Homeless In Ft Worth

Large Problems

 

Our lives are full of problems. Decisions have to be made all the time. This is something everyone has in common. The homeless community is no stranger to problems either. Some of their problems are no different than anyone else’s. Then there are the problems that while not strictly unique to the homeless community are in fact difficult to resolve. Some of the more prevalent problems commonly seen amongst the homeless are, to most, easily solved in theory but in practice are, at least to the homeless person, seemingly impossible.

Being a homeless person is an extremely depressing experience. When people profile you they automatically assume certain things. Such as we don’t wish to work, want to take the easy way, drink or do drugs and all sorts of other things associated with the homeless lifestyle. For some that might be an accurate assessment.

 For other homeless people there are mental health issues or maybe physical issues. Issues over which they have no control and deal with as best they can.

Then there is the homeless person who has been there done that and is ready to get his or her life back on track. He or she is ready to get back to living a useful life again. We’ve made a commitment to ourselves to do what we have to do to get there. The problem is that there are all those others out there who are not really ready to leave their homeless mindset behind but instead are looking for another kind of free ride. They are the ones who clog the system with their needs, demands and in general waste resources that those who are actively trying to make the next step could really use.

Now don’t get me wrong, it is important that all homeless people receive whatever help they need to pick themselves up again. Identifying the ones who are really serious from those who are just looking for that free ride is important too. Ask any case manager. It’s a waste to place someone into free or subsidized housing if they don’t wish to leave behind their substance issues for example. Or to attempt to retrain a person for a career when all they wish to do is become a professional student with no real career goal in mind.

Think about this if you would. Imagine the problems that we face. Ok I’ll come right out and say it. I face. Every day there is a problem. Some problems are routine but many are not. On a daily basis I have to face up to my issues and make the best of a bad situation. I also have to compete with other homeless people who I know are just taking advantage of an already overburdened system. The real problem is how do I get out of here? It’s complicated and extremely difficult. There is no one size fits all solution to my problems and whatever the solution is or will be has yet to be seen.

I'll get there but it isn't going to be easy.