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I am a native San Franciscan, and would love to hear someone's thoughts (those who feel that there is a moral abstention in our society towards the indigent) on the situation here  in my city. Here, the overwhelmingly  large percentage of our homeless came to San Francisco just for that reason, to abnegate their social responsibility and live some pathetic and anachronistic bohemian life. The city government has always been inept in this matter as well. So, does anyone have views on San Francisco and our title that  "The New Yorker" gave us: Home of the Homeless?

I know this sounds bad. But I don't think homeless people have a right to beg. There are plenty of charities, hostels, and places they can go to live. Do not give them your money. They can sort out themselves. Visit my page & read my stories. Thankyou.
Love Danielle'!;Dx

I hate seeing homeless people on the street as it makes me think about how much I really have compared to other people. Also i hate it when people refer to them as 'tramps' as I think that it's totally innapropriate.

I feel bad for homeless people whenever I walk by a man or woman I give them what I have on me but when I dont have anything I feel so so so terrible cuz they're on they street thru summer, spring, fall, and even winter. One time me, my brothers, and my dad were in S.F. and we walked out of denny's and we had leftovers there were three homeless people a little way down just sitting there and one was in a wheelchair with one of his legs gone so I looked at them and I looked at my bros and my dad and asked if we could give them our leftovers instead of money (dont get me wrong the left-overs were plentyful its not like they were scraps or anything there was enough to feed four) and so we walked over to them and asked if they had eaten that day and they said no so we asked if they wanted our food and theys said sure the smiles on their faces were just so happy it was really something special.

This is a really good project and I hope that it goes really well. Good luck!

I worked for the Coalition for the Homeless, in Orlando, Florida.  Up until that time period, I think I probably felt like the vast majority in that homeless people were just bums who chose that lifestyle.  I quickly learned nothing could be further from the truth.

The dire truth is that many people are six weeks away from being homeless.  So many people live from pay check, to paycheck, and if they suddenly found themselves jobless, they would soon be on the streets. Today's economic conditions are making homelessness more of a reality than before.  People are barely making it from week to week, and certainly have nothing saved to fall back on.

When I worked for the coalition, I soon discovered that the vast majority were just like you and I and lost jobs and homes.  Once you become homeless, it is almost impossible to get back on your feet.  I remember one family that stayed there, a husband, a wife, and four children.  The coalition opened their doors at 6PM and everyone had to be out by 8AM. They would help the men located jobs, but even with that, the pay-scale was  minimum wage at best.  At that time minimum wage was around $5.00 an hour.  How do you get your old life back making that salary?

The wife with the four children had to literally walk the streets of Orlando all day long with her children in tow.  If they sat on a bench to rest for a while, they would soon be ousted by a police officer.  Loitering was not permitted. Can you even begin to imagine how tired they were at at the end of the day and this was in Florida and the temperatures were 80+ day, to day.

To make the situation worse, the local mental hospital would periodically deem, what patients were a danger to others or to themselves and if they were neither, they would put them out the door.  They quickly became homeless as well.

The project is closed, but I can proudly say, for homelessness, I've been there, done that, and survived.  The world will chew you up and spit you out.  Because it's easier to destroy than to create.  I've met many, and the homeless life had hardened them.  They were so used to being used that they used others out of normality.  It becomes an accepted social norm amongst that group.  And some even choose to live that way.  Much like the book "Gone Wild" (I believe it's called) only most homeless go wild in an urban setting.  There are stories indeed.  But if you're down there in the mud with them.  The VAST majority of these stories are happy.  I hope the project went well.  It's a brilliant idea.

every time i see homeless my hart goes for them i dont belive all the holess are  adicted to drugs or they homelss because of they are allcoholic
i personaly know some one who has  moved to usa because of his job and few year later he lost his job he could not support his fammily back home ,as a man of the house he could not face to his familly and never whent back to his country  and he found out his wife was cheatting with his best friend . then he started to dring him self to forget what he had and what he lost

my sister loves hobos...she's an activist for the homeless....they have squatters' rights....

