Have you ever been homeless AND jobless at the same time?

Question

How'd you get back on your feet? I''ve been there once.

Answer 1

This is probably the most depressing question I have ever had or hope to answer, because I've been there, and remember all too well. There are some things in life we should be granted to forget. But then I don't know how well it would be to our continued gratitude for the blessings we have subsequently, and the plight of others who are still where we have been. I may not answer anymore questions after this tonight.

I have known desperation before these experiences. Depression has a way of tearing down one's will to live. And it was from that being torn down, that I have found myself there, and more than once. It is a very painful thing to recall. It is difficult to be in that situation and not feel like trash. It doesn't matter how you wound up there, it's just degrading. Your soul resided in a place of darkness, and hope can soon be completely removed. Especially if it was the hopelessness of depression that made you susceptible to become homeless. This is me coming to terms in a small way with the pain that still lingers from it. It never fully goes away, and don't know that it should.

I had friends who remained with me through that time. Daily, I found something more about myself for which to recognize my own strengths and value. But if it weren't for the participation of others in my life, I don't think that would have happened. Unfortunately, the most intelligent people are often very prone to the mental infirmities which tear the mind apart. So intelligence is no natural protection or defense against this. How many times have I heard throughout my life, "but you're so smart, why can't you do better. Simple. Intelligence is not an asylum of peace.

While I was homeless, another person who also was (we did field work together), informed me that I should get help. They instructed me on how to get it, and I did. That was the beginning. I was able to get financing, and with that I began to move slowly out of the pit. But it did take a very long time. Some time later when I saw him again, his mental health had so deteriorated that he didn't recognize me, much less remember his part in my recovery. But he was being cared for. So despite how painful it was to see his condition, I at least had some peace knowing he was ok. God, when will the tears stop!

It's been 20 years this past summer since I was last homeless. Even after I got help, having money didn't change things instantly. I wound up living in the office of a friend's business (essentially a garage). And due to the nature of his work, the environment wasn't clean. I would ride my bike for many miles to wash my clothes at another friends home. I would bathe there as well. While living in this man's garage, I began to invest in little projects which once more affirmed my sense of pride. It was from my hobbies that I had reason to believe in my own value again. After 18 months of being in that condition, I found the strength to seek my independence. I moved into another friends home, and began looking for a place of my own.

But if it weren't for the availability of public resources, I would still be there. And now, my answering this question is a spiritual responsibility to those who are still living in my past experience. So many today are there, and see no way out. And with the reduction and elimination of so many public services, many may not find their way out. And while things are getting worse, it is far too easy for others (like many of you) not there to be judgmental about how others deserve to be. No one deserves to feel like trash. And while many here and elsewhere will say the homeless aren't trash, that's exactly the perception most have when you pass someone on the street you suspect of being homeless. So, not only must they overcome their own self doubt, they must then overcome yours, when they do attempt to do the things necessary to remove them from that status. And the longer they've been there, the harder it is. Please think about that the next time you see someone you're inclined to turn your face away from.

Yeah, it really is me.
Shingoshi Dao
2007.Nov.14 Wed, 21:38 --800 (PST)

Answer 2

I do not even try to figure out how the government rations out OUR money to foreign countries. Personally I cared less about Sri Lanka and care even more less about Iran and Iraq. My causes are closer to home. The hurricane Katrina/Rita thing has not been resolved to date... Explain that. As far as all this money building up the military in a foreign country... what good will that do when our troops are dying at alarming rates everyday. To make matters worst... after we use the equipment... we leave it behind for all the terrorists to have their way with. It happened in Desert Shield/ Desert Storm... and it will again. What about abuse? What about homelessness? What about hunger? What about poverty? Disease control? Minimum wage? Hate crimes? Terminal illness? Social Security? Believe me... I have other concerns and issues that are more important to me. Our money and taxes are being squandered needlessly and there is pretty much not a damn thing we can do about it... Furthermore... What about the horrors in Africa? Bush wants to intervene so much... take on one of the real atrocities of the 21st century...

Answer 3

In the USA the majority of people are 2 paychecks away from this. We owned a house and lost it to foreclosure (I had breast cancer and a drug addict son who stole all from us) -- bad bad things happened. Now, years later (many years later) I've been laid off again - don't own a home - have been laid of 12 weeks now (like a TON OF PEOPLE in a very large community we live in) -- we've had so many eviction notices. It is pure hell. I'm saving you question to my watchlist (there are going to be jerks answering this who have NO CLUE). I'm 49 years young btw -- have raised 2 boys, have 2 grandchildren and have worked since I was 13. I've NEVER been laid off this long in my life and it's one of my biggest fears ever. I'm proud of you. Wish you would have shared how you did it!! You can email me if you want - mine is open. I was even a legal secretary for over 16 years a while ago -- we face this all the time. Chose to give up food instead right now. Our credit is totally destroyed -- so many bad things have happened. People judge homeless people all the time because they don't KNOW THE TRUTH about how easily it can happen. BUT GOOD FOR YOU!!! Kind of hard to fill out an application when you have no address. Kind of hard to go to an interview without "interview clothes" -- kind of hard for a TON of reasons.

Answer 4

Yes...all I had was my car and some change. It cost 25 cents to park the car and I slept in it.

During the day I looked for jobs.

The quickest jobs you can get are dishwashing, waitressing/waitor and cooking jobs.

It pays enough to get you on your feet until you find a better paying job.

Answer 5

No, thank God. I have much respect for you for being able to get back up on your feet though. Many people can't. I wish you the best and hope that you never have to deal with that again.

Answer 6

Cute pic!!! I've never been homeless or jobless. I have always had a roof over my head & a job for which I'm very thankful.

Answer 7

Yes, I was down to my last cup of joe.
I was reading a paper left looking for day labor.
There was a job for a ranch hand with room and board
so I shoveled manure till I got it together

Answer 8

Well, if I was an animal I could say, Yes, but since I am not, then I have to say, No..lol..
The only way an animal can get back on his/her feet from being homeless and jobless, is for his owners to buy him/her a pet house and give them plenty of treats. I think then they won't have to worry about being jobless or homeless anymore.

Answer 9

Yep. Right after my first divorce. Thankfully I have parents that were happy to let me move back into my old room (egad!) until I found a job.

Answer 10

This is why you should always take the time and effort to find/make true (call me in the midnight hour) friends.

It's a defining moment..in this case.

You never know when your gonna need a true friend.