Homeless man's walking staff

[Phil Elmore]

Her are a few little known facts about homelessness.

50+% of the population is only 2 paychecks away from homelessness at any time.

Only 25%-30% of the homeless are the visible homeless. Many more who classify as chronicaly homeless are invisible. Living either by couch surfing, living in vehicles etc. Or they just take much greater pains to hide their homeless condition.

The homeless are also the most stereotyped, and victimized segment of the population. As well as the least protected by the courts and police.

A person who has been homeless for over 6 months is considered to have only a 5% chance at best of reentering society.

While billions are spent annually to alleviate the problem and help the homless. lESS THAN 5% OF SAID MONIES ACTUALY MAKE IT OUT OF THE NON PROFITS AND INTO ACTUAL AID TO THOSE IN NEED.

Could you cite a source for these statistics, please?

 

[Gadgetaholic]

Could you cite a source for these statistics, please?

73.8% of all statistics are just made up on the spot.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I combined a couple of your quotes:

50+% of the population is only 2 paychecks away from homelessness at any time.

Only 25%-30% of the homeless are the visible homeless. Many more who classify as chronicaly homeless are invisible. Living either by couch surfing, living in vehicles etc. Or they just take much greater pains to hide their homeless condition.

The homeless are also the most stereotyped, and victimized segment of the population. As well as the least protected by the courts and police.

The mental aspects of long term homelessness are far worse however. We all grow up desiring to be a part of society, family, church etc. When suddenly displaced and disenfranchised it takes a toll. Keeping ones head through all that is tough. I think I only did so well by being very involved in helping others rather than concentrating on my situation.

That's the worst part, and the part I hated the most. People don't understand how close they are to that condition (when the economy tanked, I think a lot found out), and they treat you like scum, even if you aren't. I remember people all of a sudden didn't want anything to do with me after finding out I was homeless. This was people I was "friends" with for months. I asked them why, after months of me never talking about my home, you never seeing it, never being invited to it, never seeing me go there, I'm all of a sudden pond scum when you find out I don't have one? I still bathe, keep groomed, clean clothes, etc. Their answers always sterted out with "Well, you people. . ."

People stereotype homeless people as violent. The stereotype holds true in most cases. Besides those that are on drugs, or clinically insane, the big reason is the way they are treated. One thing I noticed is that it seems to be illegal for homeless people to sleep. The police constantly rouse you if they find you. People scream and throw stuff at you. Punk kids look for homeless people to rob, beat or set on fire. One time, after about 3 days on no sleep -- maybe 2-3 hours the whole time -- I went absolutely psychotic on some guy. Only thing I remember is finally getting asleep (off the road, no where near any houses, businesses or anything, in the woods), I wake up with this guy right in my face screaming something about "Oh no, you're not going to do this here. . " I remember seeing he had a white shirt and tie on, and thinking that this guy had to look to find me, and came all the way in here, dressed like that, just to roust me. I remember grabbing his tie, and the next thing I remember is standing over him watching him bleed from his eyes, ears and mouth, his shirt torn nearly off him, no idea where his tie was. He was curled up in a fetal position whimpering "Why? Why?" and I told him to remember this well the next time he decides to make trouble for the fun of it.

A person who has been homeless for over 6 months is considered to have only a 5% chance at best of reentering society.

Not sure that's an accurate statistic, as ther are quite a few who don't want to reenter society and they get swept up in such statistics.

While billions are spent annually to alleviate the problem and help the homless. lESS THAN 5% OF SAID MONIES ACTUALY MAKE IT OUT OF THE NON PROFITS AND INTO ACTUAL AID TO THOSE IN NEED.

This really pisses me off. When I was first homeless, I tried doing things the "upstanding" way: go to all the .orgs, etc. For a few nights I tried the shelter thing -- which was a pain because people would steal your stuff and have to be taught a lesson -- but the shelter itself was unethical. They had a rule that unless you were one of the ones allowed in, you couldn't take any of the bread or whatnot that they had laying out for grabs, and you weren't allowed to bring any out to give to someone else. Now, I can understand this if their stocks were low, but they literally had stuff rotting on those tables, and refused to disperse it to anyone else. Eventually I got thrown out because I'd take some bags of bread and my hot meal and give it to the people who were refused service outside, especially the ones with kids. I worked temp jobs and day labor, so I had enough to buy something to eat, so I gave to those that didn't. I had most of my "camping" gear from my Army days, so when they gave out blankets or something, I'd take as many as I could and give them to people. Funny, there isn't much penalty for stealing from a homeless person, but they sure do come down on you hard for GIVING to them.