Chronic homelessness (as opposed to someone being down on their luck and temporarily out of a place to live)  is almost always a result of drug, alcohol or mental health issues. People who are chronically homeless need housing AND supportive services to help deal with the issues that got them to the streets in the first place.

I agree that homelessness is a complex problem.  I agree to disagree on the fact that charities should decide who is deserving of the donations made to them, without first deciding whether or not they are deserving of the donation themselves.

As we know donations are constantly given throughout the world,  on a daily if not hourly bases.  However, many of the staff members that handle these incoming donations decide that they are the first the needy instead of the homeless individual.  Therefore, the homeless individuals will get what is left after the pickings by staff members is completed.     Homelessness is somewhat cheated because of the Greediness of those in charge of incoming donations, whether it pertains to monetary, clothing, furniture or housing.   I do not mean to sound negative but I have seen this behavior first hand.   As stated previously "it stinks to be homeless" but in a since I am glad I was homeless because it not only showed me about myself but it also showed me about the heart of people in-general.

We can nip homelessness in the bud to a high percentage;  it may be true that homelessness will be around forever but how much can we prevent.   As far as taking tax dollars from hard working Americans to help provide for those homeless people; is a very good question.   However, whom have we taken from in some form or another?  Yes....the hard working Americans and any other human being that is capable should help in some shape or form.    I believe that the government should come up with another plan to help with homelessness.   We can speculate, and have the freedom of speech but in our hearts what is really needed  for the homeless as well as ourselves? 

You made excellent points about one faking to be homeless.  I see that homeless person(s) or faking person all the time, and I normally write on a piece of paper were the nearest place is for help and drop it in their cup.  And if that person is faking, when they see me coming after that; they  never ask me again.   To my opinion it is not about fairness all the time, but it is about facing the truth, putting it into perspective and handling the situation at hand.   As you stated "we should never give up hope on helping the homeless."

Homelessness is a complex problem- it is something that would be ideal to change yet there is no apparent end in sight. The first part of homelessness that becomes a problem is whether the person is just a good and hard working person that has come upon unfortunate experiences, or if they are somehow disabled either mentally or physically, or if they are simply  lazy, an alcoholic, or a drunk. This presents a very controversial question- should we take tax dollars from hard working Americans to help provide for these homeless people? Is it fair? Or should taking care of the homeless be up to charities? In my opinion, government does not have the legal right to take tax money from hard working Americans and practically give it away to the poor. And before you start to complain about the "fairness" of this, I would like to point out that its not about being fair, it about being equal. "The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This is what the government needs to uphold, therefore, society needs to figure out a way to help the homeless in a way other than using tax dollars to help them.

Have you ever been in your car, and tried not to make eye contact with the homeless man just outside your car with that cardboard sign? Its not that you are a cold hearted person, but that who knows if that man is faking being homeless or not. Is he going to use that money for food or drugs? This is why most people give up on the homeless- they dont know the good from the bad. And can you blame a person for not wanting to blindly give up their cash? This is why we need to donate to charities that help the homeless- they can effectively decide which ones are deserving of help and which are not. Do they try to get a job? Are they clean?

Homelessness has to be approached in a practical way- the truth is that it will always be there. Call me cynical, but its true and has been true for all of human existance. But this does not mean that able citizens should give up hope and stop trying to help. Homelessness may not go away entirely, but it certainly can be minimized. It is a long and slow process, but in the end it can make a dent in the tradegy of homelessness.

Being homeless can be viewed  in many different ways.  Yes...homelessness is a force to be reckoned with, but also a great learning experience.    What I have found out about being homeless is there are some that want to be homeless to use the system to their advantage for whatever reason.   And there are some that become homeless for reasons that are not controllable.  

Your statements about "people being just as we are; are true."   However, today there are more people becoming homeless do to the economies downfall, and for other God forsaken reasons.  However, I believe that it paints a picture of complacency on our country and we the people to let so many be without basic necessities.   All over this country we have plenty buildings, and warehouses vacant going to waste.  These structures can be very helpful to the homeless in many ways and also helpful to our economy in many ways. 

