Dealing with Homelessness

[sk8Joyful]

Be aware that there are MANY reasons a person may become homeless, or a "beggar". Especially in the current economy. Not every poor or homeless person is in that situation because they are just lazy or bad at money management. They could have been victims of a fire, natural disaster, or have mental issues. They could have been laid off from their jobs and unable to find another.

Take my situation, for example: I had to quit my job that I'd had for 14 years to move to another location and take full-time care of my ill, disabled mother. I had no choice- she needed help, and I believe it was definately the right thing to do anyway.

For three years I cared for her, without pay, until she passed away in August.

Now I'm frantically looking for a job, and coming up empty. I'm not homeless yet, but if something doesn't happen really soon, I won't have any more money to pay rent and utilities. I've applied for every type of help I know of, and always get turned down for one reason or another (except food stamps).

I actually manage money very well. While working, I had saved a large part of my income (usually I'd save $200 out of every paycheck- or $400 a month) to help in hard times. But guess what? Now that I could really use that money, I don't have it. Why? Did I blow it on stupid purchases or something?

No. I had a former dishonest landlady who stole a large chunk of it (she found it in the apartment when I wasn't there once, and I only learned of the theft after she'd died, so never had it recovered). Also a lot was spent on moving expenses, especially to move to a new location. Not cheap at all.

So all this to say...not everyone who has fallen on hard times is a drug addict, alcoholic, lazy, poor manager, or whatever. Sometimes, "life" just happens.

Hi sister

Your recounting is touching, and many of us can relate.

I pray God will lead you to the resources helping you, now in your time of need. You are loved!

 

[Autumnleaf]

Vlad the Impaler had a solution for the homless long ago. He invited them all to a free banquet. When they arrived he locked them in a big room and burned it down. So ended the homeless problem for awhile.

 

[sk8Joyful]

I know a guy who takes in homeless alcoholics.
Gives them a meal, shower, washes their clothes, then sends them on their way. He tells them they can come back anytime so long as they are not drunk. He's an odd sort of fellow with a heart of gold.

Each of us, (by God already created in His image) therefore can act "odd with a heart of gold ": a mental-state spiritually natural in each of us.

However, this kind man is actually 'enabling' said alcoholics, to stay stuck in their dysfunctional behavioral choices.
Far better for them to be offered healing. - And then help them empower themselves in creating a successful life in which they help yet others. - iow, a Win-Win, all for the PRAISE of God!