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Feeling a little down today ya'll. I met a person living on the street yesterday. The temp was in the mid fiftys. But we had a strong wind. I parked at the Safeway and noticed her under a single sheet trying to stay warm. Nothing to eat, and in need of mental care.
I bought her a sandwich and gave her my emergency blanket and some money.
I learned a little about how they live but what I went away with is sadness. They need services, and a place to refresh. A place where they can store their belongings without living in a grocery cart.
There are so many building in the city here abandoned.
Anyway I tried to get her a shelter, but she doesn't trust them. Another problem with mental health ignored. And the closest shelter was 45 miles away.
When I was rescuing dogs and cats, I thought some of the people were rather numb to the people who need help. I heard some callous comments.
I took my last twenty bucks for a week and gave it to her even though I bounced my account.
I had to leave her there. In the cold. Without help.

PondartIncbendog 8 Nov 14
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3 comments

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2

You did the right thing. Getting a person from a shelter to at least go and speak with her would be good, they may know how to build trust, and it does not all have to be on your shoulders.

1

As much as you want to take responsibility for her she's not your responsibility. I recently had a heartbreaking experience with a homeless couple who I couldn''t help because they wouldn't help themselves. But I wanted to tell you about a progressive approach to homelessness that we are taking in Colorado and other states, Permanent Supportive Housing:

[affordablehousingheroes.com]

As much as I wanted to help her, I wasn't focused on her or this moment. This is a societal failure. And it can't be fixed.

One of the requirements for that program is that you must have a low income. Most homelss people have no money, though. And that is the very problem, is it no?

@Ryo1 No, many residents have no income at all and also don't have to pay any rent yet still receive full services. And even so, the project saves public costs by saving on expenses like chronic hospital visits and police involvement.

@PondartIncbendog You don't think homelessness is solvable?

Here is one of the PSH projects in my city. I think there is at least one more now.

[housingcatalyst.com]

1

Man, I feel you... From time to time I watch a youtube channel "Invisible People", and just Imagine myself there... even It's Painful and heartbreaking to imagine that life... 😟
Certainly, you have a Big heart, in the right place. We Have to do what we can, doesn't matter how big/small is it...
Don't be down, I know that feeling is inevitable... But be proud of yourself and Keep being Awesome. 😍🥰🤗

Diaco Level 7 Nov 15, 2022

Thanks. I've been in tears all day. Its hard to see but easy to ignore. Its like dropping a puppy off in the snow. Its not what I was trained to do.

@PondartIncbendog I feel you perfectly, been there... I know how struggling is that moment. 🤗

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