Going from employed to homeless can happen pretty quick--to most professions. For some reason, I know too many homeless people who were former Programmers?
The stories are varied. One guy was screwed out of his contribution to Word Star--I think? Another fell behind on his programming skills. The two are trying to make the best of it, but will never be employable again. I have seen them get jobs, but are fired after the first day. It seems like after you have been homeless for a period of time, a suit from Goodwill and good intentions are not enough?
People see these guys and ask the rude questions, like "Hay, I hear Google is a great place to work!". They are well meaning, but don't have a clue to what a winter homeless can do to a person.
The guys on the streets say around the one year mark of being homeless, your personality changes. The stress of being homeless takes its toll. Being harassed by Cops, daily, plays on your mind. Not having a safe, secure, legal spot to make camp becomes very stressful. They all can't find a place to use the restroom. If they happen to find a outhouse, you would think they found gold.
The homeless guys, I know, just want a place to sleep that isn't illegial, and a outhouse. They don't want much.
I think what too many people, in charge, don't realize is once you go homeless, it practically impossible to be that rent paying, employee again?
People/Politicians mouth the words of help, but it's just words. Politicians just want to rid their town of the homeless. I guess it's denial?
Actually I started working at Google (Los Angeles) almost a year ago, and our office in Venice is full with homeless, but I haven't approached anyone yet. I'll be there all the time, and I feel that awkward situations might arise.
I don't know how to help them really. There are tons of organizations supposedly dealing and helping, but I don't know what really goes on.
(I've been "homeless" by my choice early in my student years, but it was more of a "beta" test done for fun and "education" - I was no longer eligible for the dormitory, back in Bulgaria - that would be one of the 40-50 high-rise buildings, and I slept in the "library" room for about a year, but lots of friends lived in the same building and I've used bathroom, even good bed, etc.). It was easy, as I was careless, hadn't been in the army (which made me a bit better in that respect), and lied to my family about my situation (they were still sending money). So clearly not really homeless, and on my own, but was able to touch little of the issues these people might hit, though very little.
Most of them are decidedly harmless. I don't exactly have extended conversations with them, but I treat them like I'd treat any neighbor - say hi, give a nod when seeing them, and if they're interested in chatting, chat a bit.
The stories are varied. One guy was screwed out of his contribution to Word Star--I think? Another fell behind on his programming skills. The two are trying to make the best of it, but will never be employable again. I have seen them get jobs, but are fired after the first day. It seems like after you have been homeless for a period of time, a suit from Goodwill and good intentions are not enough?
People see these guys and ask the rude questions, like "Hay, I hear Google is a great place to work!". They are well meaning, but don't have a clue to what a winter homeless can do to a person.
The guys on the streets say around the one year mark of being homeless, your personality changes. The stress of being homeless takes its toll. Being harassed by Cops, daily, plays on your mind. Not having a safe, secure, legal spot to make camp becomes very stressful. They all can't find a place to use the restroom. If they happen to find a outhouse, you would think they found gold.
The homeless guys, I know, just want a place to sleep that isn't illegial, and a outhouse. They don't want much.
I think what too many people, in charge, don't realize is once you go homeless, it practically impossible to be that rent paying, employee again?
People/Politicians mouth the words of help, but it's just words. Politicians just want to rid their town of the homeless. I guess it's denial?