Gimme Shelter..... 150 families turned away every year for ONE shelter!

[bobbolink]

I keep hearing from DUers how shelters are helping homeless people.

I want EVERYONE to hear this.... from the Santa Fe New Mexican (newspaper) about ONE shelter in Santa Fe:

"Thirty-three people currently live there, but 150 families must be turned away each year, according to shelter director Deborah Tang."
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/68851.html

That's ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY FAMILIES every year!

That's FAMILIES.... single people aren't even counted, because we're thrown away to begin with.

What is left for those who are "turned away"????

What are we expected to do?

Yet, if someone kills themselves for lack of a decent place to live, you all scream "Mental Illness"!!

Talk to me... what do you really want people to do?

[Skip Intro]

1. What makes me sick is the disregard from those small-gov repukes

the ones who want to kill of medicare because it is an "economic drain" - the ones who fight against health care for all - the ones who cheer tax cuts for the wealthy, tax breaks for huge corporations, but who despise the very idea of a minimum wage.


And they turn that knife by claiming the mantle of Christianity, Jesus Christ is a lapel pin for them, empty symbolism.


They make me sick.

[autorank]

2. Many are turned away. K*R

I hear about it where I am and we've got the money to make sure that doesn't happen.

Then there are the rules - get a job, do this, do that ... if not then you get kicked out.

We have more than enough to shelter America, we just proved it the past seven years.

[bobbolink]

3. the issue is NOT SHELTER--We need HOUSING for everyone!

Shelters suk, as you so aptly point out. I could go on forever about them!

For now, just say that the rate of TB in shelters is HORRENDOUS!

Yet, I can't get DUers to support Barney Franks bill for the National Housing Trust Fund.

What does it take?

Thanks, autorank! :yourock:

[autorank]

5. You're right and I support Granks bill. I'll call his office now!!!!!!!!!!!

[bobbolink]

12. COOL! Just don't call him "Grank". ~~chortle~~

Thanks, autorank, for calling, and I hope you call your own Rep., and ask that s/he sign on as co-sponsor. This bill is a MUST!

[Jed Dilligan]

37. We need housing for various needs

Some people need temporary and others need permanent housing. We need safe, clean OPTIONS for all comers.

[bobbolink]

46. there's plenty of temporary shelter.

We're about 3 million units short of the low-income housing that is needed.

[Jed Dilligan]

59. Maybe, but it all sucks

It's run by faith-based with all the crap that goes with that, and despite there being "plenty" people get turned away all the time. Not everyone wants to settle down. I'm uncomfortable with models that exclude everyone but the "family who wants a home," mainstream or Middle American ideal.

I'm with you on the need for low-income housing, but it won't end homelessness.

[bobbolink]

68. It would end homelessness for me. Does that count?

It would end homelessness for the many homeless older women I know.

Maybe that's not important.

[Jed Dilligan]

72. You obviously just want an argument.

Goodbye.

[bobbolink]

74. Obviously.

:crazy:

[Jed Dilligan]

75. Hey, I said affordable housing is important

but it won't serve all the homeless. Do you really have a problem with that statement?

[NMMNG]

77. Wake up Jed

If you don't want exactly what Bobbolink wants, and offer to give her everything she wants on a silver platter (no strings attached) you are evil personified.

Back out now, quickly. There's no way to win with her.

[Jed Dilligan]

78. Funny, because my argument is that EVERYONE should

get what they want--whether it's permanent supportive housing or a five-buck-a-night campsite with a storage locker close to the bus station. Housing options are nowhere near diverse enough. Where I live, "affordable" housing is monopolized by immigrants who have a lower standard of personal space than our homegrown homeless.

[NMMNG]

81. Everyone should get what they need

But some people seem to think that if what you need is different from what they need/want then it's ok for them to yell at you and disparage you. You dared to say so and look what you got for it. :shrug:

[Jed Dilligan]

85. Too bad.

There are far too few of us on DU with more than a cursory interest in issues of housing (I mean, other than mortgages!) and homelessness.

[NMMNG]

86. If I had my way

The military would be scrimping for pennies, politicians would make minimum wage, and there would be no homeless people on the streets or hungry children to speak of.

[w8liftinglady]

4. I'm a member of National coalition for homeless veterans

http://www.nchv.org/
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) will end homelessness among veterans by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers.

Homelessness is an ever-growing problem...and will become worse with the housing crunch.

[bobbolink]

13. I'm not a veteran. Does that mean I must continue being homeless?

I can die on the street and it's OK?

[tammywammy]

28. Because that's what she said

That it was okay. No she didn't. :eyes:

[Hydra]

6. As you and I have said

"This is the land of opportunity! If you can't afford housing, you're just lazy!"

Such christian values...

