Why do we ignore the homeless?

Seriously? Is it because we secretly suspect they brought it upon themselves? I mean, are they all drug addicts and criminals fresh out of jail? That cannot be the absolute truth.

And what of the mentally ill? Should they be made to suffer because of the many health care cuts? In addition to the increasing loss of affordable housing?

A wise man once said: You can define a society by the way it treats its vulnerable and sick. So have we become so jaded that we no longer blame our so-called leaders for failing to support the truly deserving ones, yet never bat an eye when the wealthy (and healthy) continue to receive tax breaks?

Where's the compassion? And what's up with all the turning a blind eye to political corruption? Is it fear? Is it human greed? Is it apathy? I actually hope it's the latter. Some informed thoughts on the matter?

QP

P.S. I have been homeless (while 19 to 23 years old), and know the terrible feeling of being invisible, ignored, barely human. That's why I am such an activist for the destitute and poorest of the poor. And I try not to judge harshly. It can happen to anyone -especially during these unstable economic times. What's the solution?

A simple smile works wonders. Just listen and smile. It doesn't cost a cent. And it's a great start.

 

It's how the media portrays almost every homeless person you hear about.

The mentally ill are hardly ever seen in a 'good light'. I guess it makes better reading to hear about how dangerous people are

I have worked with a lot of homeless people who have/ are suffering from mental illness, and I learnt a lot from them. I think people don't realise just what mental illness can do. Homelessness might, at times, be the cause or vice versa - you need to treat both issues otherwise you'll get a revolving door system.

That's a big issue here at the moment, and I heard an argument that homeless people give nothing to society, they brought it all upon themselves, so what should we do to help. That really made me proud to be British

You're a good guy. I think when people experience homeless, either themselves or through friends/ family, it alters their view. But, many people don't get to see it at a personal level, many might not live in areas where it's so commonplace, or if they do they are brought up to avoid them and see them 'dangerous outcasts'. It really is sad.

Just because someone is homeless, doesn't mean that they aren't an individual No two people are the same. You don't know the reasons behind it, and why they are are homeless. Yes some might be through drugs, and the more perceived reasons for it, but not all. It can happen to anyone, and think if you were in that situation, how it would make you feel to be looked down on and ignored, or worse.

 

I think you summed it up much better than I ever could even begin to. You have an enlightened mind and heart. How does one achieve this? Experience? Compassion? Letting go of the ego? I'm still searching for answers. And I lived the nightmare.

QP

P.S. I was not a drug addict - or fresh out of prison. I was clinically depressed, and had no job or health insurance. So I ended up on the streets. This was in the early 1980s. It's ten times worse for mentally ill folks in 2010. That's why I try to help out as best I can.

 

I don't ignore the homeless.
I even started a Facebook group about this issue.
Sadly, it was ignored.

 

The harsh reality is that it is a mixed bag. I used to take the train home from my studies in the city and one of two things used to happen to me on a daily basis

1- a man will try and sell me The Big Issue. I'm happy with that, I bought it, I helped a homeless person try and help themselves to a better existence.

2- a man will try and peddle a story to me involving a lost train ticket, a pregnant wife with a broken leg, how he had his wallet stolen and he needs to borrow a couple of quid. This person is a homeless drug addict, he threatens me when I decline.

I don't sneer at the homeless, but i'm selective with who I am concerned with. I don't care if each person is an individual, all that is telling me is they should be taken control of their own destiny- i'm glad that those genuine cases do and I will be happy to help them however I can.

 

Good for you. I used to write a column for a homeless newspaper in town. Each homeless person made a buck for every paper sold. Is your Facebook group still active?

QP

 

Nothing changes the thinking of some people.

 

That's the sort of thing i'm proud to support.

 

But, the mentally ill person who can't function enough to sell the Big Issue, shouldn't be supported?

 

If you're mentally ill, you should probably get yourself checked in to a ward and receive some help- shouldn't you?

That's just silly.

 

Yes.

Is the paper like the Big Issue?

Big Issue - Home

 

People who are acutely unwell, do not usually know they are unwell. So, no they wouldn't just walk into A&E and ask for help and being on the street with no GP, they are often not even acknowledged as being alive, let alone unwell.

 

I guess mine is one of hundreds and the Big Issue attracts more people than I ever could. It was only me for a year then a friend got a few of her friends to join. It isn't the best group in the world...but I gave it a go.

 

Wise approach! I pretty much go about it in the same way.

QP

 

Not true. So many people actually self elect themselves to these places and are free to leave whenever they choose.

and anyways, why does homelessness and mental instability have any connection whatsoever? There are plenty more people who are mentally ill who aren't homeless- you could argue the same number of people by ratio who are mentally ill and homeless could be living on the streets and have blonde hair.

You can pull statistics out of the air...

and anyways, say these people are ill and do not realize, they are on the streets and need help- shouldn't we try and put them in the right hands rather than pass than the odd buck on the street? Sounds like a short term solution to a very serious, and lifelong problem.


I'm not against the homeless, by the way.

 

personally, i do not ignore the homeless.

however, if we're talking about US society for instance, there is a culture of poverty in the US. Poverty is racialized and wealthy americans are more willing to give to private charities where they can choose the recipients (read: people that look like them) rather than have a large welfare state that helps people of color. it fucking sucks.

 

Very much! And it gives the homeless a chance to earn back the dignity they lost. I rather like that. :2thumbsup:

QP

 

Thanks, I suppose it's the same with whatever group of people you're talking about

there's always a few who bring the rest down. It's horrible seeing people on the streets. I used to drink with a few of them in my teens and much of what i'm talking is just reiteration from what they had told me.

 

I honestly feel so horrible whenever I pass a homeless person by on the street or in the park. I feel like utter garbage if I don't give them something to their cup when they ask for it. Therefore, I love to give them as much money in my wallet that I know I'm not going to need to spend for the day. Empty wallet when I get home, would make my heart feel good and put a smile on my face
And when I have time, I do try my best to make it to all the soup kitchens and other get togethers where a few of us help the poor and homeless.

I also want to say that I AM NOT scared of any homeless or poor-looking person. I've never been in their position, yet I understand them and love them. People should never judge a book by it's cover. Sure, some of them may look scary to you or you think they might touch you or hurt you just because they have a strong stench, but that is YOUR problem.

 

I said usually. It depends on the illness too and the situation they are in.

I asked a question regarding those who are mentally ill who cannot so easily take control of their situation. From the post you made.

I haven't. I've gone from the experience I have.

But, wouldn't these be the kind of people that you would be cautious/ selective of? If people ignore them because they can't help themselves, they won't get the help they need.