Why The U.S. Can’t Solve Homelessness

[@filip36365]

I remember one time when i worked construction i was waiting on a ride in downtown. I was covered in mud and dirt and probably looked homeless. As i was waiting my phone died so i tried to approach people merely to ask the time. As soon as most people made eye contact with me or saw me approach they immediately looked away or crossed the street or immediately said i have no money before i could even say excuse me. The only person that came up was a homeless man who asked me if i needed help. I will never forget that moment and it truly opened my eyes to how some people ignore those that seems homeless or in a bad place.

[@jebastin1501]

That Homeless man has great humanity in that area.

[@charaznable9209]

Oh but if you was a homeless woman you would have them lined up wanting to give you stuff. There is an older homeless woman in my town, the kind you can tell is only homeless because of bad decisions. Every day she has more expensive clothes and stuff piled on her cart that people give her. People just don't care about us men. Plenty of shelters for women but none for men.

[@JimmeShelter]

He was scoping you to see if he could get your shoes and calves.

[@drfb7012]

Most people are good hearted. Its just that they are tired of the same thing happening time after time. Many of them have helped homeless people in the past but are probably struggling themselves. You probably have done similar in the past to homeless people. The true problem of homelessness is the high cost of housing. The govt needs to tackle that

[@ballpuncher0000]

@@charaznable9209 that might be the case sometimes but is absolutely NOT a widespread problem. homelessness can affect anyone.

[@crash_test_dummy_1]

The rising prices of housing are insane! There are also the hidden homeless that are either living in their car or couch surfing simply because the rent went up too much.

[@Anthony_Aú.GreenParty]

Gen Z has turned living in their cars into a way of life. I'm amazed at the videos posted by young people.

[@Worldofourown2024]

Oh gosh yes, lots of people are living in cars, trucks, vans, and such. Lots of others are hiding in bushes and where ever they can out of sight in the evenings. Then we have people just walking city streets with big backpacks screaming all night only aimlessly walking the streets. I was talking with a janitor at a VA hospital just last month about homelessness and he's been living in his van for several years while working for even with the HUD-VASH housing program for disabled vets, one has to have good rental and credit history to use it in order to qualify with a corporate apartment. Those veterans you see all over holding cardboard signs are mostly legit and there isn't any emergency housing and shelters are full, full of mostly lunatic exconvicts having anger issues. I hate my country, but it's the only one I have and we don't have another country. Our ancestors left other countries to get out of high housing markets, high crime rate areas, war zones, and Feudalism yet America is checking off all those boxes in the 21st century set up to repeat the old world's mistakes minus antisemitism for that's clearly not allowed.

[@backtoasimplelife]

Yes, some are going to have to house hack, such as renting a house with a group of people and splitting the rent, renting a room, or living in a mobile home or tiny house. I remember the housing crash of 2008...people lost their homes and were living in their RVs.

[@samanthab1923]

@@Anthony_Aú.GreenParty Right? Insane.

[@msdadsfsx]

Please increase ur earnings rather than commenting on KZbin

[@Aviciifi]

In the words of my favorite comedian, "But did you ever notice that we have no war on homelessness? You know why? Because there's no money in that problem. No money to be made off of the homeless. If you can find a solution to homelessness where the corporations and politicians can make a few million dollars each, you will see the streets of America begin to clear up pretty quick!" -George Carlin

[@nathanielwatkins7584]

Not true. There’s money in not solving the homeless crisis because if you solve it then the governments no longer giving block grant to city and County’s So long as the problem is not solved money continues to pour into finding solutions.

[@Aviciifi]

@@nathanielwatkins7584 Yea but Carlin was talking about money being involved in fixing the problem, not "not solving" the problem

[@亲爱的爸爸]

slave trade can make homeless people become slave, which is free labor. this will let bourgeoisie make money, a lot profit

[@masterspin7796]

Adam Corolla...A+

[@huyget]

How about made them join the military ?

[@cherylolmstead2594]

It's not that they can't, it's they don't want to solve the issue

[@zlpatriot11]

Exactly

[@JustXB2]

Exactly

[@ChildrensRightsFirst947]

Yep! It gives me some hope that so many people are catching on. Capitalism pushes up the worst people who want power just for power. And those types tend to be very abusive and exploitative by nature.

[@vinvin8971]

There are too many illegal immigrants from Mexico...thats y the problems is still tangling...

[@timothybrown6988]

Exactly, we're too busy creating technology so that people will become more expendable.

[@agustinjr.enriquez6238]

“They Have Money For War But Can't Feed The Poor” - Tupac

[@jnolette1030]

The poor have plenty of food. Nobody starves. It's drugs there's also plenty of. And they're getting too much of that too

[@erth2man]

Who is "they"? Taxpayers? big government? "They" don't have money for war either. Government doesn't take in enough revenue to keep up with standard entitlements like social security, medicaid, medicare, etc. Stupid catch phrases like your Tupac quote are incorrect, ignorant and certainly not helping anyone.

[@erth2man]

@thulomanchay You and I don't know the answer to that question as it depends on what idiot political party happens to be in power. My point is that big government constantly spends more than it could possibly take in from taxpayer revenue. It wouldn't matter if they spend a Trillion more dollars on HUD, we would only end up with more "homeless" people then before they started. Overtaxing and overspending is driving up the cost of everything and that's a driving force that is causing even more people out of their homes.

[@jennyandrews1671]

That's a point

[@replica1052]

build center columns with an elevator, all the plumbing and wiring - everyone gets a 360 apartment

[@nygeek6471]

So the worse homelessness gets, the more you pay the same people to fix the problem and shocked face when it doesn’t get better. Yeah that makes sense. It’s all a business.

[@whazzat8015]

It's not All anything. it is a complex layered system

[@jackmorgan8931]

@@whazzat8015 I agree that it is indeed "...a complex layered system." And I have a question: When, exactly (!), did "homelessness" become a problem in this country?

[@jeffmason2691]

@@jackmorgan8931 When it started impacted whites. This is a hard truth.

[@Kiba69420]

There is no paying to fix the problem, in any sort. You have to get them to want to help themselves. Then you can provide them with things they need. They have to first be willing to be helped, not just take handouts.

[@victorhopper6774]

@@jeffmason2691 so 1776 was the year.

[@willyh.r.1216]

"America can solve homelessness, but deliberately choose not to do it. Likewise, America can improve the US education system, but deliberately choose not to do it. Etc." ... Noam Chomsky.

[@FocconMc]

Yeah, let's keep printing money and create more inflation, affecting more poor people than ever. You democrat voters are dumb as they come.

[@hautwater]

@@FocconMc no need to increase governement spending, redistribution of government spending can tackle many problems that are painfully mismanaged.

[@penguinpingu3807]

@@FocconMc why not we just take half of the US military budget away and use that to solve the problems.

[@manonamission3244]

Legalize drugs, let people pick their poison. Then they could get a job and/or stay with friends/family. But as long as it’s illegal, the street is the only option

[@bobs182]

@@FocconMc The US has $85,000 per person to keep people in prison but has no money for homelessness. One fourth of all prisoners in the world are in a US prison. We have more people in prison that China who has four times the population. Our prison population has increased 500% since 1970 while the crime rate and drug usage rate hasn't gone down one bit. This is right wing madness.

[@Donotevengotherewithme]

The horrible reality is that we all are 1 job, 1 divorce, 1 mental health illness, 1 loved one's death, 1 major health condition away from being homeless. It can happen to anyone at anytime. We need to have more compassion and stop with the mindset that all homeless people are drug addicts, etc. More and more people, families are being outpriced out of their homes.

[@cherylolmstead2594]

So true but here's the main problem, no one cares about other people anymore. While there may be a small percentage who actually give a damn, they don't have the power to solve the issue but the majority of people, including the government just doesn't care at all and that is why this country will never be great again. What made this country great is the fact that people actually used to care about and for one another, now not so much.

[@firelordeliteast6750]

...What do we do with the actual drug addicts though?

[@dnycebushton5008]

You forgot drug habit

[@jordanjohnson9866]

Nah. Not all. Not “all.” /

[@gc9488]

No, we are not. Dont do drugs kids

[@Lostmarbles42]

I sleep in my car because I can't afford rent but I work full-time as a security guard I know the stigmatism of homelessness and I wouldn't want anyone else to experience it

[@meelamanhattan6271]

It’s not being talked about enough a lot of people who end up homeless were full time employees , sometimes people say why don’t they get a job, they probably have a job that doesn’t pay enough to live somewhere

[@Lostmarbles42]

@@meelamanhattan6271 your entirely right about that and everyone circumstances are different and what people don't understand once you hit rock bottom you start to the appreciate the little things in life that everyone today take for granted

[@cynthiagraff8373]

Why don't you move to an affordable state?

[@elenaarman-tang7811]

Are there any income based apartments that you can apply for where you live? Maybe you qualify for food stamps. I wish you well!

[@hunnybadger442]

@@cynthiagraff8373 there isn't one... Last study I ran across no one work full time on minimum wage can afford a one bedroom anywhere in the union... Even if you are paid over minimum its very difficult...

[@bgrim2008]

Outrageous rent prices! People are losing hope. Most of the younger generations will never be able to afford their own home and to raise a family.

[@randyivan7151]

Sky-high rentals are in my opinion close to 50% of the homelessness problem. The other 50% is a combination of drug use, joblessness, felonies, ect ect.

[@stevehady915]

Plenty of homes in big cities like Detroit that can be bought for a pittance.

[@user-wickedflower]

Nothing surer than they will still be having kids, the less money, the more kids

[@waterheaterservices]

We need to let in millions more people, that will lower the demand on housing, prices will come down. Support The Party!

[@jcout25]

I make 80 grand a year and when I talked to a mortgage broker last week I was nearly laughed off the phone saying I'll never be able to afford even the shittiest fixer upper house in the worst most dangerous part of town. I can barely afford my rent. I don't know what to do lol.