K&R, btw

[AuntPatsy]

7. For the mentally ill people as well, Reagan economics one o one

throw them out on their ear and we have more money for government foolery.

[bobbolink]

15. Because of RAygun, most people assume that homeless people are ALL mentally Ill and drunks.

You wouldn't believe how harsh people can be in making that assumption of little old ladies like me.

I just wish they'd walk in my shoes for a while....

[w8liftinglady]

8. I would be homeless with 2 kids if it hadn't been for the kindness

of a friend.It has benefitted both of us.We aren't all as lucky as I was.

[LWolf]

9. I know what I want.

I want different people to do different things.

I want voters to elect people who will put infrastructure, communities, and a whole range of safety nets, not just back on the table, but at the top of our priority list.

I want politicians who will put the needs of people first, and the neediest people at the top of that list.

I want high quality health care, including mental health care, safe, clean, affordable shelter, universal public pre-school - college or trade school, and a job with a living wage to be rights, not priveleges. I want politicians who will provide that.

Meanwhile, what ARE our homeless supposed to do? There are some shelters, but they are woefully inadequate. Autumn is here, and winter is coming on.

I would like local and state governments to set up tent refugee camps for homeless people; enough for every last person, until there are other options. A tent city doesn't sound great, but it's a start. A tent city providing food, showers, health care, and whatever public assistance is necessary to get people back on their feet. If I'm trying to think of the immediate need, its that and/or vouchers for motel rooms. Perhaps tax credits for those who provide shelter?

I'm thinking of the times I spent as a young person living in my car, and how much a shower, clean clothes, a warm, clean bed, and a secure, uninterrupted night's sleep meant.

I'd also like people who are disabled for any reason to receive enough assistance to live safely and with some dignity.

All of that requires the haves to step up; the have-nots can't make it happen. Perhaps some organized sleeps-ins on the mayors', and the governors,' front porches. With the press along for company.

[bobbolink]

17. We don't need more *shelters* -- We need HOUSING!

You can't live long in a shelter, and it's ugly.

Do you know that the rate of tuberculosis in shelters is growing by leaps and bounds?

We need HOUSING.

[LWolf]

24. Of course, that's true.

Being a teacher, I know what it is like to teach in an overcrowded school, with the enrollment going up and no more room for trailers, while we wait for funding and construction of a new school. By the time it's done, it's already overcrowded, too.

I'm with you on the housing issue; affordable, available housing for those who need it is a must. Until it is found or built, though, people still need shelter. I just don't think we can find or build enough to house everyone before winter. I'd like to get a roof over everyone's head before it gets any colder.

I can think of all kinds of drawbacks to tent cities, motel vouchers, etc.; I just don't know what else can provide IMMEDIATE relief.

We ought to be looking at both long-term and immediate solutions.

[bobbolink]

31. That all sounds very reasonable. The problem is, it's been the thinking for over 20 years now,

and nothing changes.

UNTIL people start focusing on HOUSING instead of shelter, it will only be shelter, shelter and more shelter.

Probably the only IMMEDIATE relief would be another TAKEOVER, as in the film. That would require lots of support from progressives on a huge scale, and they don't want to do that. It isn't important enough.

PLEEEZ, more shelter is NOT the answer!

There's already too much shelter as it is.

BTW, it's not even an immediate answer... I don't know of any shelter that takes people for more than either 2 weeks, or 4 weeks. So, how does that get people "in out of the cold"? It's also only for the night... where do they go during the day?

And, the real NICE one... for singles, like me, it means a bunk in a huge dorm room. Do you know how people are to get any sleep in that kind of situation? Worse yet, do you know how diseases are spread in that situation? Do you know that TB in shelters is now over 14 times the rate of the population at large, and that is the antibiotic resistant form?

Do you see why I keep shouting about this?!

[LWolf]

54. Let's get the housing, then.

Share your ideas about getting that housing, both long term and ASAP.

I'm open to all suggestions!

[NMMNG]

57. Some shelters provide assistance getting benefits and/or housing

(e.g., Transitional Shelters) I worked for such a shelter years ago. They aren't all "warehouses" that simply get people off the streets for a short time.

[bobbolink]

69. I've mentioned National Housing Trust Fund---HR2895. That could be DU'ed.

If DUers put effort into that, much could happen. It just isn't on the list of priorities.

As for local efforts, organizations could pool their resources/efforts, and get apt buildings, etc., that could be then used for Section 8, and managed in a HUMANE way, instead of the powertrips by slumlords.

Churches are the most logical resource to do that. I know you're not enthusiastic about churches, and that's fine=---the time comes to think about how to build community alternatives to that.

[LWolf]

88. HR 2895 should be supported

by any who considers themselves democrats, imo.

[bobbolink]

96. Do you know if your Rep has signed on?

That's what I'm urging people to do.

