homeless people

[Plenum]

do you have homeless people where you live?

do you interact with them? give them money or cigarettes if they ask?

how do you relate to them? do you somehow think its their situation and their responsibility for ending up where they are, and its none of your business or concern, and that if they wanted to change or help themselves, then they would?

or do you feel some sense of guilt that perhaps society has failed them, and let them fall as far as they have?

I've taken the time to talk to some homeless people. I've even given them $5 bucks to get a coffee and food if I sensed some sincerity in their asking.

[Marc]

We have lots of homeless people in Seattle.

I give them money sometimes and coffee when I have some extra.

I used to relate to them pretty prejudiced and now as I'm going through life changes (see my recent post) I've found myself as a homeless person. Sometimes life can be really hard on people. But at the same time I find that many homeless are homeless because they rather be homeless than to conform to the normal societal system in place. Many that I met are pretty happy and most I've met are cooky but and some just really wonderful people.

I don't feel much guilt for them. I feel that anything they want to put their mind to, they can become and this is their lifestyle choice (of there are exceptions to this).

I do think there are differences in the types of homeless. Some I'd see as lifestyle homeless and others as temporarily displaced people trying to get back on their feet.

[Namaste]

I often sit with them, ask them about themselves and after a chat, hand them some money. We can't possibly claim to know how and what got them in that place - it could even be a pre-incarnation choice.

This last Christmas I bought one guy a couple of books, The Holographic Universe and Ask and it is Given. I'd spoken to him many times over the year and he had hinted at those kind of concepts.

A while back I'd feel guilty if I didn’t do the same with every homeless person, but I was able to iron that distortion out and simply do it when intuition sparked.

Some people look at me weirdly when I'm chatting with them, while some others smile. The full spectrum :¬)

[Zachary]

There are plenty of homeless people here in Rochester.

I do often feel a desire to give some of them a few bucks mostly not because I believe a dollar will really help them, but to show there are people that care in this world..and I am one of them. when I can I do it...but often I am not able to and must preserve a balanced perspective.

Having financial abundance hasn't been a theme in my life thus far...I always manage to get by yet often have little to no money...due to the choices I make and how I choose to spend my time.

[zenmaster]

I'm guessing about half of the homeless have mental disorders which are largely responsible for their homeless condition. Not really just a simple attitude of wanting to change, as if a desire provided sufficient ability, support and nurturing direction.

[Phoenix]

I have found myself too defensive to give to homeless people. I think I did a while back once and felt very good about it, and there were no negative repercussions I was dreading, since I'd pass them very frequently.

It's one of those things I haven't worked on. I have found it incredibly good karma giving in general, in one of my jobs when I was younger when I gave to charity my own money went up a lot. The money that was being emptied every month became money that was staying at a high level for me at that time.

In relation to the right and left wing arguments in relation to this. I have found myself simply too overwhelmed by the suffering of everyone and not being able to help in all cases that it has become hopelessly charged for me. So I don't even consider their personal cases. I do believe that freedom includes the freedom to make mistakes.

[Adonai One]

Seeing the homeless brings up a huge political discourse in my mind every time.

The conclusion I can only form is that this society is far too conditional in the resources it gives to people in need, even government welfare programs. My political views have changed to where I believe the monetary system should be modified to where everyone gets an unconditional income that can pay for housing, food and basic living that increases with the rate of inflation. No stipulations, no requirements.

The central banking system wastes so much money on so many things, the least it can do is guarantee basic living. I mean, heck, if the Treasury can shell out for $40,000 patriot missiles to kill innocent civilians, why not inherently feed everyone as well?

I'm sick and tired of seeing homeless welfare programs that restrict people into getting work and being assimilated into a program in order to receive basic care. Society needs to unconditionally support all if it has inherently decided to centrally control resources in the first place.

The culture that fails these people is the idea that we have to conditionally earn our way through life, that we have to attain a level of productivity to be loved and valued.

We are no longer animals that have to kill or be killed, successfully scavenge or die. We are supposed to be social co-creators and family.

It's not just about helping people. It's about helping people without expectation. So many "charitable" efforts just end up controlling people in the end.

The solution isn't taking control of people and "guiding" them. It's accepting them as they are, letting them be in a safe and stable place, and let them discover who they are and their truest desires; Not choosing for them.