[@angelxtasy]

If this keeps going, ill probably be out there too. Choosing between a home, gas in the car, or buying food. Everything is so expensive these days. Pray for us all. 🙁

[@shaedeiproduction]

Everyone is always one paycheck away from being on the streets just food for thought shouldn't be so quick to judge a book by its cover two people you don't know a person's story until you ask them I've been homeless since 2008 disabled I've been fighting to get SSDI since 2015 so I've been out here on the streets longer than I need to because I'm fighting for something but hey let's give a heroin addict and a meth addict social security and then m************ probably never work the damn day in their life I used to work 116 hours a week people I do anything to go back to work in those hours

[@terenzohugel2293]

you mentioned one thing that for me is part of the problem: "gas in the car" I grew up in Europe. I didn't need a car and where I now live I still don't need it. I have one but that's a luxury. In many European cities you have the public transport infrastructure to live in the suburbs or even in a different city and come over to work. In most US cities you must either live super close to where you work which is often impossible and if it is possible it is super expensive or you need a car. There is more to it than just missing public transport, the city planning etc., where I went to university I could do EVERYTHING by bike, impossible in most US cities. Cars are expensive, not only in gas, but in maintenance etc. (and not ideal for the environment either but that's another discussion) and US is build upon "you MUST have a car". Most of my friends don't have one and don't need it.

[@Anthony_Aú.GreenParty]

@@terenzohugel2293 - Half of Americans associate public transit with communism. It's a difficult path here.

[@johnathin0061892]

@@terenzohugel2293 Plenty of Americas live in rural areas that have no public transportation and never will have it. A car is not some kind of "luxury" for many Americans,. Many lower middle class and working poor depend on owning a car to survive, especially in depressed rural areas like those in Appalachia. A major expense for maintenance is the excessive emission mandates in area where it is not environmentally necessary (upstate NY is now subject to the same standards as new cars in LA.) Poor government policy raises the cost of gas. Both really hurt the poor with no option but to own a car to survive.

[@markfinley4722]

Look and see and talk about our problems and that is all that we do! Nothing is going to change until we do something about and if we wait much longer then we are doomed! Our government is so corrupt yet they say that they know what is best for us! They have most people brainwashed and a lot of them are the homeless people. God help us I pray!

[@lawrenceornelas7188]

I've been homeless and a heroin addict. I've also had a roof over my head. I was raised in a foster home since the age of 4 and called mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup food because my birth mother would rather be at the bar than spend the money we helped her earn buying food to feed us. I learned very young how to take care of my habits with a roof over my head. What I also learned is not to share my drugs or alcohol with others because it means less for me. I quit using drugs years ago because I found there are things I want like my own clothes, and a safe place to sleep. I quit drinking three years ago and still have the nearly full half gallon I bought the day I quit.

[@leavemealone7108]

I'm glad you got through that I hope you continue to get better 🙏💙

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Street Fighter PS4 Face

[@arminiusofgermania]

Bravo! 👏👏👏🍾🍾

[@WeShootBack1776]

Question who made you use drugs?

[@jiezhao8779]

u ever lived in hell but now standing under sunshine.

[@coupleofbeers31]

The problem is rent. It's just too high for what people are earning. Here in Phoenix the rent in many cases has doubled over the past 2 years. An apartment that was once 800 is now 1600. Ridiculous.

[@crixuscrixus-uy5sc]

In My country there is this problem too, people want more money for rent. I heard that gouverment can make taxes for keeping empty houses. It should make prices lower.

[@M123Xoxo]

No, the problem is drugs and untreated mental illness.

[@nicoyablackmon7004]

I agree. Definitely the rent. That drug and mentality BS is a pathetic stereotype that is old and tired. Not everybody has the same opportunities, no matter how hard they work. There's plenty of homeless that are drug free and mental illness free. Just greediness.

[@McRemmyBaby]

Lmaoaoaoao

[@BonelishOfficial]

@@M123Xoxo 30% of homeless have psychotic mental health conditions, and 50% have severe addiction issues. Only 20% of current homeless can be rehabilitated to the point where they can obtain permanent employment and attain financial self-sufficiency. Only a fraction of those 20% will acquire the education or training to earn enough to live in our most expensive US cities.

[@ijchua]

It should be said that in Singapore, no one is truly homeless / shelterless. It is, in fact, illegal to sleep on the streets. That's why you can hardly find anyone on the streets in Singapore. The government makes a concerted effort to ensure everyone is housed / sheltered through numerous schemes and subsidies. This is despite Singapore having one of the most costly real estate in the world. Why? Because it's simply the right thing to do. The benefits are tremendous, as mentioned in the video. It also makes the country so safe that a young woman can walk alone at 2am without any fear. America can fix its homeless crisis if she really wanted to. It all starts with putting basic human needs and rights first.

[@theparadisecompany629]

I’ve heard about this. Something like 99% homeownership in Singapore

[@Brix212]

Even if it’s not viewed as a moral obligation/human right, there are other arguments for housing everyone - beautification of cities, public safety, sanitation, and rise in property values. I think the moral argument doesn’t really work in our country.

[@jeretso]

Singapore is tiny. I do support their ban on chewing gum. Try banning chewing gum in a US city haha. Keep Dreaming :)

[@maxverdi4007]

You also can’t find drugs in Singapore. Being homeless is shamed in that culture and most other Asian cultures, that’s why you don’t find many homelessness in Asia. We should do the same and not protect bad choices with zero consequences.

[@martinwenzel3578]

Go on a desert island and complain about your “right” to housing. See how far that get you. You have a right to be not interfered with. You do not have a right to the products or services of hard working folks unless they agree to a trade of some sort.

[@WonderWoman-fn1rr]

50% or more of people's salary goes to their rent/mortgage. This is absurd

[@berniecruz8405]

YEP, it is! and it's all because of greed! Or as Republicans like to say, capitalism!

[@tira2145]

It's a personal decision to be homeless 99 percent of the time.

[@Charlie-zj3hw]

@@berniecruz8405 Actually it started with Bill Clinton the democrats ditched the average person for corporate interests.. Dude the republicans and democrats are the same ALL for corporation rule .. Kills me how you think Bernie .. BOTH sides sold us all down the river

[@Charlie-zj3hw]

@@berniecruz8405 Socialism will just create a dictator class and will be even worse

[@PassportGaming]

@@berniecruz8405 Capitalism goes where there is demand to decrease the cost for consumers. Regulations are what are preventing it from increasing supply to decrease costs. Everything in life is supply and demand

[@onceagain6184]

1 of the biggest problems to homelessness is non profits. Instead of giving money directly to the homeless ( those that are mentally sound) the money is given to so-called nonprofits which spend very little of that money on providing services.

[@mochiebellina8190]

Bingo Jack.

[@jerryspann8713]

I've said this time and time again but nobody seems to give a damn. They just keep giving money to these "non profits." One "non profit" we are all familiar with received 4.4 billion dollars in 2011.

[@nickimorelli9991]

@@jerryspann8713 From a statement on the American Red Cross-a non-profit- website: "For the past 11 years, Gail McGovern has served as president and CEO of the American Red Cross, and in 2018, she was paid $694,000".

[@johnhaislip2207]

Man you hit the nail right on the head

[@robertvazquez2964]

The costs of living is pretty high in the US that even single working people can’t afford to rent a decent private place to rest

[@dannydaw59]

The single working people that didn't go to college or learn a trade have those problems. You have to do something beyond high school.

[@robertvazquez2964]

@@dannydaw59 If it doesn’t put a roof over your head no one should be working those jobs at all

[@brandonyellowrobe4475]

@@dannydaw59 Going to college or learning trade isn’t going to solve the inflation issue

[@dannydaw59]

@@brandonyellowrobe4475 The cost of living is bearable to those who get higher skill jobs. You can't directly fix inflation individually but you can adapt to the situation. I learned a trade (electrician) which pays a higher wage. All my worldly possessions are paid off so I pay 0 interest which allowed me to get ahead.

[@andrewjensen8189]

Which is why it is so unreasonable to give non-workers what workers save up their whole lives to afford...

[@jordancarson]

Well when you have rents at $2000+ and jobs only pay a certain amount what do you think is going to happen?

[@RedShipsofSpainAgain]

This is the real reason. Absurdly high rents and housing costs.

[@matthewfusaro2590]

And it's not going to change. Landlords know tenents will pay anything to keep from going homeless.

[@d.jmamba7237]

Stop it I got my car for 3000 bucks used, you can find a roommate if single spending all the time blaming government actions without looking at the individual is comical

[@RedShipsofSpainAgain]

​@@d.jmamba7237 In theory, your advice works, but individual responsibility can only go so far until it hits the wall of Harsh Reality. I got my car for 2500 bucks used and also had a roommate to save on housing costs and never went out to eat (I would make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and eat Ramen noodles for dinner). But all the saving in the world isn't going to help you when you are earning minimum wage in a High Cost of Living city. Even working well over a standard 40 hour work week, I barely earn enough to break even, let alone have anything left over to save for a future house or family. So while I hear you about taking individual responsibility, I find that even despite taking ownership of my life, I still cannot thrive economically in our society. Survive? Yes, barely. Thrive? Definitely not. I can take individual responsibility for trying to fly. Nothing is going to change that at the end of the day, I simply do not have any wings.

[@The223214]

Yes. Glad someone said it. My kids and I had to move back in with toxic family members because my rent went up to where I couldn't afford it and landlord terminated my lease. Smh these jobs pay so little and rent prices are 1500+ in a bad neighborhood most would consider the ghetto smh.

[@billermanthegreat]

Our society wants us to have homelessness, keeping the working folk scared is the goal. There is no desire to "fix" the problem. Just the desire to funnel money into the pockets of the non-profits that don't do anything other than pay themselves.

[@blindsr]

This has been the situation as I see it.

[@vilester]

100% true. The people in charge are screwing us.

[@prembuddy]

Just stop FED from buying mortgage backed securities it will stop reckeless lending and speculation by individuals in real estate ,loss will again become part of real estate business and prices would correct .

[@64standardtrickyness]

I think our society wants the unemployed to be a bit uncomfortable not necessarily starving and homeless but idk eating KD and sharing a room.

[@chaselevinson7950]

Ah yes, those overpaid social workers. Truly living fat off govt grants. /s

[@diane4549]

I live in California and I'm on the verge of being homeless. I am 69 years old, am disabled and have severe health issues. I don't do drugs, unless you count the medication that I take for blood pressure. I'm a sober person and I have PTSD, Prolonged Grieving Disorder and Depression. I've lived in my apartment for 13 years, paying my bills and rent on time. I'm sick and tired of the false narrative, of people who are homeless being on drugs. I think people are very cruel and oblivious to what many poor are dealing with. I live on Social Security Survivors Benefits and it still doesn't pay for the market rate rent.