[LWolf]

97. Greg Walden has not signed on.

I didn't really expect him to; if all the Democrats won't, why would the Republicans? Still, I've communicated to him to express my concerns. I haven't received a response yet, but I'll let you know if I do.

[bobbolink]

99. Thanks for "needling" him, so to speak. ^_^

I haven't looked recently at the co-sponsor list for HR676. So, I don't know how many there are now, and the breakdown between D&R.

I DO know that there are several Rs on HR2895, so that is very encouraging to me.

I do believe we have to try... it only takes a couple of minutes to call (especially if you have the number around and don't have to look it up each time!), so a couple of "wasted" minutes each week or month don't hurt much.

Also, it doesn't hurt to pass this around to those you know locally.

Pester the bejeebers out of him... :rofl:

Thanks for your efforts!

ps.... Also, I went with a group of like-minded people to our Sen. office a couple of years ago, so that we could have a more in-depth discussion of the actual facts. It was Salazar (GAK), so I can't say it helped, but.... it sure gave him notice that he is being watched. ANd, it was only a loss of 1/2 hour.

[bobbolink]

84. There was just a post, #65, I think, which shows what one community did.

It takes people being determined to created solutions, and that usually means groups already in place. However, a group of caring and committed people could do the same.

I replied to that post one of the problems that happens with these places. Lack of input from the poor people themselves leads to the possibility of greed taking over, and bad management.

Thank you for being open to ideas, and I hope that you are able to get others interested in your area! It's much appreciated! :hi: :toast: :hi:

[LWolf]

89. In my area,

if people don't have shelter during the winter, they will die. It's that simple. It's too cold NOW for people to be sleeping in cars, etc..

There are local systems set up, they are just inadequate to the need. Perhaps that's the first step; boosting resources to the systems that are already in place.

[bobbolink]

91. I understand your concern. The problem is, as I said before,

it just gets stuck in "shelter", and never progresses from there.

It's not an answer for what concerns you, anyway... shelters aren't for long term. If it's too cold NOW, then NO SHELTER will keep people throughout the winter. Most are for either 2 weeks or 4 weeks.

So, you can keep adding shelters, and all it really does is make sure people are playing musical shelters, at the most. Nobody can get their life together that way. Plus, shelters are for overnight, ONLY. Where do they go during the day, if it's that cold?

And, the big PLUS.... as I keep saying, shelters are breeding grounds for disease. For singles, especially. They are put in big dorms, where it's noisy all night, so there is a lack of sleep anyway, and germs are spread. The rate of TB in shelters is FOURTEEN times the national rate, and growing rapidly. I already have respiratory issues, and refuse to put myself at risk for TB and emphysema!

These are the things that need to be rationally discussed. People finally get touched by homeless people out in the cold, but then don't go further to understand the *real* issues of "shelter".

There are many people you can't get through to... believe me, I know that from experience. People get very defensive, and just downright ugly about it. So, those people will continue to press for shelter. What I'm asking is for those who are more aware to please, PLEASE put their energy into what will really make the difference--HOUSING! If that is going on right now, and HOUSING is truly begun now, then it will make a huge difference in health and well-being in the near future. If it's not done NOW, then the shelter, shelter, shelter stuff will continue.

That may be really hard to see when, in your area, people are already cold... but, believe me, that is what will finally change things for them!

[knitter4democracy]

10. Same here in Michigan.

The economy's tanked, but the rich don't know it yet. The poor are literally dying, and no one in government cares enough to do anything about it--but the problem's big enough the government is the only one that can take it on.

We need more emergency shelters, yes, but what we really need is more Section 8 and more affordable housing. That's a good start--people shouldn't be living out of cars, for crying out loud.

[bobbolink]

18. thanks for Getting IT about shelters... that's not any kind of answer--it's HOUSING.

My mind boggles when I realize just how little the average progressive understands about shelter.

[hfojvt]

34. we need to get rid of the slumlords too

Most of the affordable housing in this town is owned by landlords and rented by poor people. The richest guy in town makes tons of money off of section 8 housing. I wish there was a way to do it without those middlemen.

If the economy has tanked in Michigan, then they need jobs as much as they need housing. I wonder if we as a society have not lost alot over the years. I feel like I have. I have seven years of university education, but my great-great grandparents knew how to build their own house and grow and process and preserve their own food. Without income to pay a corporation to do these things for me or to buy a 100 year old house, I am unable to take care of myself.


BTW, have you heard of this group?
http://www.liberaloasis.com/2007/09/drinking_liberally_knitting_li_1.php

[bobbolink]

42. Important point! Slumlords must go! It's privatization at it's worst.

Abuse in Section 8 is rampant, and yes, that includes physical abuse.

Of course there's a way... but all of us MUST DEMAND IT! We scream about mercs in the military, but let this situation go without concern.