Probably the biggest impact the whole thing had on me was my mindset. People are bothered by the fact that I no longer really care what others think of me. It's not callousness, it's a survival mechanism. It's also because I've seen too many types on the street to be impressed by anyone. I've seen blue-collar people, but also doctors, lawyers, businessmen (those often put on the street by a divorce where the wife gets everything, including the majority of their pay). This can happen to ANYONE.

The other thing is, well. .. ..probably why a lot of those in la-la land don't see the need to carry a serious blade on them. The world is uncivilized. What you think is a stable society is a thin veneer.

 

[wildmike]

Civilization is a thin veneer covering latent savagery.

The statistics come form the U.S. Government. It'll take a while to dig through all the papaperwork and find the exact citations. But our tax dollars pay for an entire Department of Health and Human services which deals only with homelessness.

The statistic on how much of the federal and state dollars which trickle down is directly from the yearly report of the Continuum of Care here localy. And this area is considered "Progressive"

I Don't need to make any of this up. A couple million folks are living it daily. Many could get out of the situatiuon far more easily if the government would get out of their way. However in most states most of what the homeless can do to make some money and rebuild is illegal. Just go out and try to runan unlicensed business (raking leaves etc.) and see what happens when you get caught. One man I know was washing windows to prevent him and his family from going on welfare (job had ended). A state employee informed the Dept. of Labor and Industries, they caught him in the act and fined him $7500.00 ($5,000 for not being a licensed contractor and $2500 for no commercial ins.).
This was without any complaints of any sort.

It is a situation which traps folks. After awhile many just flat give up hope.

 

[Loosearrow]

I have really enjoyed the varied responses to this thread. Survival is definately a mental challenge. I have a daughter age 30 out and out about doing here own thing. Lives hand to mouth. I can't seem to help her. I have adopted her children. Came home last night and the 10 year old boy had made a sign out of some scrap wood from an old shelf. It was under the small tree. The sign said, "The Greatest Dad". Best present ever. I opened up a heart. Proud to call him "My Son".
My dad lived a somewhat homeless life. Due to his drinking he lost out on most things but lived in his house in New Mexico. I couldn't be around him much. Too mean. You can still be somewhat homless in your home, so to speak. I could never make the connection with him. A number of years back he was found dead and frozen in his house. Full of trash. I didn't realize that mice at meat. One of the worse experiences I had to go through. Cleaning up the mess after not being in the house for years. It was so bad I had to wear filter masks and gloves. It peeled back a layer that had a scab over it for many years. It was the first time I had cried since I left. I especially feel for the women and children. I have been there as a child. That is probably why the survival aspect is so important to me. The blade is a tool, security, and a friend. They say a man without a knife is a dead man. Keep them sharp. Regards Loosearrow

 

[sicily02]

Loosearrow, your welcome for the invite. Getting back to the title of your thread.

Having a hiking staff with some metal on the end is a neat Idea. I cut out a peace of metal one time and attached it to one of the staffs I have,
after seeing a video with Ron Hood's hiking staff.

You are so right ( well I think lol) about your knife being a Tool and Security
and a Friend. Having a knife sure can make your survival easyer.

It Sure would have been neat if you could have talked some more with that fellow and found out more about how he does things and what gear he carries.
In the back of our minds ( well maybe for some of us) there is a thought what and how would I do, if for some reason I lost my job and then my house. Car breaks down no money to get it fixed. no job to get it fixed or pay the bills, Things in life can go from bad to worse in such quick time frame.