[@coffee-man-13]

God bless and good luck

[@coffee-man-13]

I hope you doing better if you can hear this

[@therealvirgoqueen6553]

Thank you our government is a traitor and a sell out to other countries and say 🖕 Americans

[@ms.ashley7643]

We need a privatize Social Security and stop stealing from US citizens . You work all your life and put money away for retirement just to find out. The government has stolen it.!!! we shouldn’t have a Social Security problem you pay and it should be there when you retire.

[@thathobbitlife]

The worst parts I found when homeless, was the its technically illegal. It's illegal to sleep on a park bench. Illegal to rest on the bench. Illegal to put a blanket on your lap as you sit on grass in parks. Illegal to lay back on your backpack in the park or on sidewalks. Illegal to try to sell a small craft you made without a permit. Illegal to have more items then you can carry in your possession if you try to go on public transport. Illegal to ride public transportation fareless to an emergency room. I mean, the list just goes on an on. Police harass and harass and harass you. You never get any quality sleep, even if you utilize shelters. Check in between 7-9pm and check out at 6am, forced wake up at 5. So after everything quiets down enough you can sleep you're damn lucky to get 6 hours of solid sleep. Not to mention the lice and scabies constantly around.. and the insane amount of theft. I just cant do it again myself. I think I would absolutely be suicidal if I'm out again. I've been homeless many times as a part of the foster system growing up and few times as adult because of 60 day no cause evictions.. it's tough to get re-approved for apartments with an eviction on record and especially so if you income isnt 3 times or 4 times the rent. Rent is generally 1000 for anything with a bedroom in most cities, for sure where I am, and without a fantastic degree and an amazing job making 3-4k a month I dont make 3 to 4 times the rent. None of my family or friends who co signed make that much after their own bills. The amount places expect you to make and show as your collateral proof you can afford the rent is ASTRONOMICAL! The places that offer help are so overburdened and have decade long wait lists.. its absolutely hopeless sometimes. What a garbage can capitalism is. People deserve to sleep somewhere safe. If they cant afford to get into the cheapest housing it should not be illegal to sleep outside somewhere. Frigging awful I tell ya.

[@parismykitty]

its very disturbing

[@daieast6305]

now that you know the problem, best to look for an answer rather than complain into the wind

[@ehlava]

what cities were you in where the cops harass you?

[@victorhopper6774]

move, what do you have to lose.

[@mariaguilarte3999]

@@ehlava try Elgin, IL.

[@kataisa3]

People have been throwing money at this problem for decades but the problem will always persist because politicians aren’t interested in fixing problems, just pocketing your money.

[@goodstufffromdavidpaul2246]

politicians don't fix things...people do...find a place to plug in and do it.

[@nathanamos9945]

@@goodstufffromdavidpaul2246 I think several entrepreneurs added small houses that had a toilets, small shower and bed all for like $2k. This got shut down because of regulations and zoning if I'm not mistaken.

[@oregonsbragia]

People have been throwing money at feeding themselves since the invention of money. Hunger is a need that can never be fulfilled because this is the fact of nature. Rent is basically the same problem. Most people have to work their entire lives to keep a roof over their heads. It is a need that is almost never completely fulfilled unless you inherit a lot of money.

[@peterrobinson8267]

Exactly. It's funny how people blame capitalism for this problem while the real cause is government corruption.

[@divergentthg7925]

And politicians are going to be that way because most people are too scared of their own Constitution to do anything about it so this is what happens when you are

[@ambientmeanings1607]

We've all heard the expression: "were all one paycheck away from Homelessness..." well the real fact is that tens of millions of folks are just one car breakdown away from Homelessness; we depend on cars for almost everything right?! What happens when you can't get to work or working remotely isn't doable for you? You lose your job...then after awhile you run outta money can't pay rent, get evicted whatever... Ever tried getting groceries home on the city bus? How you gonna do laundry without a car to get to the Laundromat? It ain't easy walking 3 blocks from the bus stop in freezing winter...have you seen how much mechanics charge these days? And for various reasons not all of us can simply afford a new car right away after one quits. My prediction, sadly, is that Homelessness will exponentially explode in 2022😢

[@karld1791]

And our neighborhoods have been intentionally zoned single use, keeping the grocery store and laundromat far from homes making a working car essential.

[@Tripskull]

@Yummy Spaghetti Noodles only in America is stupidity contagious....right know all you can buy is a tesla. There's 1 electric car on the market! The chealest electric car will be over $100000!! Stable idiot warning!!

[@karld1791]

@@Tripskull Mini electric is $31k. Kia Niro electric is $40k. Nissan Leaf electric is $28k. The average new car is $47k. Even gas cars are expensive. Electric are a bit more for the size.

[@karld1791]

@Yummy Spaghetti Noodles Model S3 is $45k. Nissan Leaf is $28k. Average car gas or electric is $47k. Any car is expensive. Electric have less moving parts to break except for the battery.

[@whooelse9444]

Of course its going to get worse with all of the eviction moratorium expiring in some states. Might as well get ready to claim ur spot on the curb in the very near future.

[@jennifertarin4707]

We can solve the homeless problem when we start to recognize all types of homelessness and not just those who have mental illnesses. We need to also simply admit that there is a homeless epidemic and address the root causes which is the insane cost of living, lack of access to mental health services and lack of support systems. We have to also WANT to solve the homeless issue.

[@darthbuckethead2471]

You talk like someone who have never been through this. We all want this to stop. However, it's just not going to. It's way to easy to be a homeless drug addicts with our tax dollars paying for every hiccup they have on the "road to recovery", which is really just up to them.

[@andrewmorton395]

This is so so true

[@swolfe9668]

Stop blaming mental illness it's NOT REAL, bleeding heart do-gooders need to stop feeling sorry for homeless people who CHOOSE to live like this, close down the soup kitchens and shelters and stop the handouts and you'll see how quickly these people start helping themselves

[@hankhill3417]

@@swolfe9668 why would they work? They don’t want to

[@Johenz]

@@andrewmorton395 no it’s not, homelessness for some is bad situation where we have programs that get ppl on their feet. The other is because some aren’t a productive member of society. Ending homelessness is good in theory but realistically it’s not something that will end

[@sinebar]

Iv'e said this before about the homeless and I'll repeat it here: No one is born wanting to be homeless. When you're a child all you are is potential but at some point in those people's lives something happened that was so catastrophic it led to homelessness. That's especially true for chronic homeless.

[@ragongon4457]

I say igree with you

[@Strange9952]

Christine. I've been homeless, and have a lot of experience working with homeless shelters, and while yes "no one wants to be homeless" sure sounds like a super empathetic and compassionate point of view, ultimately some people are merely not interested in the process of getting housing, even when housing facilities are available. A lot of these people have mental health and trust issues, and honestly giving them a house simply wouldn't help them as much as you might think. There is a lot of what some people consider to be "stigma" against the homeless, and yes, sometimes it could be fairly warranted because a lot of these people are unreliable and cannot hold a job or maintain a room without doing a bunch of drugs, trashing it and stripping it of copper.

[@samiam8641]

@@Strange9952 I could not agree more. Many homeless are unwilling to change the behaviors that keep them homeless. There’s no amount of govt money or incentives that can fix that. The focus should be on those who are willing to accept help. And sad to say, even the mentally ill have a right to refuse help even if it’s a bad decision.

[@rampar77]

@@Strange9952 Correct, over 50%of homeless had mental illness and/or substance abuse problem. Living in a house wouldn't solve the problems. They would not be capable of holding a job. All people had a choice, many referred to be homeless.

[@DAISYROSE22]

And no one was born a junkie. There are consequences to personal decisions. Individual freedom goes hand-in-hand with individual responsibility. Where are all the family members of all these "homeless people?" Shouldn't they be taking them in and helping them? The most "catastrophic" thing that happened to the majority of these people is they decided to do drugs, keep doing drugs, and are still doing drugs. Have you seen the mess in Philadelphia? There's an entire you tube channel: The Streets of Philadelphia?

[@SuperPlayz]

Everyone says they wants to build affordable housing but just not in their neighborhood

[@acommentator69]

Housing is not the problem. Drugs are

[@gminer03]

Bro, there’s only like 600-700k homeless, we have more then enough housing…

[@Serrano46571]

@@gminer03 We have more housing for the illegal immigrants crossing the border then homeless people in the US

[@stapleman007]

If you support homeless housing, you should register your home's neighboring properties for this program. So the government will eventually buy / rent the neighboring housing and place homeless there!

[@cephalonbob15]

@@gminer03 yes but they are all luxury appartments for the weathy no the poor

[@dallasstoneyful]

Having worked with the homeless in the past they all had four things in common (in my experience)to one degree or another. 1. The absolute worst upbringings you could imagine. 2. Some type of metal illness. The 20% referenced on this report is far from my experience. More like 90% or more. 3. Substance abuse 4. Having almost no idea how to operate in society. I had guys who didn’t have any form of id, never had a bank account, and didn’t understand the do’s and don’ts of society.

[@lobaxx]

There is an “invisible” group of homeless that actually have jobs etc. They might be couch surfing, living in motels or living out of their car. These people won’t be visible in e.g. shelters because their biggest problem is that the salary can’t cover the rent of the cities they work in, but they are a big number.

[@hello_resolven]

I’m sure these points are all interconnected

[@dallasstoneyful]

@@hello_resolven absolutely they are

[@blindsr]

Being stuck in this situation for quite some time I can say, 1 NO, 2 NO, 3 NO and 4 NO. These are only the front facing homeless the ones that just don't care. There is a growing group of us that want a job want a home etc.. but once it is discovered you have no home they just get disgusted and turn you away. Job seekers like myself put in application after application and get crickets. In the few interviews I have had no job was offered. People are Homeless for far more reasons than you seem to understand. Saying these things having worked with the homeless you either did not or you were already biased against them. I have run into people like you before claiming to have worked with homeless. This was a DSHS employee it was the first few months that I had lost my job home etc.. Because I had an address on my current drivers license she accused me of committing fraud and was going to send a team to my old house and make sure I was not lying. It disgusts me how people claim to know the situation but in reality are completely ignorant and just make things worse by claiming knowledge they don't have. The problem is not going to be fixed until the nimby problem is quelled and agencies start asking the homeless what they really need to get back on their feet. I realize the drug addicted and mental illness that is very prevalent is a major problem they are the ones going into stores and robbing them blind and breaking into cars at night. Where I live in my vehicle I chase these kinds away and the people where I park actually tell me they appreciate this. What a lot of us like me need is the chance to get back to work and into a home. People like me are not looking for handouts or drugs we want to do it ourselves but it's not that easy.