THere is NO recourse for tenants in Section 8, whether it be abuse, unhealthy environment, or anything else. Tenants are IGNORED.

Why isn't this important for liberals? We have NOBODY championing our cause.

[bobbolink]

43. I have no idea WHY you're referring me to a drinking group.

Are you another one of those who assume that all us homeless people are drunks??????

If so...

:nuke:

[hfojvt]

61. I was referring

knitter4democracy to a knitting group. The link mentioned 'drinking liberally' but also the start of a 'knitting liberally' group. That seemed right up her alley.

[Katherine Brengle]

11. I just can't believe that in 2007, we still haven't figured out that

it is possible to house and feed and clothe and bathe every person in this country, and the world really.

We're still stuck in this caveman mentality of "we're going to run out of _____ if we share it" so we let people go hungry, and we leave them out in the cold, and we take away their kid's subsidized healthcare, and we shut down government programs that would feed them and house them and help them improve their lives.

I have a fantasy of setting up a shelter in my area, but the resources aren't there yet.

Ultimately, all communities should be coming together and saying, fuck this, we're not letting anyone sleep on the sidewalk or in a car tonight. And we're not going to arrest them. We're going to get them a good meal and a warm coat and make sure they have a place to stay - not just for tonight, but for as long as they need it.

[bobbolink]

32. I appreciate your concern, but please... don't put your "resources" into shelter!

We already have waaay too many shelters --- it's HOUSING that is badly needed.

Over 9 million low-income people needing housing, and only 6 million low-income units available.

The simple arithmetic means that people will be homeless, no matter what, unless/until we take it seriously, and DEMAND adequate housing!

Shelter is a mirage, and only makes the providers feel good.

It does NOTHING to solve anything.

Please see my post #31! I don't need TB or more pneumonia from being in a shelter!

[Richard Steele]

14. K&R

[rucky]

16. Well, there's all these foreclosed homes nowadays...

Maybe a state can make a deal with a bank?

gotta dream.

[bobbolink]

19. "TAKEOVER" is a film about just that.

"On May 1st, 1990, homeless people in eight cities around the country seized empty (HUD) federal housing simultaneously. It was the first national coordinated homeless housing takeover ever. Skylight Pictures followed the takeovers with 12 crews in the eight cities (including the Lower East Side), documenting the secret planning, the illegal occupations, and the hopeful aftermath of this bold endeavor. An official selection of the Sundance Film Festival, broadcast on PBS on the P.O.V. series. Released theatrically at The Film Forum (New York City).

“Takeover a stunning, hard-hitting and thought-provoking visual and verbal statement about the homeless and not-so-hapless in America”
- The Hollywood Reporter, April 23, 1991"

[rucky]

20. hello, Netflix!

:thumbsup:

[bobbolink]

22. Did you find it listed? There's a DUer who's been looking for this film!

It should be widely viewed!

Let me know if you find it.

Thanx!

[kineneb]

55. something to do with the forclosed McMansions

5,000 sq. ft., how many families could live in that space. Our house is only 1300 sq.ft. and it seems large to me.

[nosmokes]

21. Folks don't understand that we need FDR's New Deal again.

This country is in dire need. The employemnt figures are cooked, the dollar is in the tank, no one but the very wealthy can afford an education, we have a crisis in healthcare, our infrastructure is crumbling, our social safety net has so many holes in it more fish swim through than get caught, but even a bare whisper of raising taxes sends people into apoplectic fits.We're poisoning ourselves and the planet w/ the food we pay at least three times for,people go for each others throat over who is mor religous or closer to God, while we allow thoise that are the most at risk in our society to fend for themselves.Meanwhile we spend billions of other people's money to destroy and kill halfway across the globe.We need empathy, but how do you teach that?

[bobbolink]

23. That would certainly be a start! Although, there was more housing in the 30's than there is now.

We are over THREE MILLION units short of the number of low-income housing units needed!

Yet, where is the outrage???

[Tsiyu]

25. It's House Bill 2895 Correct?

From what I have read it is a good bill. When i'm not working so many hours (Sunday maybe i hope) I want to read it thoroughly and give a synopsis here.


There are so many homeless people who believe that no one cares. There are so many empty buildings in every town decaying. Nothing could help a homeless person like a place to call home. A decent place, not a shelter but a HOME.

And nothing helps an empty building more than people - families AND singles - to keep buildings from being overrrun by rats and crime or just plain old decay.

People and buildings need each other lol and HR 2895 seems to be a bill that would bring people and homes together.

Sad story for 150 families, though.

Thanks for posting this.

:hug:

[bobbolink]

30. Correct! Thanks for understanding, and looking forward to your synopsis!

I'm so tired of hearing "shelter" I want to scream. Very few even understand what "shelter" is.

