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Posted on: Thu, Aug 28 2008 4:06 AM
Posted by: StoogegirlSilva Posts: 32
I don't know what to do. He has had chronic fatigue syndrome for two years and has not been able to work in that time. His roommate ran off on him, and he now has no place to go.
Are there any shelters that are accomodating to the homeless? He cannot handle being kicked out daily like they do at normal shelters. I've asked everyone if they could take him in, but they cannot. Is he absolutely screwed?
Posted on: Thu, Aug 28 2008 7:09 AM
Posted by: shellGVchick Posts: 1,261
What state does your friend live in?Have you called Social Services, or Adult Protective Services? If he's on Disability does he have a worker? You can also call Salvation Army I know some times they help people and even Churches have been known to have side apartments for the less unfortunate. I've never experienced homeless shelters or being on the streets so I can't offer any advice there. You could call around to any other disability services in your area and see if they can offer any help or advice. Good Luck to you and your friend.
Posted on: Thu, Aug 28 2008 8:55 AM
Posted by: Flower Posts: 41
You do not state where you or your friend are located? Please post your location so I can try to help. Am retired from social service agency.
Posted on: Thu, Aug 28 2008 9:41 AM
Posted by: unrepentantpigsnatcher2 Posts: 0
Here is another advocacy issue that disaboom and it's members need to be dealing with. The numbers of homeless in this nation is increasing at an alarming rate. With heating and food costs rising the disabled community who are often on low fixed incomes are also struggling to keep up with their housing costs. Yes many do get housing assistance but many do not and the shelters that do exist are also struggling with rising costs. So what happens to the homeless disabled and how can we advocate for their needs in our own backyards?
I know this isn't as fun or pretty as sexy heels but its a very real issue that people here on disaboom who are oh so supportive and concerned might want to actually think about.
There but by the grace of God go I.
Posted on: Thu, Aug 28 2008 10:46 AM
Posted by: Lisa Posts: 411
Hi Silva,
Here are a few places you could start to help your friend... I hope they will help him and keep him safe.
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf Salvation Army
~
http://www.css-phl.org/ this is in Philadelphia. They can help you find help in your friends city and state.
http://www.va.gov/ Veterans of America.
Blessings, Lisa Catherine
Posted on: Thu, Aug 28 2008 10:52 AM
"""Yes many do get housing assistance but many do not and the shelters that do exist are also struggling with rising costs. So what happens to the homeless disabled and how can we advocate for their needs in our own backyards? """
Get involved. Help the homeless shelters be sure they understand the needs of the handicapped, contact your local mental health centers and ask what they offer those in needs... VOTE to have safer shelters and food banks in your area. Give of Your time to help others, build or help build ramps, bathrooms that a wheelchair can fit into, contact your local government and tell them what You see needs done and don't let it go until they DO something about it. Ask around as to what hotels offer a huge discount for the homeless, and yes there are hotels that will do that on a short term basis... Call for action on behalf of those in need. Print out fliers and post them in stores, offices, demand to be heard in your local elections. Just a thought of course !!
"To avoid being part of the problem, become part of the solution"
To be homeless is bad enough, but to think of some one severely disabled that is even a bigger danger. It's not just like you find your hole on the street and no one bugs you and you never have issues. I can't believe some times people think the issue will just go away if no one mentions it. Years ago I did my thesis on Skid Row and I actually went down there on several occasions and it's heart breaking. People are just desperate to survive one more day. It's one thing to have family but when your homeless and no one would want or claim you that has to be heart breaking. They had food drives and soup kitchens and just the short visits I had I got to recognize some at different locations. They also had a needle exchange program where they'd get clean needles. If your homeless thats one thing but if your deadly sick that makes the situation worse. It was very humbling. I've also seen the flipside up where I live there is a lot of forest, and mountains and there are some who just choose to be homeless and don't like to be tied to one place. Unrepentant I've known people recently that are low income housing with assistance but still having to make decisions like medications over food and it's hard. What ever one you do with out you are still going to suffer.
I really hope there friend can get some help.
Posted on: Thu, Aug 28 2008 11:35 AM
Sister Lisa Catherine Obl S.B.: """Yes many do get housing assistance but many do not and the shelters that do exist are also struggling with rising costs. So what happens to the homeless disabled and how can we advocate for their needs in our own backyards? """ ~ Get involved. Help the homeless shelters be sure they understand the needs of the handicapped, contact your local mental health centers and ask what they offer those in needs... VOTE to have safer shelters and food banks in your area. Give of Your time to help others, build or help build ramps, bathrooms that a wheelchair can fit into, contact your local government and tell them what You see needs done and don't let it go until they DO something about it. Ask around as to what hotels offer a huge discount for the homeless, and yes there are hotels that will do that on a short term basis... Call for action on behalf of those in need. Print out fliers and post them in stores, offices, demand to be heard in your local elections. Just a thought of course !! ~ "To avoid being part of the problem, become part of the solution"
Very good suggestions and continuation of my dialog. Please however be careful not to assume I am disengaged from my community and am not already active in these areas.
As for the initiator of this thread. Sometimes local churches have funds to help an individual get started again. You might want to call some of the area churches and see if they have or know of resources that might help your friend.
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