[@dallasstoneyful]

@@blindsr Before covid I owned a power washing business here in Dallas TX. I hired exclusively from the local homeless shelter and this was my experience. What I will tell you as working hard was never an issue with any of my guys, but their mental illness and substance abuse was an issue. No one was crazy or high all the time it came in waves, but when it came it was devastating. I’m sure their are homeless who don’t fall into these four categories, but I never dealt with them at the local shelter

[@bertbaker7067]

Housing first absolutely works. There was a homeless camp in a park near me, i was friendly with 4 people living in the camp and after over a year for each they all finally got housing vouchers. I kept in touch, 2 guys were working full time within a year, one guy is unfortunately on hospice care now so he's not working, and i lost touch with my other friend unfortunately but last I'd heard she had to move to a new apartment because of a massive sewage backup from a broken sewer main. It wasn't all completely smooth sailing but it did way more to help people than anything I've seen before.

[@naisengsaechao4878]

As a homeless service coordinator, I can say housing first works. I see it everyday people getting housing and turning their life around.

[@CalisRemedy]

Sometimes! I work with homeless people who are housed first and eventually they are evicted

[@americanidiotinchief259]

Unhoused watch your Language

[@stapleman007]

I fully support this! In fact, I think these housed homeless should be all your neighbors!

[@andreycham4797]

Lots of homeless people are wanted for small crimes and child support payments , they do not want to come out of shadows to carry that burden from the past

[@andrewjensen8189]

But homeless people like to congregate in some of the most expensive cities in the country, like LA. If America housed all 600,000 homeless in big cities, in homes worth at least $500,000 then the upfront cost would be $300 BILLION. And then you need to start addressing their mental health and drug problems, so many more billions after the up front cost. It would take decades if not centuries to make back that tax deficit once the housed eventually start working and contributing to taxes. Also, who is going to be paying the $10,000s of property taxes for the properties they would live in? I guess no one, so thus an even larger deficit is born.

[@Stevenalp18]

Yo I saw someone post this somewhere else, whichever girl said that I give you credit. She commented. “Capitalism likes to keep homeless people to remind them of what your life will look like if you stop working” then I was like damn. That’s deep

[@palapalak.8907]

True. I never thought about that.

[@BlackHoleAstrology]

Lol

[@kristinab1078]

Japan is a "collective" capitalist country and you don't see this situation there, or very little of it. The problem is more about a cultural mindset and excessive greed than it is about an economic system. It also helps that they prioritize preventative health care, fund mental health properly, and have zero tolerance for drug trafficking of any sort.

[@abolisher]

If that’s the case in 2036 I’m changing it

[@JazzyJeff910]

Well if you actually talked to homeless people and not listening to people who don’t know, you’d find out that many of these homeless people were hard working people who fell on hardships and never recovered. Everybody doesn’t become homeless because they don’t work. Stupid analysis.

[@arthurpenfield6344]

In Arizona, homelessness exploded. I see way more full time employees, homeless, then I ever have before. I have been homeless for about 4 years now, living in my car, very hard to keep a job, and everything is really really expensive. Just to move in an apartment at least $3,500 to $4,000 JUST TO MOVE IN!!

[@zztop8592]

The reason it costs so much to move into an apt is because there are too many dead beat renters that trash out homes. LOL

[@royharper2003]

what part of AZ do you live?

[@arthurpenfield6344]

@@royharper2003 , Phoenix.

[@DYLAN102001]

@@zztop8592 Yes, that must be it 'cough" housing market "cough"😐

[@zztop8592]

@@DYLAN102001 WTF 🤪

[@jon6309]

The problem with the west is the societal pressure to live an independent life early on. In other countries it’s socially acceptable to live with your family and even form a multigenerational home. I have maternal relatives living in the Philippines and this seems to be the case. They all have jobs and children of their own but still live under one roof and are able to figure it all out. It makes it easier for them to help each other out to ensure their bills are paid, there is food on the table and in case of a medical emergency they are covered through mutual support. I was watching a documentary in Ukraine prior to the war and this seems to also be the norm where young adults with families still live with their parents despite having good jobs. I live in Hawaii and it is somewhat acceptable for people to live with their parents even as adults but homelessness is still a big problem here and there is such a thing called the working homeless. I was watching a story of a local Hawaiian lady who is homeless but is employed as a tour guide making $16 an hour. She could not turn to family in her case because her family was under a low income native Hawaiian housing rental program that had a cap on total household income to qualify. Since she already had a job paying her $16 an hour it would disqualify her family from the program and they would all be homeless so she took the fall and ended up being homeless herself.

[@tedskins]

There really isn't "societal pressure" you can totally do that. The thing people DO have a problem with in the west is 30+ year olds still living at home who are single and are unmotivated working some dead end job and playing Xbox all day. That IS becoming a bigger problem in the US and that's a reason for the stigma

[@preston21354]

@@tedskins he just showed how you literally can't do that in some circumstances because housing codes limit the actual number of people you can have in a home or receive benefits before they make too much money

[@jon6309]

@FC I guess the USA is poor because their welfare system is crap and some people here in Hawaii are identified as ALICE meaning above the poverty line but barely making it and cannot qualify for welfare benefits. I just learned that homeless people have to pay to use homeless shelters here which defeats the purpose of reducing homeless people living in the streets!

[@paulsamuel3811]

I lived in Hawaii for three years, and I concur, families should stick together. It seems like more alternative cultures do that, but that story makes my heart sink, all they’re trying to do is just be good human being and have a nice life

[@geode9512]

Like western medicine, this video focuses more on treatment than prevention. The way our society runs puts average people at high risk of being homeless (high cost of living, expensive education, low wages, predatory lending, and anti-unionization). While treating people that are currently homeless is important, it must work in tandem with systemic changes in order to have any meaningful result. Otherwise, the homeless population will continually return.

[@rcisneros8567]

Thank you. A billion comments and you are the only other person to point that out. PREVENTION!

[@rcisneros8567]

BTW, I like your metaphor. I use a leaking pipe where all we do is focus on cleaning up the spill.

[@bigbob7021]

Should add drug prevention to your list of grievances.

[@jjbarajas5341]

Good luck with systemic change. Maybe in a hundred years.

[@gglen2141]

It's a bit disingenuous to blame the homeless crisis on the Pandemic right out of the box. I'm sure it affected it, but not by much.

[@cohendarwin5365]

Well politicians need something to blamed. Chyna and covid.

[@Yomommasbussy]

Your ignorant ....anytime money is printed ....housing and the stock market will be forcefully propped up....creating inflation for everyone.....they used the pandemic as an excuse to inflate the economy

[@gglen2141]

@@Yomommasbussy Well if it's my ignorant, I want it back.

[@wgreiter]

@@Yomommasbussy Got it... so it's the homeless that cause inflation... and China.

[@isaiahkern9434]

true, it just more so highlighted the problem with capitalism as a whole, and arguably speaking, need to move to either "social democracy" as Bernie put it. WIth UBI. Or, what I more argue would be a better solution. Straight up move away from capitalism entirely, and do anarcho communism. For anyone who may be wondering, or not in the know. Marx and lennin wanted authoritarian communism. Primarily to somehow... move away from a state to a democracy??? (that particular aspect is straight up stupid, no USSR thx. Because when you give a state power, they aren't just going to give it back, that's not how that works) however... we cannot just write the whole thing off. Hence, anarcho communism. For anyone curious as to why I am arguing for this. Well let's look at it this way. We're supposed to live in a democracy right? so why is it that 80% of our voice doesn't matter on bills. you know, THE MOST IMPORTANT PART WE SHOULD HAVE A SAY ON? Like, sure we can vote for x person or y person. But if at the end of the day, they don't push the policy or action we wanted, what the hell is the point? But there is also structural problems (or more so... structural design that causes problems for people middle and lower class... I'll get to that clarification) Basically, the biggest problem with captalism, in general. Is that money is a stand-in for power. It controls how much food you have, water, if you have a house, if you can influence political policy, it influences on if people know you or not through advertising. And because you can create or heavily influence political policy, that also means you can get law makers to budge on laws, and create loopholes for you. Which suddenly now, in a supposed democracy where everyone should be treated equal, that's no longer happening. "But what about anarcho captalism" or otherwise known as libertarians. There's a big issue with that. And that comes to well, another structural issue, directly stemed from what I just stated earlier. If money is power, that means you are developing another hierarchy. And in a hierarchy, people cannot be equal. Everything will be bent in the CEO's favor. And invetibly CEO's company, would be able to get big enough, to have their own militias... which would then just go back to where we are right now. Were the politicians, democrats and republicans both listen to nothing but money. But now it's just centralized through a company. As for democrats, I must point something out. if you believe you can fix capitalism. you can't. Remember that clarification I stated? Well. All of this. Climate change, people going homeless, and hungry, the mass amount of worker violations. These aren't design problems within capitalism. Because this is the system working as intended. It is meant to threaten people with their lives and integrity to get them to work within the system. It's a strictly inhuman system. And to those who are more right leaning (but still sane to some extent. I have some hope that there are still some out there. But now are centrists or have no longer Identified as a republican) if your thinking "well people are lazy, they don't want to work" That is not an issue for the following reasons A: We could proably mass deploy AI to replace human jobs. And because we moved away from a system that requires work to live, this wouldn't be a problem (but would be if we remain in this system that will be a severe issue. and it will happen at some point, or the other possibility is more meaningless jobs are created,which is only going to cause depression in humanity to be worse) B. boredom will drive people to labor. I state labor since, labor is something you love. work is something you do to live because you have no choice, (with negative consequences for choosing to not work, financially, and socially) there's a study showing that we will be willing to harm ourselves, than not to be bored. And at some point being "lazy" is going to get boring.

[@ladychatterley9879]

It don't take all that money to help the homeless. Most of the money is being stollen or redirected. Who they think their kidding! It don't take millions to fix the problem. People are not stupid. They see where the money is going.