We need HOMES!

The only problem I have with this bill, from what I know of it, is the same issue with all government and "faith-based" housing solutions.... they don't take the poor people themselves into account. There is NO built-in feedback system. There is NO accountability to the poor people themselves. The tenants have nowhere to go with complaints. It's all up to the "experts".

So, if there is abuse in the management, or health issues in the building, or repairs that aren't made, well,.... TOUGH. The tenants have NO WHERE TO GO FOR ACCOUNTABILITY.

It's a whole other issue, and one I'm so tired of trying to get people to understand.

[antigop]

26. HR 2895 has 88 co-sponsors...let's move this thing and get it passed.

H.R.2895
Title: To establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States to provide for the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income families.
Sponsor: Rep Frank, Barney (introduced 6/28/2007) Cosponsors (88)
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2007 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. COSPONSORS(88), ALPHABETICAL : (Sort: by date)


Rep Abercrombie, Neil - 7/18/2007
Rep Allen, Thomas H. - 8/2/2007
Rep Baldwin, Tammy - 7/27/2007
Rep Barrow, John - 7/27/2007
Rep Blumenauer, Earl - 7/18/2007
Rep Capps, Lois - 9/4/2007
Rep Capuano, Michael E. - 9/4/2007
Rep Carson, Julia - 9/4/2007
Rep Castor, Kathy - 7/27/2007
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. - 9/4/2007
Rep Clay, Wm. Lacy - 6/28/2007
Rep Cleaver, Emanuel - 7/19/2007
Rep Cohen, Steve - 9/4/2007
Rep Courtney, Joe - 9/4/2007
Rep Crowley, Joseph - 9/4/2007
Rep Davis, Danny K. - 9/10/2007
Rep Davis, Lincoln - 9/20/2007
Rep Davis, Susan A. - 9/4/2007
Rep Delahunt, William D. - 9/4/2007
Rep Dent, Charles W. - 6/28/2007
Rep Ellison, Keith - 7/19/2007
Rep Emanuel, Rahm - 7/18/2007
Rep Emerson, Jo Ann - 7/27/2007
Rep English, Phil - 6/28/2007
Rep Farr, Sam - 7/18/2007
Rep Gilchrest, Wayne T. - 7/27/2007
Rep Green, Al - 6/28/2007
Rep Grijalva, Raul M. - 8/2/2007
Rep Gutierrez, Luis V. - 9/20/2007
Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. - 7/18/2007
Rep Hinojosa, Ruben - 6/28/2007
Rep Honda, Michael M. - 9/4/2007
Rep Israel, Steve - 9/4/2007
Rep Jackson, Jesse L., Jr. - 7/27/2007
Rep Johnson, Eddie Bernice - 7/18/2007
Rep Jones, Stephanie Tubbs - 9/4/2007
Rep Kaptur, Marcy - 9/4/2007
Rep Kennedy, Patrick J. - 9/20/2007
Rep Kildee, Dale E. - 7/18/2007
Rep Kind, Ron - 9/10/2007
Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. - 9/4/2007
Rep Larson, John B. - 7/18/2007
Rep Lee, Barbara - 6/28/2007
Rep Lewis, John - 9/20/2007
Rep Lofgren, Zoe - 9/4/2007
Rep Lynch, Stephen F. - 6/28/2007
Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. - 9/4/2007
Rep Matheson, Jim - 9/10/2007
Rep McCarthy, Carolyn - 9/4/2007
Rep McCollum, Betty - 7/18/2007
Rep McDermott, Jim - 9/10/2007
Rep McGovern, James P. - 9/4/2007
Rep McHugh, John M. - 6/28/2007
Rep Michaud, Michael H. - 7/18/2007
Rep Miller, Gary G. - 6/28/2007
Rep Miller, George - 9/4/2007
Rep Moore, Gwen - 8/2/2007
Rep Murphy, Christopher S. - 6/28/2007
Rep Nadler, Jerrold - 9/4/2007
Rep Neal, Richard E. - 9/20/2007
Rep Oberstar, James L. - 9/20/2007
Rep Pallone, Frank, Jr. - 9/20/2007
Rep Pastor, Ed - 9/4/2007
Rep Payne, Donald M. - 7/11/2007
Rep Ramstad, Jim - 6/28/2007
Rep Rangel, Charles B. - 9/10/2007
Rep Renzi, Rick - 6/28/2007
Rep Rush, Bobby L. - 9/4/2007
Rep Ryan, Tim - 9/4/2007
Rep Sanchez, Loretta - 9/20/2007
Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. - 9/10/2007
Rep Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" - 9/4/2007
Rep Shays, Christopher - 6/28/2007
Rep Sherman, Brad - 9/4/2007
Rep Sires, Albio - 9/20/2007
Rep Smith, Christopher H. - 6/28/2007
Rep Stark, Fortney Pete - 9/20/2007
Rep Upton, Fred - 9/20/2007
Rep Van Hollen, Chris - 9/20/2007
Rep Velazquez, Nydia M. - 6/28/2007
Rep Walsh, James T. - 7/18/2007
Rep Walz, Timothy J. - 9/20/2007
Rep Waters, Maxine - 6/28/2007
Rep Watson, Diane E. - 9/4/2007
Rep Watt, Melvin L. - 9/4/2007
Rep Waxman, Henry A. - 9/10/2007
Rep Welch, Peter - 7/18/2007
Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. - 9/10/2007

