Homeless people break my heart

[Ms.Tarantula]

I saw someone overdosing on my way to work this morning.

Homeless people break my heart the same way the commercials for Christian Children's Fund are intended to. :sad2:

I have lost a few people to gripping addictions that led them to living on the street and I always wish I could make it better but truth be told they are so set in their ways that they don't even want to try to get better.

I have no point to make I just wanted to share. I know a lot of people dismiss the homeless and turn a deaf dear and most of the time that's what I do too.. but any time I take 10 seconds to really look at that person... it hurts to see what they have done to themselves.

[LLaaUUrrYYn]

Seeing homeless people breaks my heart. I understand that most of them are drug addicts and alcoholics, but as someone who has had quite a bit of drug addiction in her family, I sympathize.

How can anyone judge or dimiss them when most people have no idea what a drug addiction can do to you? I can't even pretend to know what it would be like to be so consumed by drugs that nothing else matters. I can say that I know what it's like to watch someone you love go further and further into a dark hole.

I always do whatever I can to help out - handing out food, giving clothing.. umbrellas..etc. I wish people wouldn't give up on people.. we could all be a little more compassionate.

[veN]

I saw a woman in the alley behind Celebs this afternoon, slumped over in the most awkward position. I stopped my car and got out to see if she was ok, because no one would voluntarily fall asleep like that. She had likely passed out, but roused when I called to her, flinging her head and upper body up suddenly with a gasp. She smiled a hazey grin my way, and I smiled back, saying, "Sorry to wake you, enjoy the sunshine!", but inside my heart was breaking. Her squatters corner was a complete disaster, and her face was covered entirely in loonie-sized, red, scabbed welts. I was super choked up the whole rest of the drive home. I hugged Chris when I got in, and said I was greatful for the life (and health) we have. *sigh*

[tiedye]

The majority of homeless folk I've spoken to are happier there than they were living a 'stable' life. Most tell me they've found more happiness and security on the streets than they found in a warm home.

It's all subjective, so before you look at the guy chilling on the sidewalk, while his dog eats the pizza somebody just gave him rather than him eating it himself, with pity.. consider the fact that they may not want it.

[-evil-duerr-]

I've talked to some homeless people that have said that the reason they live on the street is because they prefer the lifestyle over the working class lifestyle.

Sure some of them are there because they are mentally ill or some other unfortunate circumstance, but it's not always the case.
Don't underestimate your fellow human being. If they really really really wanted to remove themselves from that lifestyle, it is definitely possible. At least in a country like canada it is.

drug addiction is a big bummer. i guess its just sad when you have to see it in the streets rather than an apartment building or condo which youd never hear about.

[crookedking]

Originally Posted by Ms.Tarantula

I saw someone overdosing on my way to work this morning.

Homeless people break my heart the same way the commercials for Christian Children's Fund are intended to. :sad2:

I have lost a few people to gripping addictions that led them to living on the street and I always wish I could make it better but truth be told they are so set in their ways that they don't even want to try to get better.

I have no point to make I just wanted to share. I know a lot of people dismiss the homeless and turn a deaf dear and most of the time that's what I do too.. but any time I take 10 seconds to really look at that person... it hurts to see what they have done to themselves.

whoa, that's brutal! you pay attention to homeless people?

[Courtney]

Originally Posted by -evil-duerr-

I've talked to some homeless people that have said that the reason they live on the street is because they prefer the lifestyle over the working class lifestyle.

Sure some of them are there because they are mentally ill or some other unfortunate circumstance, but it's not always the case.
Don't underestimate your fellow human being. If they really really really wanted to remove themselves from that lifestyle, it is definitely possible. At least in a country like canada it is.

drug addiction is a big bummer. i guess its just sad when you have to see it in the streets rather than an apartment building or condo which youd never hear about.

I disagree

[tiedye]

Originally Posted by Courtney

I disagree

Care to elaborate?

[Zêus]

Originally Posted by Courtney

I disagree

Deep.


:P

[mapleleaf4ever]

I saw a homeless Guy wading around in a Fountain taking all the change the other day.

15 minutes later he was in front of me in the LCBO (Liquor Store) line-up buying a single tall can of Beer.