[@jakehix8132]

The department of home and urban development has done multiple studies that independent sources have corroborated... stating they could eliminate homelessness, entirely, for the less than what federal/local gov entities spend just in homeless vouchers annually, iirc.

[@ifiggs4523]

@@jakehix8132 Can you provide a link or source for these studies? I'm interested.

[@Coldnfallen]

"It don't take..." Please stop giving budget advice. It's obvious that you didn't pay that much attention during school.

[@Coldnfallen]

@@ifiggs4523 I am interested as well. Conservatives in my city want the homeless gone, but they don't want to do anything to help the problem. People are being found frozen to death during the coldest days of winter. The group that runs our warming shelters are from another state and are abusive to the homeless. Mental health issues are part of the problem before someone is homeless, but after comes the PTSD that can be triggering for life.

[@JimmeShelter]

@@Coldnfallen Conservatives want the homeless helped. They have no faith the government can solve it. They would point you to NUMEROUS cities where billions have been spent and wasted while homelessness has merely grown.

[@conniet9931]

The fact that the mentality was that it was expected of homeless people, in horrible, situations stand a moral high ground and live in absolute miserable conditions to deserve shelter is so disgusting.

[@dontsaymynameunlessyouknow8775]

Yup, I agree with you , is quite absurd. Is just like they are stuck in a hole and you got the ladder next to you that you can throw In that hole to get them out but instead, they are trying to just feed them and encourage them to get out of it By themselves..

[@Maxyy40]

When it costs LA over a hundred thousand dollars to build a tiny house to cover two homeless people. It might be a permitting and regulation problem.

[@phaedrussmith1949]

There's a great video here on KZbin about a musician in LA who made a bunch of tiny houses for not too much money (crowdfunded). Of course, he was shut down and the tiny homes demolished.

[@phaedrussmith1949]

@@LlnusTechTips. If legislation of any type whatsoever could solve the problem it would have. It won't. Whoever this Newsom is (a politician I presume) couldn't care less about solving homelessness (in fact, that would alter the status quo which would be against his or her interest). Newsom cares about looking like the issue is being addressed.

[@acommentator69]

No. Anyone who works has shelter. The issue is drugs

[@nzsolel5284]

That is Very Cheap, try half million NZD (350k USD) for a 2 bedroom unit in NZ.

[@nzsolel5284]

@A P Yeh.. i feel sorry for you

[@whooelse9444]

I hear SO MANY people sounding like a broken record blaming homelessness on drugs & mental illness. It may be true for some but not the majority. The main problem is housing is just too damn expensive, point blank. People out here working full time jobs, 40+ hours a week & are still struggling to pay the damn rent at the end of the month. Even in some 3rd world countries, they're way ahead of america on this issue & thats a damn shame. Then again, what else would you expect from these same folks who have been running things for the last 400+ years?

[@coolmodelguy]

Thank you, your comment is spot on. Housing is considered a capital asset and as such is being used to gain economic rents by landlords and banks. The end result is one corporation will own all housing stock in about twenty years. Capitalism these days seems to be all about Monopoly rules.

[@MJ-gm7km]

Exactly. A lot of people with full time jobs who live with their parents would be homeless if they didn't have that support. In so many cases, a full time job isn't enough for people to fully support themselves. They still need someone (parents, significant other, roommate) to share living costs with. For people who don't have that, it's easy to end up on the street.

[@happyyoggi3894]

@@MJ-gm7km Exactly, in silicon valley if you make less than 100K then you need a lot of supporting from your parent. If you make near 200K you may be okay (if you know how to save for the down payment or you need mom's money for 20% down)

[@royharper2003]

If someone is working a full time job and can't afford rent in an area then move to a cheaper area. I have heard so many people blame homelessness on the cost of housing it sounds like a broken record. I've questioned people on KZbin about this and when they give me their city I can find extremely affordable housing on almost any decent wage. I know what I am going to hear next and no, I don't believe everyone should be paid a living wage.

[@coolmodelguy]

@@royharper2003 - You don't move to a cheaper area because there are no jobs there, and traveling farther to work just to find a cheaper place to live is an added cost burden, not to mention time from your life you don't get back. You don't get it, housing is a capital asset. Here in California, rents have gone up 14% statewide, no one's wages are keeping up with that. When someone like you comes along, that is the real broken record, freaking oligarch propaganda talking points, we know where you get your information from and it's not fact based.

[@rameji-chan737]

Housing is SO important, and you can't really expect someone to get better and healthier if they are subjected to the elements, drug use, and their own mental struggles. You also usually need an address and access to sanitary facilities if you want to get or keep a job. It's so hard to get a job when you're basically unreliable due to your housing situation, and neither mail nor a person can reliably reach you. Housing needs to come first, but yes, it can't stop there. Solving homelessness isn't something that should be capitalized on. It should come from the understanding that you just don't let people die on the streets like dogs. If you want to govern people, then you have to take care of them, even if it costs taxpayers some money. It could be them that are on the streets one day. Same thing with healthcare. You shouldn't try to capitalize on something as fundamental and volatile as health. You can't really choose if you get cancer or not.

[@gracexiaoai]

$350 billion equal $175,000 each for 2 million homeless. Enough for a new paid off New home for all homeless in U.S. apparently, those money never came down to actually help them. No wander they are still on the street

[@backtoasimplelife]

THEY have to confront the issues behind their addiction and/or mental problems, or you will be throwing valuable resources into the toilet. Addictions are a replacement for actual coping skills, so they wont be giving it up aasily.

[@darksoulsss2618]

@@backtoasimplelife why do they have those addictions? if my life went down to rock bottom I would look for anything to escape. every action has a reaction.

[@backtoasimplelife]

@@darksoulsss2618 So just give up and fail? Your thinking is the thinking that gets people into trouble. What has to be dealt with is the "reason" they are in the position they are in. And that is what is NOT being dealt with. Addiction is the symptom, not the heart of the problem. No one I know has had perfect parents or a perfect life, and some have had "bad" parents and have been the victim of things that were not their fault. And yet not all are junkies or drunks. There is choice involved. If I wanted an excuse to fail, I would have plenty to choose from. How about succeeding DESPITE what went wrong? There is everything to be gained by rising above, isn't there?

[@darksoulsss2618]

@@backtoasimplelife I think you misinterpreted what I was trying to say.

[@CharlesLouisRosario]

💯 I’ve been there. After my daughter was murdered in 2018, I almost lost it all. Mental I illness brought on by depression is something nobody can prepare for. Took 2 years to get back in good standing and pay off debts. Now there’s the school loan about to start knocking again. I’ve paid 25k for and original loan of 19k and today I owe 33k (2 year technical college for a degree I can’t get a job for. I was essentially automated out of work. Not giving up but it’s no joke. Opened a pressure washing company and continually work on personal development, socializing, less time on iPhone, eat well, workout and still it’s rough. Now imagine a mentally challenged person who is alone. That’s just inhumane to be in denial despite all the overwhelming evidence. All the conditions are right and it’s undeniable that we need to solve this quick. There are folks out there who take it as a slight that your brothers and sisters should be given a leg up when really it’s just leveling the playing field. It’s Evil to do nothing less!

[@earlaweese]

*Going hungry is one of the worst things someone can go through. It’s literally painful and depressing. I can’t believe this happens in the “richest” nation on the planet. We can put people on the moon and use 3D printers to build houses in less than 24 hours, but can’t end homelessness. What the hell is the problem with this country? You’re supposed to take care of the weak and needy first.*

[@lionheart.5983]

Theres no profit in tackling homelessness. Probably why.

[@TONEakaSHOW]

The reason is that when any "fund" or "bill" is set by the government, people at the tops are pocketing money. So much, doesn't get trickled down to the "actual" people it's meant for.

[@davidtran2026]

Yeah this 1000%. Please release the breakdown of these funds/bills dollar by dollar and let's see how much really goes to benefit the homelessness.

[@whazzat8015]

That too. There is a "Homeless Industrial Complex" that has jobs dependent on the homeless. And the poor and the mental health issue and drug abuse and unparented and those who just get attention on the soapbox. It's not monolithic.

[@mynamesjudge]

I don't expect that the people who steal my money under the threat of force to use it wisely. I don't understand why anyone would.

[@rudybrooks7624]

I don't think lobbists are making sure funds are allocated inefficently, why would that be in their interests if the budgets are already set and stone?

[@kentbell6757]

That's what every g o v in every part of the world been doing for long time. The real payment only about 30 - 50%, and the rest 50 - 70% goes to their pockets.

[@patcarroll8292]

Just remember, homelessness is very useful to the owner's class in the United States. It's a visual threat to working class people, as to what happens when you are disobedient or unproductive.

[@stacyjaye6350]

🙄

[@patcarroll8292]

@@stacyjaye6350 Karen everyone!

[@odar9729]

No

[@stacyjaye6350]

@@patcarroll8292 hey, I've actually hit the skids a couple times. One time I was lucky enough to have a vehicle, then I landed a job and worked my way back. Another time someone took me in, that was recently. Really scary place to be. People have to be willing to sacrifice to get back on their feet. Whether it be location, what type of work or whatever, if you're able-bodied and mentally sound, you can figure out how to get off the street. Most branches of the military raised the age limit to 40. If it was good enough for me, it's good enough for everyone else. It's still America, you can still be an entrepreneur, you make it sound like we're not free. I made myself free, by getting and staying out of debt, adopting a minimalist lifestyle, and adapting to new circumstances. If you're not working some type of job right now, it's cuz you don't want to. Mental illness aside.

[@patcarroll8292]

@@stacyjaye6350 So your point is "I went through hard times, so they can pull themselves up by their bootstraps!" Im sorry youre emotionally barren and incapable of basic empathy. I'm not going to blind myself to the abuses of our sociopathic society, and frankly this is why I like homeless people more than Karens like you, because most of them are capable of caring about their fellow humans. Or if thats too long for you, I reiterate; Karen everyone!

[@gamershow5944]

US Debt clock says $33 Trillion dollars have been spent by our leaders and homeless get $0. When Europe comes to our country the first thing they say is "You know your government is screwing you all over." My friend is 73 and lives in his car he worked for over 50 years sometimes 7 days a week. Rent 30 years ago was $180 with everything included on the beach in Florida and rent is now $2k to $7k here.