[antigop]

27. We need a companion Senate bill......n/t

[bobbolink]

29. YES! If ALL DUers would work on their own Reps, we could do this!

This is as important as all other issues, and deserves the same effort.

Everyone needs and deserves clean, safe, decent HOUSING!

NOT shelter--HOUSING.

Thanks, antigop! I really appreciate it, and hope you will keep this in front of folks!

[nam78_two]

35. Thanks for this,nt

[uppityperson]

33. Decent safe Sect 8 Housing and childcare. These are both very much needed.

Safe decent place to live. Good safe child care so I could work without fear. I wish these had been available as it would have made things much nicer, easier, and given us more of a chance.

[nam78_two]

36. 150 families turned away

:( And as you pointed out that doesn't even account for single people. Sorry I saw this too late to recommend it Bobby.

We really need to make this a priority with our reps.

[bobbolink]

38. YES! If DUers would take this seriously, we could get HR2895 passed!

"We really need to make this a priority with our reps."

How can we even make it a priority at DU????

I've tried and tried to get people to understand that "shelter" isn't the answer, but it doesn't seem to get through.

[nam78_two]

39. "How can we even make it a priority at DU????"

That will definitely be hard. It might almost be harder than IRL, not just with this but any issue. Online, the noise levels are sometime too high.

But, I do think that if enough people get involved at the local level, that might be a start. I feel bad about not using the state and couty forums more. That is where we can start something at the local level.

[bobbolink]

40. The state forums get zilch replies, except for get-togethers, mostly.

Poverty just plain isn't an issue with "liberals", as you may have noticed from some of the nasty replies I get.

Not to mention the rapidity with which poverty threads sink.

Part of that is because people can't say just how dire it is.

Part of it is because people are ignorant, and believe there are lots of resources, and don't want to hear differently.

Part of it is because it's just not as popular and sexy as wwwaaarrrrr.

And part of it is because people like me are a dime a dozen and easily dismissed.

[NMMNG]

47. With all due respect

Poverty just plain isn't an issue with "liberals", as you may have noticed from some of the nasty replies I get.

Perhaps what you give out is part of the problem.

Many people make concerned, polite replies to your posts only to get nasty, rude, downright yelling responses from you. This is evident many times in this very thread.

You also have a huge habit of complaining about whatever people do for you and/or other poor people. H4H only builds houses for families. Some group gave out free bottled water to poor people but didn't give them free access to bathrooms for the inevitable results. Shelters only help some of the people but not all of them. Not enough DUers respond to threads about poverty and homelessness. The DUers who do respond don't do it the right way. What exactly do you want--everything?

If you want people to listen to you and hear your concerns you can't scream at them and treat them like dirt. You can't stomp on their attempts to respond to your concerns. Otherwise they're going to give up and ignore you--which is what you're complaining everyone does.

[bobbolink]

48. You love to follow me around and dump... good thing you found someone to dump on, eh?

It doesn't take much to look aand see that MOST THREADS ON POVERTY, regardless of WHO posts it, drops like an anchor.

Many have commented on that, including others who are poor and hurting.

But, use me as your punching bag. It must feel good.

[NMMNG]

49. There you go again

Prove my point if you choose. :shrug:

[bobbolink]

50. As you have mine.

Because you didn't like something I said in a totallly unrelated thread months ago.

:crazy:

Create war where it doesn't exist.... :silly:

[NMMNG]

51. This has nothing to do with anything else

Other than what I posted here. Deal with it.

[bobbolink]

52. Why do you keep at it?

It's very clear you have a personal issue with me.

So, YOU deal with it.

Following people around from thread to thread, hammering on them is against the rules.

DEAL with it.

As I said, poverty threads on DU, by other posters, sink. You refuse to reply to that.

DEAL WITH IT.

[NMMNG]

53. I've replied to other poster's threads

So what are you saying? I can't reply to your threads any more? Does that mean you can't reply to any gay peoples' threads any more because you have an issue with them? Geesh. :eyes:

[bobbolink]

70. BWAHAHAHA! *AFTER* you came after me. Nice cover up.

:rofl:

Ah, yes, FINALLY you get to your gripe with me. FINALLY.