Homelessness... painful but still yet a lesson to all that live it and to those that do not live it. 

I think that you should write the book.

Thank you

I live in an historical city with beautiful squares and parks.  We take the family and pets on outings, picnics and leisurely strolls to admire the scenery.  We want to absorb the calm and forget about our hectic week.  "Do you have a five?  I haven't eaten in days..."  Familiar rhetoric...my quiet place has been invaded by an unwelcome intruder.  The park is no longer as inviting or serene.

I admit I have been as guilty as the next for having those fleeting thoughts. "Another bum begging for my hard-earned dollars.  Get a job, clean yourself up, you smell really bad..".  Some of us have put labels on these people... freeloaders of society.

UNTIL that inevitable day comes when you are shocked to find that the quiet, little boy in your classroom...you know,  the one that stays to himself, never causes a problem...is absent for days at a time.  I ask him for the required written excuses for absence.  I get annoyed.  Why don't his parents care enough to follow the rules?  Afterall, we have reports to complete.  Send your child to school.  Get a clue!

I complete a Social Worker request.  She will certainly get to the bottom of this negligence!  We will teach these parents to follow the rules!

Later, I find out that this child and his family have been living out of their car for months.  He didn't have a place to sleep, yet he came to school dressed in clean clothes and he completed all assignments.  His parents were doing the best with what they had available at the time.

I was the one who was taught an invaluable lesson!  I realize that my life could change overnight...many of us are about one paycheck away from the same situation.

This project exceeds worthy!  Thank you!

it really does stink if your homeless you don't know where you next mealis comin or if you even get a next meal

I think this project is amazing and would like to participate by sharing a story of someone I know, if I use them under another name do I need thier consent? I do feel very passionate about this subject, itcould happen to any of us!

Homelessness is a problem that we can solve together. We are humans, therefore, humanity is very important amongst us people. Regardless where we live, we can help whoever in the world. I knew a guy who was homeless, he died this winter. He froze to death and nobody gave a damn to help him.
The problem is...when you have a money, you have everything, you lose that money, you are on your own. This guy had a wife, a house, a job. But one day, he lost his job, wife left him, sold his house and he was on the street. He started to collect plastic bottles, which he could sell to local stores and get some cash to buy a decent meal. But then, grocery prices started to grow. If you wanted a decent meal, you had to get at least 60+ plastic bottles.

His family turned their back on him, his friends abandoned him and he was all alone. I tried to help him, by asking around. Church? You need to be a catholic (completely) and you had to give some alms if you wish a help from church. If you are not catholic, you are nobody.
Red Cross? They are either full, or you need to offer some cash to receive a help from them. It's like you are paying people to help you.

Soon enough, his life turned him into a person with no emotions. He started to drink, cause drink is cheaper than a bread. (funny, but true) and he died this winter, without receiving help. Now, then he is dead, his family and friends appear out of nowhere, claiming that he never asked for help.
Situation should have been seen as a cry for help, but nobody gave a damn.
Think about it...this could be you in next 2 months. Who's to say?
Tragically, nobody cares when you are homeless.
I know couple of people who are about to be homeless or they already are homeless, but nobody wants to help them.

That's absolutely accurate. I am on you're side when you say that when the time people land in the streets, they have been forgotten. Because if it weren't true then no one would be on the streets and suffering from hunger and cold nights, that even God can't warm up. By the way that's a really cool title. It's awesome!