[@chris.bcfc.keeprighton.5685]

Capitalism is a rigged economic system against the world's workers/ordinary people. Capitalism is an economic system which favours the bosses, billionaires, greedy landlords, dictators, bankers, and the ruling class elites.

[@generoush3823]

I was homeless in San Diego for several years because the state ended my unemployment benefits 8 months before the cutoff date for no reason. I was approached by housing first and did their questionnaire and was told I was on top of the list but nothing was ever done. I turned 62 and filed for my retirement benefits and then used one month to fly to Alaska. I have been housed here now since 2013 just on what I get from soc sec retirement. I haven't touched drugs since 1973 and haven't really drank much since I got out of the Navy in 1994 so that was never an issue with my being homeless. There were several police officers in San Diego that would jail me anytime they saw me on the street for the charge of "encroachment" which just meant I was on the sidewalk.

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

I'm on disability and I'm close to being homeless. Where did you go in Alaska to find housing? Who helped you? Any info would be appreciated.

[@Mr.Majestic77]

What do you think about the additional intake of thousands of Ukrainian refugees into the U.S.???

[@ragongon4457]

So i thought that s awesome

[@bowhunter8532]

@@davidmuresan628 You seriously need to shut up. You keep posting this everywhere to get attention.

[@vsykes1453]

Wow I am sorry u had to go through all that ....💌 How has Alaska been to you?

[@frankmullins5333]

There's no incentive to solve it, especially in California. If they solved it, bureaucrats would lose their jobs.

[@samthesuspect]

You realize it would take a decade+ to solve it, and job security as a politician isn't something they want?

[@saahiliyer11]

You’re right that there’s no incentive to solve it, but you’re totally wrong in thinking it’s bureaucrats who are the unwilling. California, despite having high house prices, has a lot of people who are suburban homeowners who wield a lot of influence as a voting block. Anyone or any party who genuinely tries to solve homelessness by directing public funds to build and maintain mid-rise affordable housing (like they’ve done in Europe) will be guaranteed to lose as the suburban NIMBYs vote against them. The NIMBYs know very well that they value of their homes as investments is tied to housing prices in the state, so they are totally willing to allow homelessness to continue as a major problem to protect that investment. To them, it’s far better to just make sure homeless people are moved away from their neighborhoods and given some social support rather than tackle the root of the problem and use a housing-first approach. Housing first would be a huge up-front cost, that can’t be ignored, but it’d still be massively cheaper in the long run than continuing programs that just put a bandaid on the situation. But for NIMBYs, housing first represents a huge loss to their home values, which is something they just can’t abide. So they promise support for support services in exchange for killing serious support for housing-first on the state level.

[@KOLAkola]

Exactly !!!!!

[@tmass1]

correct.

[@SandfordSmythe]

What bureaucrats?

[@anthonyfn]

Look to Maslow's hierarchy of needs as a guide to help the homeless. You can't treat their mental or substance problems without meeting their other needs first.

[@77Treasurehunter77]

Catch 22 you cant help treat their basic needs until their mental health is treated......thats what the real problem is.

[@jon3615]

Unfortunately most people in our society don’t get to the part where they can experience self actualization which is very helpful to develop the empathy to understand this. They just scream pick yourself up by the boot straps because it’s what was yelled at them and they think it works so the cycle repeats.

[@davidmclean5895]

@@77Treasurehunter77 good thing you're not a decision maker here. Cry some more.

[@QuietlyCurious]

I believe that too. House them, let them (shock horror) burn out their addictions, THEN introduce rehab options.

[@renees1021]

Finland and Denmark have exceptionally low homelessness by using the housing first. I've been homeless, several times. Never had to live on the streets though. I spent 1.5 yrs in a woman's shelter in able to leave an abusive partner. I'd swear on my own life that the rent and utilities that I pay in a year $5400. (Kansas) is far less costly than what the shelter was paying out. It's also far less than the services that pay for anything except shelter. I've slept in my car, storage unit, and bought a small camper. But ultimately it was family that kept me from anything like skid row. Had I been discarded to that life, I'd voluntarily OD'd. A helping hand up not a hand out. Teach a man to fish... And there is no justifiable excuse that this country has so severely neglected low income housing construction. HUD vouchers take years of waiting. It is one hell of an expensive, broken system that does next to nothing to turn things around. Geesh, offer families vouchers or payments to take in their own for up to two years. And better make sure there are jobs and transportation also available to the low income people.

[@vectorhacker-r2]

It’s not surprising that homelessness is highest in places that put the most restrictions on new housing.

[@andreycham4797]

Ha ha ha. Who, in the right mind, would want more affordable housing built in their zip code aria? When you provide deadbeats comfortable conditions they start pupping more babies , those babies go to schools and become a burden for town. It all ends up that property owners paying higher taxes

[@UserName-ts3sp]

@@andreycham4797 or maybe they won't be deadbeats... homelessness is an issue impacted by a wide variety of issues. but when people are desperate, some people will turn to crime. they'll sell drugs. more affordable housing is one of many tools needed to help fix the homeless problem

[@karld1791]

Single family homes with large lots makes for few taxable square feet and few taxpayers with long roads, pipes and wires to pay for. Few single family zones pay for themselves. They usually get state handout grants to pay for things. Less restrictions would bring in more tax payers and taxable building space.

[@generalyan7084]

Correct, government intervention is the problem, we need to limit government and END THE FED.

[@guitarlessonswith4480]

"The covid pandemic caused." NOPE. "Politicians reactions caused" is a far more accurate statement.

[@timothyday9597]

Absolutely agree.

[@stapleman007]

Housing is too expensive, inflation is causing necessity costs to skyrocket, Stock market shattering record highs, and States predicting record budget surpluses. None of these are a result of COVID, or competent government response, or really make any sense taken together. It is because the Federal government helicopter air money dropped $10 Trillion from the sky.

[@enshroudedcloud]

They (NBC), apparently think they have to start sentences that way because they assume "most Americans" are already Pavlovian-trained with the pandemic. They think anything they say afterward can just immediately be ingested as a solution or fact because they rang the bell first. NOPE, try again.

[@andrewjensen8189]

So if covid hadn't happened, the politicians would have responded to there not being a global pandemic, by responding as if there was a pandemic? That makes zero sense bud. You can blame them for not reacting perfectly, but how on earth is it politicians fault for the pandemic happening, and them trying to respond the best way they see fit?

[@ironknightgaming5706]

They enjoy using the pandemic as a scape goat for their social and economic conditions.

[@medusaskull9625]

The problem here is that you wait until people become homeless to help them. Why don’t you help them before they become homeless? Homelessness is good for nonprofit organizations who livelihood depend on government budgets. When government involves, there will always be corruption follow. Money doesn’t go to the people who need help, it go to project like $2M public bathrooms in NYC.

[@0IIIIII]

Because Republicans and conservative voters are against the idea of a universal safety net for the public. They say no to universal healthcare, they say no to government housing, they say no to rehab for drugs, no to raising taxes-especially on the wealthy corporations, they say no to regulating business, raising the minimum wage, etc., it’s all their fault as are gun violence, Climate Change, etc.

[@garydeforve5055]

The system is working exactly as it was designed by it's owners. Look up.

[@garydeforve5055]

Cuomo and th ef real estate "industry" are all powerful in new York. Just insane that people would accept such a thug as governor.

[@alvisserrano9797]

@Gamb Dsey to expensive to house buy a gun climate control is weather

[@medusaskull9625]

@@0IIIIII That's totally untrue. Republican is for helping everyone, not just the people who want handout. How much welfare money do you think went to the actual people who are actually in real need? How much do you think went to people who have no need at all and convert your generosity into drug addicts infested community? You love the idea of free stuff and forget what freedom and independent really mean. You are so adamant for asking minimum wages and forget you deserve much better life than minimum wages. You have no idea what the toll is on the environment by green energy initiative. Have you read much? How do you recycle windmills, solar PV, and lithium battery when they become out of use? The cost is unimaginable. By stopping pipelines in the US, many pipelines are being opened around the world. Dropping low cost of energy delivery and switch to sea freight for shipping crude oil isn't as green as you would love to think. There is real science and there is special interest group science. You seem to love what the mainstream media and special interest group feed you as the truth more than go and do your due diligence on hard facts about the world.

[@BartyTheParty]

I'm currently homeless and have been for a year and a half. In this time I have worked at a car wash for a year and gotten fired and still haven't been able to buy a van to live in. If I only had a roof over my head to sleep and leave my things without worrying about them getting stolen life would be so much easier I could make so much more money and I'd be able to accomplish so much more.

[@NESSIE347]

Same

[@arminiusofgermania]

Storage unit, and gym membership.

[@Papas151]

why did you get fired? if you don't mind sharing

[@tranarchism]

Manhattan institute guy sounds like he's never felt empathy or spoken to anyone making less than $70k a year

[@emuriddle9364]

Same goes for the trolls in this comments section.

[@garyp3472]

Cnbc always has a Manhattan institute vampire on to explain that we all want to help people but tax cuts.

[@a.y.greyson9264]

He’s on someone’s payroll to keep purporting such lies.

[@gabrielgarcia7554]

The Manhattan Institute is literally a Conservative Thinktank. No offense to conservatives or think tanks, but like your job is to be a public intellectual with a clear bias, you’re not interested in the truth or knowledge, you’ve already established a viewpoint and maintain to keep it. This applies to literally any other thinktanks be it if they are liberal, socialist or whatever. Your goal as a true intellectual should be to discover the truth, even if it conflicts with your preconceptions, not to make it fit your preconceptions. If you’re doing the latter, that’s just sophistry.

[@Highstate808]

It's because all the budget goes to the guys making sure this is still a problem so they get a high salary.

[@hamentaschen]

That literally makes no sense.

[@thomaskim3128]

@@hamentaschen He meant bureaucratic cost.

[@sebastiantay7742]

I think shelter program should be more diverse, ranging from subsidized apartment, Rent-to-own, temporary shelter, and affordable housing program. It would definitely offset others cost government need to fork out as well as opportunity cost such as neighborhood businesses.

[@LifeOfTheParty323]

I've always thought about why rent to own wasn't a thing. Some people stay in apartments for years.

