I hate it when I see a meme that over simplifies homelessness. It isn't just a drug issue. It isn't just a mental illness issue. It is a poverty issue in almost every case.
If I didn't have the support I have from family, I would be homeless right now. Social security disability benefits do not pay enough for housing and the cost of living. Every time the government puts out a cost of living increase for social security, they deduct if from food stamps so there is no help for the rent after all.
Yes, there are people who have drug problems who are on the streets. They have an illness that takes getting on a waiting list to get help. Some become homeless first and then self-medicate by using drugs and then get hooked.
Some have mental health issues that keep them from seeking help to begin with. Some are on social security and are elderly and frail. They live in cars and on people's couches if they can, if not, they live in camps, and yes, they crap on the ground if there isn't a place nearby that has a bathroom they can use. Some people end up that way because they are unable to afford housing after having a medical emergency. Some because they don't have decent enough credit to get into a place. Some don't have deposit money and can't get a break.
When you reduce it down to "They must want to be there or they would stop using" you are ignoring the issues that got them there. It's more complex than that. Please stop...
If I didn't have the support I have from family, I would be homeless right now. Social security disability benefits do not pay enough for housing and the cost of living. Every time the government puts out a cost of living increase for social security, they deduct if from food stamps so there is no help for the rent after all.
Yes, there are people who have drug problems who are on the streets. They have an illness that takes getting on a waiting list to get help. Some become homeless first and then self-medicate by using drugs and then get hooked.
Some have mental health issues that keep them from seeking help to begin with. Some are on social security and are elderly and frail. They live in cars and on people's couches if they can, if not, they live in camps, and yes, they crap on the ground if there isn't a place nearby that has a bathroom they can use. Some people end up that way because they are unable to afford housing after having a medical emergency. Some because they don't have decent enough credit to get into a place. Some don't have deposit money and can't get a break.
When you reduce it down to "They must want to be there or they would stop using" you are ignoring the issues that got them there. It's more complex than that. Please stop...
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