[Unbound]

Having been homeless, I have lots of experience with them! In fact, quite a number of my friends are transients. I think it is important to make distinctions between people who are homeless out of conditional circumstances, and those who choose to be without a home. In Vancouver, especially on Hastings St, there is actually a whole community and culture of homeless or transient individuals, often tied in to much drug use and gang activity. In Victoria I have heard many people say it is "easy" to be homeless there because there are lots of resources for individuals without a home or income.

Such individuals are as mixed as any other group in the world. There are the positive ones and the negative ones, and then plenty who are so downtrodden they simply do not care. I have quite a degree of compassion for them because of my own experiences, but at the same time I feel I have gained a wisdom through my experiences that tells me, "You can't save everyone, because not everyone wants to be saved."

[xise]

I like giving to homeless. Sometimes I'll ask them if they want food from a nearby restaurant and bring it to them. Other times if they seem to have an immediate goal such take a bus to so, then I'll give them the amount of money they need to fulfill it immediately.

The only ones I shy away from are ones who are actively under the influence or ones who don't respond to your words because they are dealing with deep mental health issues.

Regardless of the reason of why one is homeless, it is a very dangerous state of being. You can't live safely on the streets. My heart goes out to them.

[BlatzAdict]

When I lived in San Francisco I was surrounded by the homeless. I thought it best to find out about their stories. A lot of them were so good at heart. This one guy I met ended up homeless losing all his money from putting it into stocks. I thought it was interesting, sad but I felt it was important to let his story be heard.

It's most interesting when you see an internal change in the people you deal with whether directly or indirectly. very much indeed awesome to beholden. like this guy who sold batteries in ny.

---

It also broke my heart to see the ones fade further into their habit.

[isis]

when i give homeless people $ i fold up the $ as small as i can fold it then i throw it out of my window real quick-like at them then i roll the window back up asap so i don't have to interact with them.

when i don't have any $ on me to give i feel extremely sad & guilty for not having considered that i mite see some.

gave one 20 on xmas once & his reaction made me shed many tears. u could tell he was in utter disbelief.

[Alexis]

I live in a small town, so no homeless people here that I'm aware of. However I have family overseas and there a lots of homeless people there. In the past I did feel sorry for them and I used to give them money. When I was about 16 I remember this kid who looked only a few years younger than me, begging for money. I gave him some, but he asked for more. I didn't have any more on me, so he started following me and harassing me, and I felt scared. Because of that experience, I don't give anymore.

[isis]

I live in a small town, so no homeless people here that I'm aware of. However I have family overseas and there a lots of homeless people there. In the past I did feel sorry for them and I used to give them money. When I was about 16 I remember this kid who looked only a few years younger than me, begging for money. I gave him some, but he asked for more. I didn't have any more on me, so he started following me and harassing me, and I felt scared. Because of that experience, I don't give anymore.

similar thing happened to me when i was about the same age. the guy said, "if u could just give me a little more...then i could get a meal from mcdonald's" & then i said, "sry but i seriously don't have it. i gave u my only 3 dollars." but the freak didn't believe me & it bothered me immensely bc i was being honest & it caused me not to give again for a couple of years & it's why i now won't interact with them

[bosphorus]

It's the Money and capitalist system that causes people to be homeless. In countries where there is communism, people are well fed, have a home and basic needs. I don't say it's the best however at least all members are without physical deprivation.

I'd like to do much charity if i were earning my own. I really understand how they feel. It's a terrible thing. I felt mercy since my childhood.

[gerriclem13]

I am in a temporary shelter because of Sandy, been here a while now, Some of the people, there are a handful here who seriously think that the world owes them a living and actually turn their noses up at bettering themselves, but I think that is how they were brought up, nothing to do with anything other than wanting to be self serving at the expense of others. Never thought I'd say it but there it is.
Very few of us who are here not of our own doing, are really trying to better ourselves and move out of their situation. I agree with bosphrus.

[Rusalka]

In countries where there is communism, people are well fed, have a home and basic needs. I don't say it's the best however at least all members are without physical deprivation.

Sorry, but this is simply not true. I am from Poland which used to be a socialist country till 1989 and ever there we had homeless people.

Ukraine and Russia are full of extremely poor people. Not to mention North Korea.

Capitalism is the best system invented so far, it just needs to be balanced by supporting self-employed people and small business more rather than big corporations.

Imagine a country with a free access to good education, including business know-how, where the laws support small business initiatives, especially new ones. Those who wanted could establish themselves. Those who prefer to live on the streets would be free to do so.