[@XxItachi100xX]

I have tried the “normal life” and it never worked. I worked office job for 3 years and as soon as I needed emergency surgery, they fired me cuz they didn’t offer PTO. Had to move in back with family and they didn’t like any of my side hustles to try and make money while job searching and kicked me out. A friend took me in and their mom kicked us out of her 2nd home cuz he was making her business blossom and she got jealous. Went homeless but we had a car. Relocated, tried again, both got jobs, then ended up in a car crash cuz my job made me close (sleep at 12am) and open (clock in at 6-7am) and my body stopped responding while driving. I should have sued but didn’t know how. Now I’m homeless with no car, no job, and I’m struggling sleeping in a park. And yet, the jobs hiring don’t pay enough for the “make 3 times the rent.” I’m at a loss. I tried

[@aygulmemet4201]

Have you tried restaurant jobs? A lot of them offer housing

[@CBT5777]

They can't fire you. Thats illegal. All you needed to do was use FMLA. Or you're lying.

[@MWorsa]

What are you doing now?

[@Papas151]

sounds like you are blaming your all of your problems on other people, people who clearly cared enough about you at one point. I am so sorry you got fired due to your health problems, though. It's just the rest of your comment that seems like you aren't taking responsibility for your life tbh. I mean, as adults we are responsible for our own wellbeing, things don't "just happen" to people (not talking about your health problems, just the rest) . Did you ever get a job after your family kicked you out?

[@tricia007100]

@@aygulmemet4201 NOT TRUE. Restaurant jobs DO NOT offer housing!! Where does this false information come from?

[@MissHawes0187]

I just received one of the emergency housing vouchers. We were homeless for 4 years. I am beyond grateful

[@shawndevoid9813]

Good for you Alaina! I’m sorry it took so long, but I wish you the best in your journey.

[@Chromegrillz]

Happy to hear this news. Sending best wishes ❤️

[@joeking433]

Nah.

[@mitchnidey2453]

People have a hard time staying sober when they are overwhelmed by stressors in their environment...give a person a 1 bedroom apt and tell them the rules ..most will be glad just to have peace and quiet so they can finally rest...group homes and programs are too stressful to expect ppl to say no to common stress relievers...it's almost too much to ask

[@tomcervenka7883]

Nice theory. In reality, when you give homeless people free housing, the housing immediately turns into crack dens. I live in Vancouver, and I see this first hand.

[@mitchnidey2453]

@@tomcervenka7883 I went from being homeless to living in the ghetto and they were dealing crack and etc out of the back door..I had nothing to do with it..I just had some bad things happen in my life and that's the only place I could find ..I hate crack and I hate evil...I've seen the scum at the bottom of the swamp.

[@brianh9358]

@@tomcervenka7883Around 37 percent of homeless here in the U.S. are drug addicts, some are mentally ill, and quite a large number of them are just people whose lives crashed at some point. The fact is though that if you are going to provide housing it can't be managed as a normal place to live. You have to make it clear that loss of the housing is tied into the rules that have to be followed and privacy isn't guaranteed. Obviously you can't stop addicts from using drugs but you can keep them from bringing them on site to some degree. Most of these places would have to be tied in with other services to be effective - drug addiction services, job skill training, job search help, etc. Yeah, it is a daunting task. However, other countries have done it and it isn't a hopeless task. Do some reading about how Finland handled it. Obviously each country has a different set of factors to confront.

[@jcosson10]

Unfortunately, majority of the people homeless are using and the housing first, doesn’t work. The problem is the wrong people are being chosen for housing first. They are the ones homeless and living on the streets using drugs and that lifestyle, because the world rather do that then follow rules. Not everyone, but more then half of people are like that.

[@cranbers]

Sad thing is the opposite is true too, I heard a lot of people are offered a place but no drugs are allowed. So its a deal breaker. In addition to that they tent to get destroyed, this happens a lot with motels / hotels the government buys out for people to stay in. Everything from destroyed furniture and walls and carpet. So its not sustainable.

[@queenj7720]

I am a strong supporter of housing first. I love to see clients grow from program entry to exit. I have seen clients who are now homeowners. I've seen veterans go from no benefits to 100% disability income. People just need a chance. Affordable housing though is a major issue for housing first programs. I really hope the cost of housing changes or more affordable housing units are built soon.

[@alexandraavila8491]

Yes, we need to take care of our Veterans and people suffering from mental issues.

[@davidmuresan628]

I have a good solution for homelessness. I offer rent on my property as low as 200 in a decent trailer or in a nice studio room with max 600. I may offer e good room to someone with 190 Welfare. Pay my 140, 100 is just electricity per month and that person may have food stamps and food bank and can make a living. Government is against my idea and today an order was signed to evict people from my house. I had 14 former homeless people in my garage and trailers, but those people were moved out. Now even the house wishes to be empty. Fortunately, I am allowed to live in a car on my property, but I cannot use toilet or shower in any building I have.

[@haikaloronsentnel138]

UN!TED SNAKES N0T C0MMUN!ST C0UNTRY!!! N0 WAY S0C!AL A!D!!!

[@mysticaltyger2009]

Homeless issues are the worst in politically liberal areas that refuse to build anywhere near enough housing.

[@rcisneros8567]

I prefer prevention. Help people before they are on the streets. Why wait until they are suffering so to help?

[@kiwitaco461]

I was homeless for two years on the street, and a year in my car. (I saved for a car bc saving for a deposit and first and last months rent, plus security seemed way too daunting) I noticed many of the programs meant for the homeless, especially if you weren't an addict, or wo kids, like myself, give you the run a around and let you fall through the cracks. With the help of a church I finally got my chance. And now I'm a single mom of two kids and in a subsidiarity program, bc I jacked my cards up w cash advances to pay for the $1400 rent, and the high cost of child care so I can work, I was on the verge of being homeless again w two small kids. It was a blessing beyond words to get into affordable housing. Bottom line, ppl need affordable housing and affordable and reliable day cares. But that is impossible w budget cuts and just the lack of it in some smaller cities. I hope to pay it forward one day.

[@ccarta192]

Wait a minute you had two children after your first homeless encounter . Then say u are a single mom facing the issue again? WTf how do u expect to support ur children with no husband/boyfriend to help support your kids?

[@kiwitaco461]

@@ccarta192 it wasn't intentional. Father didn't want to be a father anymore.

[@jiezhao8779]

@@kiwitaco461 u r African american?

[@kiwitaco461]

@@jiezhao8779 nope, I'm white.

[@naqu5323]

More power to you ❤🙌

[@Alaninbroomfield]

1st thing the federal government should do is prohibit foreign investors from buying residential housing. Vacation home? Fine. Want to rent it out or simply flip it? No.

[@arbitrarylib]

Right

[@montanagal6958]

Bingo

[@LifeOfTheParty323]

And to think, only a few years ago there was a show on tv called flip or flop and everyone thought it was entertainment.

[@redmed10]

Normal jobs just make home ownership unaffordable for a large proportion of population now. Housing costs are taking up a massive and growing proportion of a person's income. Wages have not kept up with general price inflation.

[@KRYMauL]

Trades are the new middle class, several European countries get it but the US still insists it's High School only.

[@AZTECNINJAWARRIOR]

Has nothing to do with inflation or your wages, it’s the result of NIMBY’s voting to prevent any new development. If they would let us build more housing, prices would drop.

[@redmed10]

@@AZTECNINJAWARRIOR House prices will not drop even if you built a million homes a year. A house used to be a years wages. Now they are most peoples 10x yearly wage and people can't afford the deposits.

[@garyp3472]

@@AZTECNINJAWARRIOR lol build as many new houses as you want, black Rock will buy them all, paying cash, 25% above market and then jacking up rents. Homeowners may as well be stealing money from a hedge fund managers, mistresses mouth. Not cool.

[@homelessjesse9453]

@@KRYMauL Trades are very physically intensive. You can only do that for so long.

[@reyr.7439]

Homelessness wouldn't be a problem if rent wasn't so expensive. The cheapest 1-bedroom apartment is $1500 a month!

[@boriskarloff598]

That's why I moved my family several years ago. Writing was on the wall. Nice house, garage, pool. I'm not even going to disclose price but less than that by far. Good luck.

[@enriquealomia6399]

Umm why didn’t they get a studio or a room to rent instead?

[@jjoohhhnn]

They need to offer livable 12x10x10 rooms to everyone, so rent pricing can be controlled by renters. Don't like 1,500 a a month? Wait out the land lord in your free room until your landlord has to reevaluate their pricing.

[@enriquealomia6399]

@@jjoohhhnn a room goes for 800 to 1100 where I live and even with minimum wage your able to do it well…if that person has no one to support of course

[@pammynickerson1073]

I have been homeless 4: yrs along with my boyfriend after losing my lifelong home to a reverse mortgage. We have done everything right to get out of it but NOONE has helped us. We work our asses off and I am on SSI and food stamps as well, struggling to survive. We reached out to every housing agency in the state and NOONE has helped us even financially never mind housing but yet immigrants that come into the US daily instantly get housing, food stamps and financial help! What is wrong with this picture?! We been on housing lists 4 yrs and can't get help! Most recently we were denied housing because we don't have updated IDs but how can we get them with no address?! It isn't fair!

[@electriccarpet4]

It will never be solved. Both sides of the argument are oversimplifying it. Giving homeless a home doesn’t guarantee an improved lifestyle, and not all homeless want drug or mental health treatment.

[@eduardochavacano]

the elite are bored. This is entertainment for them.

[@beauanderson7762]

Forcing the lazy ones into labor camps, and forcing the mentally ill into mental institutions would be an easy fix. The cost of tents, tools, and camping supplies would be very small. The only expensive cost would be 24 hour supervision. The mental institutions could be built several stories tall, and colosseum-style so no one gets out. Those who are on drugs would be forced to go cold turkey. Putting a lazy person's hands to labor helps reform the heart.

[@DawnReiFaun]

@@beauanderson7762 This is pure Nazism.

[@beauanderson7762]

@@DawnReiFaun Not even remotely. You don't have any idea what you're talking about. The Nazis exterminated people, and that isn't even remotely what I'm suggesting. The fact that you even went there means you're more of a Nazi than you accuse me of being. My suggestion would clean the trash up off the streets, and make our city cores safe and livable again.