You decided that I "have an issue" with gay people, so you're going to stalk me.

That's in your own mind, dearie, and the idiocy of it all is showing.

[NMMNG]

73. No

It's as I stated before.

You're consistently rude.

You belittle and yell at people who post kind replies to you.

You whine incessantly about how nobody ever does anything for you, and/or about how what people do for you simply isn't good enough.

Then you wonder why people don't want to reply to your threads. :shrug:






You're the one who is trying to say I can't post in your threads any more so I simply said that if I can't do so (since you claim I have a problem with you) then you must agree that you can't post in our threads since you obviously have a problem with us.

[bobbolink]

76. There aren't ANY civil rights groups who "whine" and want "everything"

and angrily demand their rights.

:crazy:

YOU certainly want to reply.

:rofl:

"You're the one who is trying to say I can't post in your threads any more so I simply said that if I can't do so (since you claim I have a problem with you) then you must agree that you can't post in our threads since you obviously have a problem with us. "

That's about the most twisted logic I've seen in a very long time.

I guess you have so many "friends" in your threads, that you can afford to make enemies.

Have at it.

Just remember that when you whine about not getting the votes and support you want. :hi:

[NMMNG]

79. Let me try this

Blah blah blah. :crazy: Yammer yammer yammer. :rofl: Nonsensical ranting IN ALL CAPS. :silly:



Yeah. That certainly seems to get my point across in a civilized way.




:sarcasm:

[bobbolink]

87. Yup, the true nature comes out. Thanks for showing yourself.

You STILL don't know any civil rights groups who "whine", are "angry", and "demand everything"?

Really?

None of that is familiar to you?

Ever?

In history, or currently?

Can't think of a one?

[NMMNG]

90. I was imitating your posting style

You are quite boorish. Perhaps if you developed some manners people might respond to you differently.

[bobbolink]

92. As we all know, style is ever so much more important on DU rather than content

and hurting people.

And, it shows so much sophistication to go around attacking and rounding up other people to spread your hatred to. Yup, real "manners" there. Polite, too.

Because, it's all too evident that you can't think of ONE SINGLE CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP that has ever, even once, "whined", been "angry", or "demanded everything".

You can look in all directions, and never, ever find one group who has ever done that.

Amazing.

[NMMNG]

95. If you consider the Fundies a "civil rights group"

Which I'm sure they probably would, then I'd say yes. Otherwise the answer to your question is no.

Of course I know the game you're playing and I'm not taking the bait.

[Odin2005]

41. It is a moral outrage that homeless exists in any developed country

Developed countries like the US are rich enough that there should be no homeless people if we were a truly just society.

[bobbolink]

44. the outrage is that there is very little concern.

How much concern do you see on DU about this?

How much effort do you see going to DOING anything about it?

How many lists of "priorities" posted on DU do you see that include poverty at all?

[Odin2005]

45. I agree. There are too many rants about trivial issues by upper-middle class whiners...

...that don't understand that the poor are more worried about putting food on the table then caring about the latest nutty conspiracy theory or a rant by an ideological purist attacking Obama over some minor social issue.

[juajen]

58. What table?

Most homeless rarely see a table. They need places to bathe, and a safe place to lay their head, and, of course, a bite to eat. In this country this would not be a problem if it weren't for very selfish people.

In most cities, large and small, are city owned public buildings that are empty. In my city we have empty schools. They have bathrooms, some have showers, kitchens, etc. Most class rooms are larger than a NYC walkup, or efficiency apt. THE PROBLEM is liability insurance and the sue, sue mentality of people everywhere; but, especially when they are down and out, as many are. So, public buildings appear to be out because of this very real problem.

I believe villages with small houses, say Katrina houses, are the solution. We have so many very rich people in this country. Why won't they donate to build villages for the homeless so they can begin again, instead of just existing until they can afford cigarettes, food, etc., and, yes, a beer sometimes. They might be homeless, but they are still human.

My heart is heavy. I'm too close to NOLA. Being homeless is a heartless and helpless situation; I know, I've been there. It was just for a short time, because, luckily, I had resources that most homeless people do not have. Have a heart people. Even tent cities, as in St. Pete, FL, were destroyed by the police. Homeless people loved those tents that got ripped apart. They had a life helping each other. A lot worked day labor and other jobs while the ones who did not work guarded the tent homes of their fellow homeless. This is a sad day for homeless in this country. Not enough caring or doing.

[bobbolink]

71. "Not enough caring or doing."

So true! And, waaaay to much ignorance.

For instance, I'm truly amazed at the lack of real understanding about what "shelter" is. Until people get past this idea that the answer is more and more and more "shelters", nothing will happen.

