Thoughts About Homelessness and How We Could Help
@DeborahDiane (40066)
Laguna Woods, California
March 3, 2017 9:28pm CST
As I have mentioned in the past, my husband and I regularly volunteer at a homeless shelter. We prepare a salad or veggies for a dinner, take the food to the shelter, and work with a team of other people who also provide food and serve the homeless.
We love doing it and are glad our church has organized this service opportunity.
Today, on my way to the beach this morning, I drove past the homeless shelter and noticed a women I recognized from the homeless shelter. She was just sitting on the bench at the bus stop, with all her belongings around her. When I drove past going the other way a few hours later, she had moved to the other side of the street, but she was still sitting there ... only about 50 yards from the homeless shelter, which is locked up during the day.
As far as I know, all homeless shelters feed dinner to the homeless (and sometimes breakfast) and give them a cot or exercise mat where they can sleep for the night. Then, the homeless are kicked out in the morning and are expected to find something to do until the shelter opens again in the evening. Many of them are incapable of doing anything.
You may think the homeless are just a bunch of lazy bums. My experience has been far different.
The homeless I have met are:
Physically handicapped (sometimes using walkers or wheelchairs)
Mentally retarded
Mentally ill
Addicted to drugs ... often prescription drugs provided by a doctor
Alcoholic
Sick, weak and/or depressed
They also are kind and very appreciative of any help they receive.
Today I began to wonder ...
What if we provided additional services to the homeless?
What if we gave them secure lockers to store their belongings?
What if we let them spend the day in the shelters, off the streets?
What if we gave them something to do ... simple jobs, games to play, physical therapy, job training, social skills, medical care?
Could their lives be made better?
What do you think?
22 people like this
19 responses
@JudyEv (326177)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Mar 17
I'm sure their lives could be made much better by any one of these things. I wrote a post some times about two lads providing a mobile clothes washing service for the homeless. This has now expanded to include a mobile shower unit. Such small things make such a difference to their self-esteem. I'm sure having something to do to fill in even part of day would be welcomed too.
7 people like this
@librarygeek1980 (3137)
• United States
4 Mar 17
Interesting. I know I had a homeless patron last summer who used the community pool shower to bathe.... Old run down hotels are good makeshift housing for some of them, but you can't catch all of them
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 Mar 17
@JudyEv - I agree, Judy. I can't imagine anything worse than not feeling well and having nothing to do other than just sit around on park benches all day. We are losing the opportunity to help them lead productive, worthwhile lives.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 Mar 17
@librarygeek1980 - Yes, hold hotels also make good housing. However, if there are not enough, I would think that just opening the shelters during the day and giving the people something to do would make a big difference in their lives.
3 people like this
@sallypup (58166)
• Centralia, Washington
4 Mar 17
One idea that I have is for churches and other public buildings that typically have grass is to dig up the useless grass and sub in edible plants instead. The homeless and others that are impoverished could work in the gardens and more people would have real food to eat.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Mar 17
@sallypup - Public gardens to help the poor are a wonderful idea. Our church does not have a lawn. It has a small rose garden with park benches, and they let the homeless nap on the benches if they want. I think that is nice, and I have never been bothered by a homeless person when I have walked past them to go into the church.
2 people like this
@sallypup (58166)
• Centralia, Washington
5 Mar 17
@DeborahDiane Rose hips make wonderful tea and give out vitamin C.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Mar 17
@sallypup - Ahh! Perhaps the homeless could learn to make rose hip tea. That sounds wonderful.
2 people like this
@marguicha (215894)
• Chile
17 Sep 17
I have been shocked when I read mylot posts at the amount of poverty a country as rich as the US has. And poverty is worse because your climate is harsh. 
2 people like this
@marguicha (215894)
• Chile
18 Sep 17
@DeborahDiane It is sad! From the outside, we think that the US is a powerful giant. Nevertheless, there are many problems that even poorer countries have solved better.
From the outside, we think that the US is a powerful giant. Nevertheless, there are many problems that even poorer countries have solved better.1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
18 Sep 17
@marguicha - Yes, you are right. For example, many poorer countries have better healthcare for everyone than the U.S. does. Isn't that sad? You don't hear of other countries wanting to have the same healthcare system of the U.S.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
17 Sep 17
@marguicha - It is very sad to see so many homeless people living here. We really need to build inexpensive apartments in the poor areas of every city in the U.S. However, no one seems to be doing that. It is heartbreaking to see so many poor people sleeping on the streets or in shelters every night.
2 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (49132)
• United States
30 Aug 17
I think those are some great ideas. By the way, do you know how @ElizabethWallace is ?
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Sep 17
@Tampa_girl7 - Yes, I see Elizabeth once or twice a month. She wrote a book and in involved in the editing, etc., with it. She put MyLot aside. I don't know if she will ever come back, which is a shame.
