that shelter's should look into providing daycare for single parents to be able to go job hunting and for interviews. Anyhow, I know I did't really ask a question here...just sharing my thoughts on what I experienced as being homeless. What are your thoughts and do you have any experience with being homeless? Oh and let me share this, thank the Lord, we are now in our own apartment! God is good! I am still looking for work, please keep me in your prayers!