There are a multitude of parallel problems associated with homelessness. Among these are substance use and abuse, mental health issues, and often legal issues enter the picture. Homelessness is a tapestry of frustration, illness, mistrust, and despair.
For homeless people, survival and self-improvement is a daily regimen.
You must go here to eat at this time. You need to be over there for a shower, and another place for clean clothes. You have this appointment with that agency this morning, and another across town for a different kind of help. .If you're a single mom, or a family with one parent or the other lucky enough to find work for a day or so, you are dragging the kids around, and seeing to their needs before yours.
You may have to replace vital documents that were lost or stolen. You will rush around to fill out papers to get papers, then fill out the same papers along with the new papers, asking the the same questions over and over, time and time again. You rarely, however, will get to see the same person.
You hurry, and you follow up, and are told to wait, often for a very, very long time - not hours or days or weeks, but often years. You are reduced to a case or file number in nearly everyone's eyes. You're just one in a million people seeking the same help. There are a million things to do to solve your issues. Each solution is crucial and taxing.
You are discouraged to the point of tears, and some o you give up before you are able to get the help you need. This only prolongs or resets the processes required to get your life back.
The old saying goes, "Good things come to those who wait." There are many recently homeless people who can attest to the truth of this adage. They recently, some after many years, turned a key in a lock, and stepped into their brand new home.
Anyone can do this. I have. Many of my friends have. All it takes is the patience of a saint, the determination of an ant trying to move a rubber tree plant, and the belief that you are better than your circumstances. Just like anything worthwhile in life, ya gotta want it, and ya gotta take yer licks and pay yer dues.
Since there are so many associated challenges, there are also a multitude of solutions. They are not always easy to find. Don't give up. You can do it. Just get back up and brush off the dust and carry on in a new direction. People will help you, if you keep helping yourself.
Stay safe and be hopeful ---RGR
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