I must say Ireland is very good that way.

[AnthroHeart]

Ireland seems like a magical place.

[coldwired]

I gave to two charity collectors today but when I walked into town this afternoon I passed by a homeless chap sat down who asked for change. I replied with a 'sorry mate'..

For right or wrong as we approached I tried to walk away from him, felt tense and hoped he wouldn't make contact. Doesn't make me feel proud to write it to be honest.. Not sure why I feel like that apart from being an introverted type. The going over and interacting makes me feel awkward and especially if I feel strangers nearby are watching what I'm doing. Well there's my lesson right there then!

Overall I feel that it doesn't matter if they are there by choice or not, or if they will use the money for food or alcohol (or worse) but that the gift is a little bundle of catalyst, perhaps for both parties. The gift overpowers the possibility of it being used in a negative way (that you can't know about), and can't feel guilty about. Anyway that's just my opinion!

I've never had a bad experience so I'm sure that would complicate matters, however a member of an old group I was part of gave a bad experience to a homeless person (and I did nothing.. apart from being incensed at our 'friend').
Dan

[neutral333]

do you have homeless people where you live?

do you interact with them? give them money or cigarettes if they ask?

how do you relate to them? do you somehow think its their situation and their responsibility for ending up where they are, and its none of your business or concern, and that if they wanted to change or help themselves, then they would?

or do you feel some sense of guilt that perhaps society has failed them, and let them fall as far as they have?

I've taken the time to talk to some homeless people. I've even given them $5 bucks to get a coffee and food if I sensed some sincerity in their asking.

Why would we treat "homeless" people different from any other people?

[Plenum]

Why would we treat "homeless" people different from any other people?

indeed. love and acceptance should be offered to all equally.

[xise]

I've helped homeless in public ways (inviting a homeless man begging for money/food near a subway into the subway so that I could buy him a sub). I've done this on three occasions with people who were clearly homeless (had a bag of stuff with them and torn clothes), but without being too smelly or drunk.

It's interesting, all three times the energy in the room changes. I'm totally at home talking to homeless people since I had so many homeless clients, but it seems as if everyone else in the room goes inward and there is some awkward introspective silence.

I'd speculate that non-repulsive (best word, because I think for many drunk/super dirty/overtly crazy are repulsive to others) homeless evoke something deep in people. I'd guess that something deep in their subconscious is coming to the surface. I don't really know. I just know each time there was this massive introspective energy space that was created when I entered with my homeless brother or sister.

[neutral333]

I find it weird that homeless people are given their own category here.

[omcasey]

It is interesting to come here and find this because I just happen to be focusing this whole year to it.

Dimensional travelers, I find, are often nomads at ground level. This is from a new project [possible documentary] I am working on titled "Living Out in the Open- A Spiritual View of Urban and Rural Nomadism". I hope you enjoy it.
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There is the tendency in 3D reality life systems to get caught up inside our boxes.. Our homes, offices, schools, shops, stores. Life can get to be purely indoors where it is forgotten that there is a nature --a natural world and life system with an innate intelligence of its own - primary, and fundamental to our individual lives. This is remembered when cast back out into it.

In 2014 we are finding ever growing numbers of people being displaced from their homes, their jobs, their schools...They are joining the ranks of the nomad, the keeper(s) of the knowing that in life all things are transient and impermanent. That growth, and therefor change is unavoidable. And what is truly the one and only constant.

Nomads are of a wide variety.. Not all nomads are homeless but among the multitudes of homeless are many nomads. Souls who instinctively wander. Who, naturally, flowing with a deep internal guidance and impulse keep to the road. To moving---from place to place to place.

I am a working nomad. By trade, for the past 20 years I have served as a private duty health care worker, helping those who otherwise could not, live independently, and even die in the love and comfort of their own homes. Avoiding our broken institutionalized care system.

Permanent residential live-in service in this field can be debilitating to a nomad, who shines brightest in the transitional and short term. I focus almost exclusively into this specific service now, making myself principally available to respite, rehab and hospice clientele.

I work the full spectrum of care.. Older adults, disabled adults, memory disorders, mental health, special populations. My service includes both day work and sleep shifting. These days, rarely do I know where I will be working, or sleeping much in advance.

This is the condition in which I thrive; my specialty, and rightful home is [in] transitions.

