r/NoStupidQuestions • u/Garey_Coleman • 9d ago

Where are the homeless supposed to go?

Cities have been cracking down on homeless people so they can’t have encampments or stay on sidewalks. At the same time usually the shelters are full. So those who are unable to get into a shelter, where are they supposed to go?

8.2k Upvotes

91% Upvoted

4.0k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

445

u/Proud-Cartoonist-431 9d ago

It's been tried by the USSR. You just bulid a small town of commieblocks 100ish km away from the city with basic amenities and everything, and transport them there, giving each a small residence. Alcoholics can't afford railroad tickets because vodka is cheaper. That's all.

168

u/ConfusionsFirstSong 9d ago

But see that’s called housing first, and the current administration believes everyone should have to be sober and in treatment before they get the benefits of housing. Otherwise, they may not use their boot straps and might depend on government handouts.

5

u/Legal-Sprinkles8862 9d ago

Hi! Currently sober & homeless here & I honestly had no idea that this was all it took to get housing. From what I was told I needed to have a mental disability (I do) & live in my car for 6 months. So I am. But I live in fear of someone stealing my home since I drive a Hyundai. 😆 They've already made two very costly attempts & I don't wanna find out if the 3rd time does the trick.

I am also working full-time but can't get benefits from my job due to my mental disability forcing me down to part time hours in the aftermath of a mental health crisis (I am in therapy as well). So even though I am now back to working full time but still need the government handout of state health insurance.

It feels really weird to know that my earning potential is more than enough to cover rent & still not be allowed to rent because previously I was to poor & sick to pay rent. 😅

4

u/Awkward-Skin8915 9d ago

You can afford rent but aren't allowed to rent? What about people looking for roommates/sub letting? That seems normal.

1

u/Legal-Sprinkles8862 9d ago

I've asked around & couldn't find anyone looking. I've also searched online for a roommate for awhile with no luck as well. All the private landlords seem to have moved to overpriced airbnbs as well so I've been trying to get help through the state but its taking forever & winter is approaching fast. 🥶

2

u/Awkward-Skin8915 9d ago

That is normal that it will take a long time to get government assistance. Have you considered moving? Sometimes you can get out of town and things will be cheaper the farther out you go. You would have to commute farther to keep your job but it might be an option? Expand your search. Good luck.

1

u/Legal-Sprinkles8862 6d ago

I did move cities just chasing employment, & I have expanded my search to include an hour commute since that was the original commute I would have had.

Sadly, the issue is not price, as I live in a state where people come to be able to afford a home. && I was in a pretty cheap city already. The issue is having an eviction & that is making me ineligible no matter how much I make.

Thank you for the well wishes!

1

u/panaceaXgrace 9d ago

One of the hardest things about needing a place to live after my roommate of 15 years passed away in January was getting credit approval for an apartment. It took several months, and only then because a distant but kind family member had a few rentals and one opened. I still failed his credit check but he let me move in with my brother co-signing. Usually you have to live there to sign, you can't have a co-signer but in this case I was given the opportunity. I didn't need money, just credit. Mine was just very low because I've never had credit cards or taken out loans. Ever. So you have to do things like that to build credit I guess. I hadn't had anything in my name either in the past 25 years, as I had a partner, then a roommate so everything was in their name. I like to live very simply, so I never thought to even apply for a card or loan. I pay all my bills on time but I guess that doesn't count when you're paying them in cash to your roommate! lol