r/NoStupidQuestions 10d 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?

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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.

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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. 😅

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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.

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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