My very being I find to stem from here.

*
*

Living Out in the Open- L.A. Wind and Rain

______________________________________
Los Angeles, specifically Santa Monica has one of the highest concentrations of 'homeless' in the nation.

.

[Poet]

It's a good feeling to observe their reaction if you throw a few coins in their hat/can. There is a great passage in the Hidden Hand material where homeless people are also mentioned:

When you are coming from a place of Love for, and Service to your Creator, a life of Service to others will become a natural outflowing from that. Always look for ways that you can be of assistance to your fellow Beings. Being of encouragement to others. Build people up, and do not put people down. Be a beacon of light, in a dark world.

Does that old lady need a hand with her shopping bags? How do you treat the homeless man who asks you for some spare change for the shelter? Ever heard about "Angels in disguise"? Look and see the Divine Spark in the Heart of all Beings. Treat them as you would like to be treated yourself, and as you would your Creator if he was speaking directly with you.

[Vestige]

I have had several experiences with homeless individuals.

... I have participated in a CityReach conference... twice, if I'm remembering right. CityReach is an overnight urban outreach program designed for youth (with accompanying adults), young adults, and college students from churches of any denomination. The program has participants join CityReach staff in street ministry to speak with homeless individuals, learn from them, and invite them to the CityReach conference hall for more hospitality, food, hygienic products, and clothing. This is followed by times of sharing and reflection.   I attended with a small group of mentors and friends from a Unitarian Universalist church, and we drove up to Boston to join the conference there.  I stopped going after the second conference because something in the air made my throat and skin itch.

... When I worked in Cambridge (Massachusetts) I would, on the way to the office from the subway station, pass by a homeless man.  Sometimes he had a few fellows there with him, too.  I held this job--really an internship (although it was paid)--while I was an undergraduate student... right after my junior year, summer into the first semester of my senior year, ending sometime in the winter.  I had already been introduced to the work of L/L Research and had been exploring the material for a couple years.  So, each day as I would leave the subway, I would wish my fellow travelers "joy and productivity," or something along those lines.  I had been, at that time, exploring in a dedicated fashion the concepts of surrender, fate, and synchronicity, so I would give my blessing to the subway and then move on.  As I approached the homeless fellow or fellows, I would ask the universe what would be good for me to give... this I did by attempting to project my energy outward--and I would always feel a current lightly vibrating or humming around my body when doing this--and then ask the question in my mind, or picture the homeless fellows, or simply try to feel, wordlessly, the interconnectedness of the world.  Some days I 'received' that there was nothing better to give than a smile and a greeting, some days a short conversation, some days whatever bills I had left in my wallet.  One particular day, I felt that I should give my winter coat (this was towards the end of the internship)--and for the remainder I wore sweatshirts or long-sleeved shirts with an undershirt layered underneath it.  The homeless fellow I interacted with most was always quite cheerful... he was one of the highlights of that internship, just greeting him, talking to him.

... A few months into my second year at graduate school, my friend became homeless.  He hadn't found a job yet, and his rent had evaporated most of his savings--so when his lease ended, he couldn't really go anywhere.  I wasn't allowed to keep him in my rental for any protracted time, but I would have him stay over when he could.  My roommates didn't ask any questions when he stayed there for close to a week, but my landlord had cameras watching the property, so we were fairly careful.  Sometimes he had to make a bed underneath store awnings or in abandoned sheds.  He wasn't too disturbed by his situation--he recognized it as an injustice, but he was also determined to find a job and a home and often spent the day building a programming portfolio in a local coffee shop or diner.  He rarely asked for money or food or other resources, and often denied offers of these except when he was really in need.  He mostly asked for car rides, which I was happy to provide.  I haven't heard from him in a while; though, he said he might take a bus out west and stay with a friend.  I hope he made it.