I think this a is very interesting story. It makes you think about all those people who you just pass up on the streets. How you think evey body is just out there to hurt you when they just need a favor. Handing them a small sum of money want do the trick. You have to care and keep on caring. Becaue you can't forget about any. Because you can't help them if you forget them. So don't forget the raggdy dressed, nappyhaired homeless preson 'cause you just might end up like that person.

i think this is good. one day when i am old enough i want to open up a home for kids stuck on the streets. a place where they can go to school too. like a boarding school. i think the world needs to change. everyone is equal sometimes we cant help what happens to us. i really support this project and i am very proud of you for starting this. i believe this world can be a brighter and happier place, we just need to start helping each other out. i hope all of those who have participated in this project are able to live out their lives happily and I hope you all live the lives you wish to lead.

xoxoLove always Lily

This topic needs more awareness, well done for starting this:-)

Edit: Nevermind ^-^' misinterpreted the project. *begins to read stories*

Although I've never been homeless, I'll see if I can think of a motivational poem to put up. It has to be so hard, though, to not have a place to go back to, a steady source of food, or a simple education. Times are getting harder, mainly because of the way the world has turned. America. I live in one of--if not the--most wealthiest countires in the world, but thousands of people are suffering. My social studies teacher says it's because of greed and fear, though I'm not quite sure how to interpret that.

I was homeless for some months but never went to the streets.I can imagine how those in the streets feel.I used to move around from one place to another,from friends to friends,but atleast I had my car to live in.Thank God it was never worse on me but sometimes I never ate.

Ernesto,
  Your thoughts are beautifully, written!  It is quite obvious, you are a writer!!  Very impressive!  It was your words which, convinced me to join.  Thank-you, for such, a well-written sentiment!

                                                          Sincerely,
                                                            Senses

I can relate because I know some one that homeless but the difference is he a place to go but they kicked him out because he couldn't keep a job more than 2 weeks. For some reason he was fired from every job he got. And it makes me mad because I see alot of talent in him and he's wasting his life and time with this girl who is a bisexual and she really dont want him;She treats him like he's a little kid and he sits there like a bump on a log. I used to worry about him all the time but why feel remorce for someone who's not tryna make it. :(

I stumbled across this project in my preview screen and I just wanted to say thank you for it. I spent time homeless, hopping from one sofa to the next and finally ending up living at my workplace. Up until June this year, I worked for the national homeless charity here in the UK, a job which gave me great pride in knowing that I was helping others who were going through the same thing that I'd been through. A lot of people assumed that those who lost their homes were addicts, lowlifes and other words too strong to mention here. But it can happen to anyone. If anyone needs it, I'll leave the website and free phone helpline number for the charity:

http://www.shelter.org.uk

Free housing advice line:
0808 800 4444

Once again, thank you to everyone who shared their stories.  It's been amazing to read them. :)

Becoming homless is easy. Most people are home less because they waste all ther money on drugs and beer. Then they can't pay for food, rent, or anything for there children, most people you see down town on the strets are smking drinking and looks like ther have dead. Then there are some that just can't get a job and sit in the streets alone. There are many home less enters but not enough to hold all the home less people. f you think you have a terribl life  for you it sucks think agian alot of peoplehave homes food, even tt's in there bedrooms, and then look at the people o the streets and what they have, maybe some mush twice a day and a dry alley and if there lucky a mat to lay down on. and even some homless people have jobs and they livein a shake and can just pay fr them and there families. Plus they don't wine about anything at all, and right now have he spoiled brats out there are creaming over that they can't go to there friends amazing horse back riding party or that they don't have a channal on there flat scren that is in there bedroom that they want. So if you think about it donating money is helpless but donating clothing and food helps. If you donate money have that money will go o the gouvernment but if you donae food and clothing even bed spreads or mats then what are the gouvernment gona use it for nothing, so if you send that you send something they can actually use. so if you are yelling an screaming for no reasona nd you have evrything remmber all  tose homeless people who have nothing and you can give so much to them.

