Do You Know Where You’ll Be Sleeping Tonight? The Struggles Being Homeless

What does it mean to be “Homeless”? The definition of being homeless is “an individual who lacks housing (without regard to whether the individual is a member of a family), including an individual whose primary residence during the night is a supervised public or private facility (e.g., shelters) that provides temporary living accommodations, and an individual who is a resident in transitional housing.” Whether you become homeless temporarily or permanently, you will need to figure out what is next. Where will you sleep? How will you eat? Will you decide to save all the money you can gather, move into a new place and start all over? Do you decide to panhandle?

Homelessness doesn’t discriminate.

“Hello, my name is David.” Being a senior and already a grandfather, Frank was homeless. He told me that the reason why he had become homeless, was due to family. He has been considered a black sheep by his family and was turned away once he lost his job. Frank became homeless and stayed on the streets for just one night, but that night was so awful for him, he made it a point to sleep in other places other than the streets. So, he slept in his car that wasn’t registered, and then spent four months in jail, all to serve his time and get out back to nothing. He told me that one night when he was sleeping on the streets, he was approached by police constantly, checking on him, harassing him, telling him he has to find somewhere else to go. Frank’s hunger was more than ever before. He couldn’t afford much, but was able to get some cardboard and write a sign. He would stand there for hours until he could afford a few things on a dollar menu. The other homeless people made him not ever want to fall asleep, in fear that he would be beaten and/or robbed. He had never felt so uncomfortable in his life. It took forever for him to fall asleep. That’s when he chose to sleep in his car for a few weeks, until he worked an arrangement out with his family. He was only allowed to come back if he got a job and paid the bills along with rent. So after a few weeks, still in his car, he found a job and focused on getting back on his feet.

David is a prime example of what Chronic Homelessness is Unfortunately, he just recently left a bar and got into an accident. Since he was drinking, he got a DUI and was put at fault since there was alcohol in his system. So, his chances of becoming homeless again is very high. It’s like he doesn’t know when to stop, take a breath, gather himself and move forward. This makes me think about chronic homelessness and how it affects peoples’ lives. At his lowest, he has found a new low, and has given up. He’s been at the bar ever since. Frank’s daughter will sit outside the bar for hours, just so he can have a ride home. I wonder how long she will be willing to do that for or why she does it. I wouldn’t sit in a bar parking lot for hours while my father was inside getting wasted and partying with all his friends, that’s not right! She’s even twenty one, but she’s also a recovering addict herself. So to choose to stay out there makes me wonder if she’s going down the same path as her father.

Homeless or Not, Everyone Deserves Respect Respect them Talk to them Be friendly Smile Offer help

What Society Can Do To Help Donate Money Donate Food Donate Items Clothing/Shoes New undergarments New socks Used shirts, pants, shorts, hats, etc. Household items Baby items Vehicles Political Activism Support Mental Health Services Affordable Housing Initiatives Support Low and Affordable Healthcare Support Libraries Shelters (Day/Night) Volunteer Organization Soup Kitchen Shelter Habitat for Humanity Your Property

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