... Now, I'm the homeless fellow.  Well--I'm legally homeless.  Since the 16th, I've been holed up in a motel... and Cornell Law includes in their definition of the "homeless individual" any individual who has "a room in a hotel or motel and where they lack the resources necessary to reside there for more than 14 days."  
I had enough saved up to make a reservation for 15 days, so, technically, I hadn't become legally homeless until the 17th.  I also have my car, my laptop computer, my phone, a closet's worth of clothing, some cash for gas and food... So, I'm doing alright.  I'm perceiving it as an exercise in equanimity... Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  I can also see that this situation is one borne of some subtle desires.  Like Omcasey, I have often pondered the life of the nomad.  In high school, on our work aptitude testing day, I mused to my friends that I might like to become a traveling monk.  I often joked to my parents when they would fret over my choosing of a career that I would end up homeless, and that my younger sister would have to be their star child.  And I have lived for years and years already with a fondness for unheated soups, for simple breads and cheeses and cured meats and berries, for sleeping on floors and couches, for... well, for living in a more contented fashion.  So, although I did not think I asked for this, perhaps I had!  ... And, anyways, I will find out soon if I will be offered placement in a rescue mission's residential program.  I feel that would be one appropriate chapter for me... as the program would be a year-long dedication to street ministry, serving my fellow homeless (or mostly homeless) while studying principles of faith and inner development.  Like my hopefully-now-formerly-homeless friend, I feel that my semi-homelessness is, in some sense, a miscarriage of justice... but I also don't mind it.  It is unfair but fine, very fine, and I feel blessed.

[hounsic]

Wow what a great attitude, I suppose just another chapter in your book. Thanks for sharing and i hope you the best!

[JoshuaPalvin]

I always help homeless people whom I often see nearby. I give them a certain amount of money when I can, I give them good, old warm clothes. I recently replaced the old radiators in the house with discounted designer radiators. I took them out, asked them to take the old radiators outside, paid for the work, and said they could scrap them, they were very happy.

[IndigoSalvia]

... Now, I'm the homeless fellow.  Well--I'm legally homeless.  ... It is unfair but fine, very fine, and I feel blessed.

It sounds like you are looking upon this new landscape before you as plentiful with opportunities. 

I found myself legally homeless. My son and I put all of our stuff in storage, except necessities. We stayed in my parents' semi-finished garage for about 9 mos, along with our 2 big dogs and guinea pig. 

For homeless people, I currently have in my car: socks, snacks, dog food and dog treats. I just keep the car stashed with goodies. I share food with them when I have some. I have been known to turn the car around and go back to share what I have. 

I always have a smile for anyone on the corner panhandling; I hope they feel seen by me, and not invisible. Long ago, I used to avoid eye contact to avoid being asked for this and that.

Many blessings on this new leg of your journey, vestige.

[J.W.]

Seeing the homeless brings up a huge political discourse in my mind every time.

The conclusion I can only form is that this society is far too conditional in the resources it gives to people in need, even government welfare programs. My political views have changed to where I believe the monetary system should be modified to where everyone gets an unconditional income that can pay for housing, food and basic living that increases with the rate of inflation. No stipulations, no requirements.

The central banking system wastes so much money on so many things, the least it can do is guarantee basic living. I mean, heck, if the Treasury can shell out for $40,000 patriot missiles to kill innocent civilians, why not inherently feed everyone as well?

I'm sick and tired of seeing homeless welfare programs that restrict people into getting work and being assimilated into a program in order to receive basic care. Society needs to unconditionally support all if it has inherently decided to centrally control resources in the first place.

The culture that fails these people is the idea that we have to conditionally earn our way through life, that we have to attain a level of productivity to be loved and valued.

We are no longer animals that have to kill or be killed, successfully scavenge or die. We are supposed to be social co-creators and family.

It's not just about helping people. It's about helping people without expectation. So many "charitable" efforts just end up controlling people in the end.

The solution isn't taking control of people and "guiding" them. It's accepting them as they are, letting them be in a safe and stable place, and let them discover who they are and their truest desires; Not choosing for them.

yes  

[IndigoSalvia]

The solution isn't taking control of people and "guiding" them. It's accepting them as they are, letting them be in a safe and stable place, and let them discover who they are and their truest desires; Not choosing for them.

yes  

A friend questioned why I always carry goodies in my car to share with those who are homeless. Her position: it reinforces and encourages them to remain homeless.

I considered this statement, and my answer is: it is unknown. Regardless, encouraging/discouraging another's circumstances is not my focus. 

My intention is to simply be kind and loving, and to meet them where they are. 

As I look closely at these interactions when I share with and serve others (e.g., humans, animals, nature), I notice that I get something from the exchange: I feel good (loving, joy). 

This raises questions in me: why do I help others? is it self-serving, other-serving or all-serving? In other words, is there truly a distinction between STO and STS? This is a question I can answer with a resounding "yes" and an equally resounding "no."   (pardon my digression)