@1creekgirl (40636)
• United States
4 Mar 17
That sounds like a great idea. Maybe your church might expand its ministry?
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 Mar 17
@1creekgirl - Yes, perhaps our church will be a good place to start. I hope these ideas spread around the world.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Mar 17
@DianneN - Yes, it does boil down to money. I am going to quote what @nanette64 told me in her comment. This information shocked me: "It saddens me @DeborahDiane that there are over 3.5 million homeless in the US and 58% of those are children under the age of 18. And when you consider the number of vacant houses is 5 times that of the homeless, it's ridiculous. And when you consider 12% are our Veterans, it makes me mad."
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
6 Mar 17
@DianneN - Yes, it is sad and sickening. Some of these people break my heart.
2 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
5 Mar 17
@DeborahDiane It is sad and sickening.
2 people like this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
29 Sep 17
I am not an expert in this field at all, but I suspect that a number of services are needed--including some sort of day program especially in inclement weather as well as health services of some kind
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
30 Sep 17
@divalounger - Yes, day services are also very important. However, the bottom line is that there will always be homeless people as long as there are people who cannot afford any kind of home. The true solution is an increase in the amount of affordable housing units. They can be tiny apartments. We just have to make sure we provide something that people on disability or with low paying jobs can actually afford.
@crossbones27 (48480)
• Mojave, California
5 Mar 17
My idea has always been have them help repair all these empty buildings and convert them into some kind of housing garden centers and what not. The problem is always no one profits off of these things, except the homeless if you were to do it like that. There lies the problem we do not do anything to better society as a whole unless we can profit of it.
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (48480)
• Mojave, California
1 Sep 17
@DeborahDiane True, definitely would have to be a state thing. Do not see Trump ever doing anything for the poor and homeless.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Sep 17
@crossbones27 - Yes, the government would have to back that kind of project, to buy up and repair old buildings. However, it would be better to have people living in them than allow them to continue to fall into disrepair.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Sep 17
@crossbones27 - No. The majority of Republicans blame the poor for being poor. They don't cut them much slack and don't want to give them any more than minimal, short-term help.
@averygirl72 (37761)
• Philippines
29 Aug 17
You have a good heart. If given a chance I want to volunteer too and help homeless people
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
30 Aug 17
@averygirl72 - I feel very good about volunteering at the homeless shelter. It always makes me happy.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
4 Mar 17
Absolutley without a doubt it would give people the skills and help they need to break out of this circle of homelessness. Where some are illiterate you could help them to learn to read, to write, to apply for jobs. Without a permanent address they are unable to get a job but once they have one they can move on in the world freeing up a space for someone else. There would have to be guidelines in place that those people actually do work towards independence and building their self esteem. Good luck with this venture if you decide to go this way.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118587)
• Gainesville, Florida
5 Mar 17
@DeborahDiane I think every community should share their best practices so that other communities can learn better ways of tackling homeless issues. By sharing strategies, communities all over the country can make significant progress in taking care of our homeless.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Mar 17
@garymarsh6 - Since our homeless shelter is run by a neighboring city, with help from the churches, I don't know how much influence I will have. However, I plan to make these suggestions and see what happens. @moffittjc told me what they are doing in Gainesville, Florida, and I plan to pass that idea on. I think it is wonderful.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
1 Sep 17
@moffittjc - I agree. I am sure there are some great ideas for dealing with the homeless, but every state and county does it differently. That is a shame.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
4 Mar 17
It saddens me @DeborahDiane that there are over 3.5 million homeless in the US and 58% of those are children under the age of 18. And when you consider the number of vacant houses is 5 times that of the homeless, it's ridiculous. And when you consider 12% are our Veterans, it makes me mad.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
5 Mar 17
@DeborahDiane I think some of the CEO's of big corporations need to spend the money to help instead of buying their newest yacht or fancy house in the Caribbean.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
6 Mar 17
@nanette64 - Wouldn't that be nice ... if all those rich people, especially the ones who pretend to be Christian, actually used some of their money to help the poor ... which Christ told us to do!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Mar 17
@nanette64 - Wow! Even I did not know those statistics. You are right. It is horrifying and heartbreaking. There has to be more that could be done.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
24 Sep 17
Would and should be a concerted effort from the public as well as the government. My girlfriends son has Schizophrenia and as he is now a seasoned adult has chosen not to take his meds. This has made him far worse and he has taken up the homeless lifestyle despite my friends efforts to help. He comes home for a bit and then takes off or causes problems- it's a horrible situation that does need rectifying. I think your idea is wonderful.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
25 Sep 17
@MarymargII - Someday, I hope we have leaders who really want to improve the lives of the poor and homeless.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
24 Sep 17
@Marymargll - I agree that it needs to be a joint private-public effort. I guess it will have to get even worse before people decide they are willing to do something about it.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
25 Sep 17
@DeborahDiane Or see even part of what you see--- that also will help!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Oct 17
@RubyHawk - I agree that communities need to do more. Many housing projects for the poor have been torn down over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, they have not been replaced. As a result, the poor have fewer and fewer choices of places where they can afford to live.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
2 Oct 17
@RubyHawk - That is why we have so many homeless ... the NIMBY attitude (Not In My Back Yard). If every community took in a dozen or so homeless and had to have an "alternative sleeping shelter", and every apartment complex had to dedicate 5% of their apartments for low income people or those with housing vouchers, we would have far fewer homeless people.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99423)
• Atlanta, Georgia
2 Oct 17
t@DeborahDiane There's were plans to build a homeless shelter not far from us. The lot faces the highway and no homes can be seen from the lot. A subdivision is located at the back across a wooded area. The residents fought against building the shelter and won. That shelter could have sheltered many people who are on the street.