Good work, but too broad. Homelessness as an internal loneliness and disconnection with the physical world and its infrastructures, maybe yes. A sort of family exclusion and rootlessness in a world that totally ignore and undermine the things you value most, maybe yes.
Otherwise, homelessness is an inevitable urban accident that triggers the social reconstruction of the primordial state of the primitive man, before the invention of tools. Bad as it, it also a good time to reflect on the essence and meaning of material acquisition and the whole idea of capitalist civilization.
If you can see it as a poetic isolation, probably it is the nakedness of the soul that seeks the covering of his maker, sheltered by the cold-blues of the heavens and hugged by its whispering breeze. Welcome to the experience of over 60% of Africans in urban cities, critically deprived of both fundamental infrastructures and ancestral good neighborliness. Homelessness is to live without loved-ones or neighbors.

I was thinking that homeless was a perfect topic and explanation with all due respect, when I think of the word ive aindividuny homelessness I tend to think more about {the pursuit of happiness starring will smith playing the role as Chris Gardner}. I think that movie would be the perfect clique to give any individual the means or the idea of persuasion that you can be do and everything you want to be and do in life if only you are determined ,and running away from home and fighting, stealing, and etc.their minds are going so fast , they chose not to take the time out to think before they act on impulse but would rather  make the mistake and deal with the consequences later.,that is what you call a child that does not want to hear the truth but a child that thinks he or she knows or has all the answers.up and is at ease. I say that because from my own experience if it was me in someone else's shoes there is no telling where I would be today. We all as human beings came from a family that have issues and some with severe problems, some instances where the chid decided I want to be grown and wanting to grow up so fast they don't care about what you maybe telling them that could and would save them from agony, distraught, the street life and etc. Being homeless is very sad and emotional it is also turmoil for those people but heartfelt to us because we don't have to worry about being poor or where our next meal is going to come from or where are we going to lay our head. We have a plan, but the homless are less unfortunate, that's  why I think that their should be homes built all around the world for homeless   people ,a place that they can call home and feel safe in , and not being on the outskirts in the cold,ice,rain,snow conditions.A  place and not some shelter or charitable  organization where the people tends to look down on them for being in the position that they are in. There are so many dislikes and disadvantages where other which our our peers they treat them so unfair , that is kind it hurts them but especially their feelings. Sometime it's better to go to a stranger than your own family because they treat you so much better. from Latrinda  robinson

  Sounds nice, and intresting. Very wide subject, unless you're taking interveiws and accounts in, then it's not that wide. I also like the picture, it gives the feeling and the perspective of being all alone on the street, it makes you wonder what it would feel like.
  If I were to get a book like this, I'd probably read it, either that or take a keen intrest in it. It looks very intresting and educational to read.

Wow, what a powerful project!  Homelessness is a serious crisis that is oftentimes forgotten or ignored.  Many don't realize that this individual was once a child and may have lead a life similar to their own.  Though it is easy to turn a blind eye and view their current state as a self-inflicted destiny, how would you feel if you were on the other end?  Sometimes unjust, uncontrollable circumstances lead us to a sad place and as a society we need to find that necessary compassion to help one another rise above adversity.

Wow, what a powerful project!  Homelessness is a serious crisis that is oftentimes forgotten or ignored.  Many don't realize that this individual was once a child and may have lead a life similar to their own.  Though it is easy to turn a blind eye and view their current state as a self-inflicted destiny, how would you feel if you were on the other end?  Sometimes unjust, uncontrollable circumstances lead us to a sad place and as a society we need to find that necessary compassion to help one another rise above adversity.

i've got the government helping me, a vietnam-era  homeless veteran. there's a song by willie nelson titled, "i've got a wonderful future behind me." i relate to it, having been a locomotive engineer & a counselor for 10 & 20 years respectively. then there's, "freedom's just another word for nothing else to lose." i gain internally as i lose externally. i walk & ride a bicycle. my bad heart & back benefit from the two. i also use public transportation. i've a woman in another country & she's "the wing beneath my wings." i've filed for disability. i walk & talk, & cry, with God. i'm grateful for the little things. used to be a "hopeless dopefiend." now i'm a "dopeless hopefiend." i've many dreams left & they're simple. to have my woman by my side is numero uno ! got medication for my depression now. may not have what i want, but i want what i have. i don't try to think my way into good living any more. i live my way into good thinking.