[t-skywalker]

i use to feel really bad all the time. as i take the #20 victoria bus every day for the last two years i think i have become sort of numb. i still feel bad for them, but not like i use to. i think its really sad. but i guess cause i see it everyday, get harassed, verbally abused, and ppl try to steal from me every day im sort of become more annoyed.

i feel bad for the ones who actually want out and dont blame everyone else for there terrible way of life.

[tiedye]

Desensitized and liking it.

[Courtney]

Originally Posted by tiedye

Care to elaborate?

yeah,I disagree that a lot of them want that lifestyle.

No one wants to be outside with no bed to go home to on a -8 night

[Courtney]

for a lot of them the getting help is not just the addiction...it is a pride thing..
many drug addicts feel worthless

[tiedye]

Originally Posted by Courtney

yeah,I disagree that a lot of them want that lifestyle.

No one wants to be outside with no bed to go home to on a -8 night

You're being a little narrow-minded though, don't you think? I mean, just because you do not want to doesn't mean others don't. As a person who enjoys to travel as much as you do, I'm surprised you don't acknowledge that people come from all walks of life.

I quite enjoy the nomadic lifestyle and have often grabbed a tarp, rope, sleeping bag, and backpack full of essentials and taken off, guitar in hand. I've hitchhiked for up to a month solid, sometimes crashing on a couch when one comes by, sometimes making a lean-to with my tarp and sleeping in a park.

I've never had more fun in my life than when I've had nothing but myself and a resourceful, imaginative mind.

[Courtney]

^ I don't consider hitchiking and now and again crashing on couches homeless.......

[Courtney]

i have slept in parks and train stations but would you want to do that for 6 years? I dont think so

[tiedye]

No, hitchhiking is not like being homeless but it is about the freedom from the restraints of society.

I mean.. having a job just isn't for some people. Money and possessions mean nothing and home is where your heart is, as they say.

[Courtney]

^ Yeah, I get that.
But there are so many individuals out there who DO want to be helped and those are the ones i will one day help

it doesn't break my heart. don’t get me wrong, i do have feelings, but most of those people are more healthier then some people that I’ve seen that work extremely hard. Most of them have arms and legs, and they're just bunch of lazy people who have NO self esteem, want attention and are freeloaders.

We’re so lucky we live in Canada. Anyone can get help anytime, as long as they want it. we offer free shelters, and psychologists who can help the homeless people recover, give them free clothes and help them get a job.

So in the end, why should we feel bad for them? I lived in my own since I’m 16 years old, never collected welfare, always worked hard, finished school, went to college. It wasn’t easy for me, especially with the English, because it was only 2 years after I moved to Canada from a foreign country , but I did it, and I tell you if I could do it, anyone else can!

Originally Posted by Courtney

^ I don't consider hitchiking and now and again crashing on couches homeless.......

every time i think of hitchhiking i think of the movie "the hitcher" and it scares the shit out of me lol

i don't ever consider hitchhiking, it's scary... especially for a female





....but i have met none homeless people, who have / had jobs / income, and actually enjoy that type of lifestyle, not have a place to live when its warm outside, i guess "saves" money

[Ms.Tarantula]

Originally Posted by crookedking

whoa, that's brutal! you pay attention to homeless people?

surprised?

[Gunter S]

Originally Posted by Ms.Tarantula

I saw someone overdosing on my way to work this morning.

Homeless people break my heart the same way the commercials for Christian Children's Fund are intended to. :sad2:

I have lost a few people to gripping addictions that led them to living on the street and I always wish I could make it better but truth be told they are so set in their ways that they don't even want to try to get better.

I have no point to make I just wanted to share. I know a lot of people dismiss the homeless and turn a deaf dear and most of the time that's what I do too.. but any time I take 10 seconds to really look at that person... it hurts to see what they have done to themselves.

[tiedye]

How many of you people who feel pity for these people and disagree that many of them choose to be there, speak to them regularly? Or is it more that you've just spoken to one or two and all they did is bitch?

When I was living in East Van, I'd sit down and have a smoke with them all the time when I was bored or when one had a witty sign. I'd shake their hand and introduce myself and listen to their story.

How can you tell me I'm wrong when this is what the majority of them have told me?

[Courtney]

^I've talked to a lot who say they never imagined their life would turn out that way, they want help etc.
and actually never ran into anyone who wants to be there.......
personal experiences i guess