1 person likes this
@librarygeek1980 (3137)
• United States
4 Mar 17
Good topic, homelessness is one of those complex issues to where there are no easy answers.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 Mar 17
@librarygeek1980 - You are right that there are no easy answers. We need to tackle this problem in a wide variety of ways.
1 person likes this
@prinzcy (32322)
• Malaysia
4 Mar 17
That would be amazing. I think every little thing you do will help them. Giving them job searching and social skills will help them better in getting back into society. It may help improve their self esteem. I don't know about lockers, they might want to keep what they have close but it's worth trying. Who knows.
It's something I learnt from Paying It Forward movie and here I quote it, you won't know what's like to live on in the street and how messed up your life is, until you look up a dumpster and climb into it for the first time and pulled newspapers over you to cover up. So when someone comes along even a child and give a leg up, he will take it.
Trevor McKenney: Are you saying you'll flunk us if we don't change the world? Eugene: Well, no. But you might just scrape by with a C. Share this quote Arley: I can't reject you, you're too quick for me! Share this quote Sidney: The world is a shithole, pa
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Mar 17
@prinzcy - That is beautiful. I love the Pay It Forward quotes. I agree that we never know what it is like to live on the street until you have climbed into a dumpster ... something I hope never happens.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
4 Mar 17
in your experience, are they all alone, no family members?
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Mar 17
@hereandthere - Yes, in most cases they do not have family members, or their family members are not willing to take them in. It is a sad situation.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 Mar 17
@jstory07 - I don't know why they are kicked out during the day. Nor do I know why they are not offered a place to store their belongings. Both of those things would make their lives better and make it easier for them to stay clean, safe and healthy.
@TheHorse (206658)
• Walnut Creek, California
28 Aug 17
One of the families I work with lived as you describe for several months. They had to move from Church to Church every two weeks or so, and couldn't "set up" before something like 5 PM. In that particular case, the mom suffers from depression, but no other mental illness, so far as I know. You're right: Most are kind and appreciative. And many suffer from severe mental illness. I'm glad you volunteer there. "Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it to me" --Matthew 25:40.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
29 Aug 17
@TheHorse - It is shocking how many families and individuals of all ages rely on homeless shelters. They hang out around town all day, just waiting for the shelter to open so they can get a hot meal and a pad on the floor where they can sleep. The homeless problem will never we solved until we build more low cost housing ... small apartments that can be rented at prices the working poor and those on disability or unemployment can afford. Many of these people have a small income, just not enough to pay rent, even with a roommate. Personally, I think that every new construction apartment complex should be required to include at least 10% of their apartments which can be rented for a low price ... $300 to $500 a month or less. They could be very small and scattered throughout the complex, so they don't stand out. However, many of these people would be so appreciative of just a 150 to 300 square foot apartment. It would be life changing.
@redurnet (1799)
• United Kingdom
6 Mar 17
I have been on the brink of homelessness myself and I find that for me the impetus was not being able to deal with the structure and demands of 'normal life'. I think the suggestions you have for help are good and would help some homeless people but not all of them as they will have different needs. I think mental illness is a big factor in many homelessness cases and because there are so many different mental illnesses and conditions it can be difficult to know how people will respond to help or assistance. I definitely think that this help should be offered though to those who are able to accept it. I really like the secure lockers idea.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
7 Mar 17
@redumet - I agree that many homeless people are mentally ill and it is hard to predict how to help them. We never had as many homeless people in the U.S. until President Reagan cut out the federal funding for mental hospitals. There are still a few mental hospitals around, but people tend to only stay in them for a very short time. Afterwards, many of the people simply are lose on the street.