You know I think it is great to practice survival, bushcraft, camping skills what ever you want to call it. I think if for some reason I was to become a homeless person I might fair better than some who have not practiced them skills. I know sleeping out in the woods all by myself with a shelter I made is a lot more comforting to me than the thought of staying a shlelter / mission with others that I do not know. I have heard some nasty stories from one of my nephews who had to stay at a shelter for a while when he lost the place he was staying at. At one point he left that shelter to go sleep in some woods that he new of and camped and then went back to that shelter for meals. Heck I do not like staying in town over night at familys houses we go to visit on the holidays lol.

Also I wish you could have gotten a pic of him too so we could see what he looked like and what gear he had looked like too.

Maybe you will see him again who knows. It is amazing what just a few kinds words can do for others. Maybe you might get more info from him to.

Again thanks for sharing your story about the homeless man's hiking staff.

Bryan

 

[Phil Elmore]

The statistics come form the U.S. Government. It'll take a while to dig through all the papaperwork and find the exact citations.

I would prefer that you did so. Otherwise these are just so many made up numbers.

I dislike the perpetuation of the myth of the noble homeless, or the assertion that but for a few seconds' worth of luck or a few dollars' worth of change, we could all be equally destitute. This is hogwash. It isn't "society's fault." The homeless aren't victims. The overwhelming majority of homeless people have mental or substance abuse issues that make them homeless, and that also make them a potential personal security threat.

Misplaced compassion may make us feel very noble and high-minded, but ultimately it does everyone a disservice.

 

[Mannlicher]

I am not a fan of the homeless. I have to deal with them on a daily basis, as my business is in an area with a high concentration of them.

Crime, both petty and violent, filth and disease follow them wherever they go.

 

[Don Rearic]

Phil,

There is no doubt that a lot of the homeless are EDPs and have substance abuse issues.

But one gets the idea from reading your posts that you hate them, which is fine. One also gets the idea that The Great Depression was a myth.

I am two paychecks away from unrecoverable homelessness, fact. There are reasons for that and most of them have to do with things beyond my control. I just keep going and hope the dollar is not devalued even more as time goes on.

 

[Don Rearic]

I am not a fan of the homeless. I have to deal with them on a daily basis, as my business is in an area with a high concentration of them.

Crime, both petty and violent, filth and disease follow them wherever they go.

Also true. Filth and disease do tend to hover over them. Sometimes because they are a lunatic and other times because they have very little chance to get clean and stay clean. Some of them that beg for money would spend it on crack, offer them a bar of soap. See if any of them take you up on it. Of course, I'm not talking about you actually doing this as they are nutlos esser in search of a endlosung to you, but you know what I mean. ;D

 

[Phil Elmore]

But one gets the idea from reading your posts that you hate them, which is fine.
I am two paychecks away from

Projecting hate on someone who does not believe as we believe, or does not support what we support, may make us feel more comfortable with their disagreement, dislike, or discomfiture -- but ultimately it is supposition, and it remains projection.

 

[Don Rearic]

That does not change the fact that you do hate them. Is it because you fear them or because you are scared of being like them? Careful now.

 

[Phil Elmore]

False binary propositions coupled with alleged psychic insights yield rhetorical ploys.

 

[Don Rearic]

False binary propositions coupled with alleged psychic insights yield rhetorical ploys.

Phil,

Stop talking like Yoda and be a fucking man. We have both known each other for years and we have both been there when the other has been in a rut. I won't bend you over in front of everyone, but you're not Superman, OK? Let it go. I'm not getting into a battle of Yoda-like sequencing with you, do you comprehend that?

You're wrong and it's quite likely that you will continue to be wrong until you find your soul that you lost one night a few years back.

Figure it out.

 

[Phil Elmore]

Phil,

Stop talking like Yoda and be a fucking man. We have both known each other for years and we have both been there when the other has been in a rut. I won't bend you over in front of everyone, but you're not Superman, OK? Let it go. I'm not getting into a battle of Yoda-like sequencing with you, do you comprehend that?

You're wrong and it's quite likely that you will continue to be wrong until you find your soul that you lost one night a few years back.

Figure it out.

