I think they were mostly pushing back on “most homeless” being that way.
Most homeless you don’t see on the street. They’re living in their car, or couch surfing, or otherwise without a proper home but still working and struggling. These people just need a bit of a break to get back on their feet. All the successful pilot projects I’ve seen target these people and give them a bit of a boost, and since they’re just down on their luck and trying, that boost is all they need.
The ones you’re describing are the entrenched homeless: those who have additional problems, like drug addiction, antisocial behaviors, and severe mental health problems. They live on the streets and in shelters. These are the small minority of homeless, but the ones that everyone pictures when they think of homeless people because they are the visible ones.
All that said, your situation sounds miserable! I sincerely hope that you’re able to make a change and break through. You might not have the energy, but you must qualify for some sort of assistance whether that be aid in getting a better job or help paying your bills or other help, and if your fridge is empty hopefully your city has a food bank (the ones in my area will even deliver a care package if picking it up is a burden).
I think they were mostly pushing back on “most homeless” being that way.
Most homeless you don’t see on the street. They’re living in their car, or couch surfing, or otherwise without a proper home but still working and struggling. These people just need a bit of a break to get back on their feet. All the successful pilot projects I’ve seen target these people and give them a bit of a boost, and since they’re just down on their luck and trying, that boost is all they need.
The ones you’re describing are the entrenched homeless: those who have additional problems, like drug addiction, antisocial behaviors, and severe mental health problems. They live on the streets and in shelters. These are the small minority of homeless, but the ones that everyone pictures when they think of homeless people because they are the visible ones.
All that said, your situation sounds miserable! I sincerely hope that you’re able to make a change and break through. You might not have the energy, but you must qualify for some sort of assistance whether that be aid in getting a better job or help paying your bills or other help, and if your fridge is empty hopefully your city has a food bank (the ones in my area will even deliver a care package if picking it up is a burden).