You know, if people only realized that it's not an "US AND THEM" issue.... this could be anyone they know... it could be the future of their son and/or daughter, and surely they would want strangers to care and do for them!

People have this false sense of security---they alone are responsible for their good fortune, so when someone else falls through the cracks, they decide it's that person's "fault", so they then feel safe that it will never happen to them, or anyone important to them.

[swimboy]

67. So

homelessness in America would be okay if DU showed a more appropriate level of concern?

You are clouding your message.

[Greyhound]

56. Oh the irony. On this day we have another thread about the battle in congress

over an understated military budget of 2/3 of a TRILLION DOLLARS!

Do you realize that less than 1% of this obscenity could eliminate homelessness in America?

Do you realize that less than 10% of this obscenity could provide health care, reproductive health care, food, shelter, and education for the world?

Do you realize if we spent this, we would never have to worry about any attack, terrorist or otherwise, against us ever again?

What the hell is wrong with us?




ETA: :kick: & R

[debbierlus]

60. Fun Fact: Mitt 'the Ken Doll' Romney cut funding for emergency homeless shelters in MA

Right before Christmas day....

Fucker.

[Greyhound]

62. Saturday night kick n/t

[Midlodemocrat]

63. What exactly is your point here?

You constantly rail at DUers because you are under the assumption, deluded assumption, that no DUers care about the poor, the homeless or poverty in general.

What do you want anonymous posters on the internet to do? You have NO IDEA what DUers do offline to help the poor or the disadvantaged, yet you seem to be almost obsessed with the notion that all of us have turned our backs on the poor.

What are YOU doing to end poverty in this country? Posting about it on the 'net? Yelling at DUers? Railing against H4H because their mission is to get as many people into affordable housing per home built and as a single woman you don't qualify?

What are YOU doing to better your situation besides yelling at us?

I think I can speak for all of DU in saying that there isn't a person here who isn't concerned about poverty in this country, so why do continue to berate us as though we don't care?

These tirades of yours are getting tiresome. What exactly do you want people to do for you? Give you a home to live in? Give you a car? Give you money? What exactly do you want people to do?

[Greyhound]

93. I'd say that your proclamations of somebody else's mental state is

no different that what you are whining about.

The indifference to the suffering of others is self evident, and if you read Bobolink's posts you would know what she is doing.

But you do make her point pretty well.
:kick:

[Midlodemocrat]

98. That makes zero sense.

I said her assumption was deluded, not her. And having been lectured by her for months now on how this website and its participants don't care about the poor, it is getting old. Very old.

Every single person who offers a suggestion to her is shot down. Nastily.

There isn't a person on this site, except for the trolls, who doesn't care about the situation of the poor in this country. DUers are extremely generous, and it gets old being told over and over that we don't care. It borders on disruptive.

[PDenton]

64. Keep speaking truth to power

This country has decided to throw alot of people under the bus in the name of economics and fiscal responsibility.

Gandhi said a nation is judged by how it treats its weakest. So therefore I judge America to be poor. I have never been to any other developed country, nor heard of any developed country, with so many homeless people. Homelessness is caused by hopelessness, not drugs, not alcohol.

[bobbolink]

80. Thank you! As you can see, some resent that, and consider it "whining"

But, that has been the charge against all groups seeking justice, so .... it just goes with the territory.

"Homelessness is caused by hopelessness, not drugs, not alcohol."

Very good statement!

In my case, it was caused by abuse, which is common with women.

In the case of another older woman I know, it was caused by being hit by a drunk driver, which left her brain injured.

In yet another case of an older woman, it was caused by getting very ill, losing her job because she was too ill to work, then losing everything because of medical costs. How many people can be assured that won't ever happen to them?????

Yes, Gandhi was right... and so are you. America is poor.

Thank you!

[mentalsolstice]

65. Some non-profits are trying to do something about it

http://www.ywcabham.org/News/newsdetails.asp?HeadlineID=3083 ...however, like with everything else money and priorities are spread thin.

[bobbolink]

83. Thank you for posting that. This is what ALL communities need to be doing.

It can be done, when people demand it!

Just a note.... it's in Jefferson County, another state from where I was. The low-income senior housing where I was was run in a very abusive manner, and refused to comply with the orders from the health department to repair a leaking smokestack which caused pollution that made people in the building sick. There was no recourse for the tenants.

It's good when communities come together and take care of their own. However, there also needs to be oversight to make sure that it is run in the best interest of the tenants.

[Puglover]

66. What do YOU do?

All I see from my end is your constant screeds about what others should do for you. What do you do? Better yet what is your solution to your problem? Do you just want housing given to you? What? I really would love some answers here.

[ebayfool]

82. . n/t

[Vilis Veritas]

94. I bet some of this money would help...?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1885225&mesg_id=1885225

No Fear.