So that's how it is, eh? I don't recall ever claiming to be "superman." If I say I think the homeless aren't noble victims, or that I think they represent a personal security threat, I must be a hatemonger with delusions of his own superiority? If I then speak in a circumspect manner because I don't particularly feel like accepting your false premises concerning how you claim I feel or think, I'm committing some personal offense?

You've said it yourself -- this is about you believing you're right and that everyone else is wrong, and damn them if they dare to disagree for the hatemongering heretics they must be.

 

[dawsonbob]

Uh, Phil and Don (sounds like the Everly Brothers, doesn't it?) many of us would like to see this thread — but not the bashing — continue. I, for one, would hate to see it closed because it descends into personal acrimony.

 

[Don Rearic]

Who turned it into a trolling commentary on homeless people stats, eh?

 

[Phil Elmore]

Uh, Phil and Don (sounds like the Everly Brothers, doesn't it?) many of us would like to see this thread — but not the bashing — continue. I, for one, would hate to see it closed because it descends into personal acrimony.

I agree.

The reason I chimed in originally is because I disagree with the idea that the homeless are automatically noble. I don't believe they constitute a victim class, at least not primarily (though those living on the fringes of society often are targeted by others within that demographic).

While any person obviously tends to feel compassion for those who are less fortunate, the sad fact of homelessness, of "street people," is that because of their mental and substance abuse issues, not to mention the potential for transmission of disease, they are unpredictable and more likely to engage in violent behavior than are other members of society. This makes them a personal security threat.

As a result, I believe they should be treated as the potential danger they represent -- not with cruelty and not with misplaced compassion, but with extreme caution. I also mistrust uncited statistics that would seem to underscore the notion that the homeless are simply poor, unfortunate victims of an uncaring environment. I think our compassion leads us to put ourselves in danger (which is what makes it misplaced).

To react to this difference of opinion and outlook by saying, "You must hate the homeless, you soulless monster" is of course understandable, but is is wrong. This is frequently our reaction, collectively, to anyone who dares to point this out, but in fact it shouldn't be.

Not long ago I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with Becky Blanton, a journalist who spent a great deal of time, voluntarily, living as a "homeless" person to get perspective on it from the inside. Despite the fact that she is definitely sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, she agrees with my position on the personal security aspect of this issue -- and said as much in her ebook. She concluded, "Being in need does not make someone living on the streets more safe, and quite often makes them less safe."

 

[udtjim]

A s much as some who live in glass houses would like to stereotype all homeless people, it can't be done. They are, after all just folks with no home. Some of them deserve everything that they don't have. For some, it could have been just one wrong step, and unavoidable.

How one chooses to deal with this or any problem is a matter of conscience and or values. When it comes down to it, you either are your brothers keeper or you are not. I try, and I often fall short.

It is a long standing problem that won't be solved anytime soon but everyone can do what the can to make life better for the other guy. It seems that most often we reap what we sew.

 

[Phil Elmore]

A s much as some who live in glass houses would like to stereotype all homeless people, it can't be done. They are, after all just folks with no home. Some of them deserve everything that they don't have. For some, it could have been just one wrong step, and unavoidable.

How one chooses to deal with this or any problem is a matter of conscience and or values. When it comes down to it, you either are your brothers keeper or you are not. I try, and I often fall short.

It is a long standing problem that won't be solved anytime soon but everyone can do what the can to make life better for the other guy. It seems that most often we reap what we sew.

Whenever we speak of "the homeless" we are of course engaging in some generalizations. It's a question of proportion, however. There are exceptions; there are people who are homeless quite literally through no fault of their own, and there are people who, while they've made bad choices, survive because they are survivors at heart.

The overwhelming majority of street people, on the other hand, do have substance abuse or mental illness issues, and that's why they're on the streets. In a society that offers a very elaborate "safety net" of public services and private charities, there really is no reason that any individual should have to live in the open, on an urban street, with no alternatives -- unless they do so by choice or because they literally lack the capacity to conceive of a different way.

What we should also examine is why we become, collectively, so very angry whenever anyone dares to point this out. It seems like common sense to me... so why are so many of us willing to denounce the messenger as a stereotyping, hateful hypocrite who lacks compassion? You can have all the compassion in the world and still see reality for what it is.