[@klong9269]

@@beauanderson7762 Since when is creating a labor camp easy? Public backlash alone makes it a non-starter.

[@cheyj144]

They won’t solve the homeless problem because the threat of homelessness is “motivation”.

[@hectorramirez9889]

Ahh slave owner tatics. Feed them just enough .

[@mirabella2154]

That's an interesting thought..

[@Johnrl21]

@@hectorramirez9889 ummmm…..wat?

[@anniealexander9616]

@@hectorramirez9889 No! Feed them nothing so they will be motivated to get a job....like the tax payers.

[@user-dl7cx3tt5y]

@@anniealexander9616 -white girl who inherited all her money from daddy & hasn’t had to work hard a day in her life

[@davidperry4013]

The 5 most important things for a human being are: 1. Water 2. Food 3. Shelter 4. Physical Exercise 5. Happiness Buying a new high end smartphone every year or 2 only puts a bandaid to a stressful busy lifestyle and does not treat the root cause of stress. Us people putting a damper on a consumeristic lifestyle throughout society can help solve the problem of homelessness and cost prohibitive housing. It’s painful to adopt at first but in the long run it will become progressively more satisfying.

[@jeff63801]

Maslow's hierarchy of Needs

[@BizzeeB]

The only thing more expensive than spending money to help the homeless is not spending money to help the homeless.

[@enonh82]

Of course the homeless population keeps increasing, because more and more people are being driven into homelessness in the US, including people who work and are not addicted.

[@andrewmorton395]

You are spot on

[@ScareFestTTV]

Because they (federal government) don't want to bad enough. That's the way I see it. I don't just blame the US either. Here in Canada we can donate hundreds of millions to poor countries but we can't help all of our own first?

[@TheBooban]

It's a federal system. This is a state problem.

[@redwhite_040]

Same in Europe. Our own youth cannot afford a house, but we keep giving houses to asylum seekers.

[@user.w18]

Home is important same as food, cloth & medicine, so I can't say one is first or last (but sure not after job stability). Many people can't even think if don't have good sleep or are hungry or feel pain. It is really a deep pit. I think human support from close people (Family, Friends, Tribe, Neighbors) is important to keep you going on correct path and have positive feeling about it. As many users here had mentioned (same noticed in WWYD), when you are in that state people who don't know you, just keep far distance and avoid you, as some my go far to the level harming you.

[@brianh9358]

The reason we can't solve homelessness is because we blame the homeless for their situation. Individual people have tried to help, but the local governments and zoning laws will be used against anyone who tries to do so. There is no flexibility or sympathy. Recently I saw a story about a man in the Las Vegas area who used his own property to build some small shed homes for the homeless. He had gotten donations to carry out the job. There was nothing built nearby nor were any neighbors inconvenienced. The small shed homes were neatly constructed and were not an eyesore. But because the property was zoned for homes of a minimum of 1200 sq ft. the city came and demolished the shed homes without warning. They didn't bother to allow the homeless people living there to even remove their property. The cruelty of the action was just absurd. Why couldn't the city have looked at the situation and allowed an exception?

[@kineticstar]

It's not that it can't be solved it is that we don't want to solve it due to the effort and money it would take. It is more then just not having a home; you have to fix the addictions, mental health and education to get them back into the market. It is a beautiful hope but the reality of the issue is very complex and muddled.

[@tira2145]

Why do I have to fix someone's drug addiction? I didn't make them take a hit.

[@Stevethelightingguy]

@@tira2145 it's a bit counter-intuitive, but by doing nothing it costs us as taxpayers far more per person for social services, police, prison, etc

[@tira2145]

@@Stevethelightingguy billions of dollars spent, and you just want more.quit giving these people anything, that is the only way to fix this. By giving them just enough to scrape by, you are just a enabler.

[@haught7576]

@@tira2145 your method has been causing these problems

[@tira2145]

@@haught7576 so you are saying we don't spend any money on them? That is my method. They are just comfortable enough with there way of life. I have been homeless, you know what changed, I got hungry and cold. Just like that, I had a home.

[@VanTran-ne4yf]

The biggest problem in the US not homeless people but people feel isolation and loneliness. They depend on alcohol, drug and cocain to make them happy from the rich and famous to the poor .

[@SabrinaDacosta]

Best comment 💯

[@gewurztramina]

The biggest reason is that there is a severe lack of affordable housing.

[@Johnrl21]

@@gewurztramina Define “affordable”

[@svenvaltik5657]

@@Johnrl21 a roof and running water under two basic incomes should not be unattainable, yet opportunities in this country trend to pay just below that. On purpose.

[@Ninnjette-]

No the biggest problem in the US is democrat ran cities… rent is too high, leadership is terrible and there’s no prosecution for crimes. Prices in stores have gone up, because of all the theft’s..

[@gerardburns7175]

Thank you for bringing this to the forefront. Without a sufficient increase in affordable housing supply, this could become worse.

[@andrewjensen8189]

There is an abundance of affordable homes in America. The issue is, that homeless people don't want to live in a town of 3000 people where houses are affordable. They want to reside in Los Angeles, where working people still can't afford a home. Why should non-workers be gifted something working people spend their whole lives saving up for? If you are homeless then ask for a $10,000 home in rural montana.... Not a $1,000,000 apartment or house in the most expensive cities in America...

[@Anthony_Aú.GreenParty]

@@andrewjensen8189 - This is a national problem but for some reason many of you are fixated on Los Angeles.

[@andrewjensen8189]

@@Anthony_Aú.GreenParty Because cities like Los angles house a disproportionate amount of the country's homeless. This is not a coincidence. The homeless flock to the temperate west coast for the same reason rich people do. It is a national problem, but the individuals who are homeless in cities with a median house price of $60,000 are most likely homeless due to mental illness or addiction, not because their job doesn't pay a liveable wage. Minimum wage affords rent in many small towns/cities, just not in the most expensive cities in the world.

[@Anthony_Aú.GreenParty]

@@andrewjensen8189 - White people can safely move to rural areas. I'll stay close to urban centers where we've already defeated white supremacy. Good luck with your Los Angeles.

[@generalyan7084]

It's not a short supply of houses that's the problem, it's an over supply of currency (inflation) and low interest rates by the Federal Reserve that's created this massive wealth inequality, and as the Fed continues to Finance Congress' overspending it will continue to get worse.

[@aclark1197]

"You have to be able to shut down a piece of our own Humanity to be able to walk past another Individual who is in such difficult situation."

[@snowench11]

Homelessness is not a housing problem. Look to policies as the source, such as California's AB109, Prop 47, and Prop 57. Look to how long insurance covers rehab. Look to how long insurance covers mental health treatment. If there was a way government could make money off homelessness, you'd better believe it would be "solved." This situation is perpetuated. It didn't happen by accident.

[@Stephen_Luther]

The government does make money off homelessness. The government makes hand over fist money off of drug trafficking. So do the States. Not to mention all the money they make from arrests and drug cases generated from set ups and entrapment in their drug trafficking. If cops and federal agents really wanted to shut down the flow of drugs in their states then they could. The government wants drugs sold and they want people to be homeless. You can't possibly think things are the way they are because the government isn't making money from it.

[@RemnantSRT440]

I been doing some research on homelessness and it looks like there is no 1 size fits all solution. As mentioned in this video, there is a variety on the type of homeless that there is. Some people have mental problems whether it be from natural causes or drug use, and nowadays it is hard to put those people in a mental institute against their will. Other People, because of their financial circumstances, are homeless and they really need some help getting some sort of stability so they can find their footing. and last we have the group of people who actually do not want to work or contribute to society. All these people present a unique challenger. But we as a society need to do better. Our government needs to do better, but they can't seem to manage anything right.

[@borderlessdoctordesu9459]

and nobody cares about the working class that are working their butts off and supporting this welfare state, and they don’t even make it back after all that sacrifice in the end due to higher tax brackets, throwing their life away at work, in trade for their health and well being (mental health, friends, family too, etc).

[@tonynunez6539]

I've been homeless but now am doing well. The United States has a homeless problem because of Ronald Reagan and the Republicans. I now live overseas where we don't have that problem.

[@worldcitizeng6507]

Those who have seen Normadland knew that homeless people come in different categories. I know someone who can't sign a lease due to not having a stable income, so living in a vehicle is the only option. By taking the Christmas seasonal job, working 8 or 10 hours/day on her feet except lunch break. Now that the busy shopping season is over, there's no more work even though she has a bachelor degree. Job search for 8 months yields with only a seasonal job. Living in a vehicle is hard during winter. Going to the library for job search is 1 option but the library close by 4pm. People always think homeless people are bumps, but we know there are many jobs which doesn't pay enough to afford the high cost of housing and transportation.

[@Souljahbug88]

We need jobs in environmental stewardship and food systems work, good employment right there, take out the pollutants and plant the fruits . :)

[@notize8246]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJvIdn2Ai6uWorc ☝️☝️

[@LauraMidwest]

having worked in for-profit education, part of the theory in the sales pitch was called "hooplessness", the less hoops a studebt had to go through, the more likely they would sign up for school. this is the same thing, the less a person has to do to get to a place of security frees up the mental energy and they can focus on the next step. this program is absolutely correct in their thinking.

[@warrentoles3127]

Yup. The people at the shelters deliberately make your life harder too. It's disgusting how they treat "clients".

[@warrentoles3127]

@William Smith im an auditor. i think i know what im talking about. mind your business lil boy.

[@warrentoles3127]

@William Smith funny guy.

[@victorbarkley7785]

Hello America, shame on you for letting HOMELESSNESS get out of control!!!

[@vickygraham2444]

Money gets allocated for homelessness and then it's squandered on hiring consultants, secretaries etc. Instead of using money in a judicious manner, building more tiny home communities, providing porta potties, trash removal etc

[@faridjafari6356]

There are tens of thousands of abandoned homes all around US in cities like Detroit and St. Louis and sometimes there are entire towns abandoned, so instead of spending a lot of money to build new houses for the homeless, with a portion of that money needed to build new houses, a lot of these abandoned houses can be repaired to be used by homeless people and families which may be enough to solve the homelessness problem forever.

[@daebak_hana]

Agreed! In upstate new york it's the same. Beautiful old houses that just need to be repaired. Practically the whole city of Syracuse is like this. Putting money into maintaining the houses which the city already owns, would create housing and decrease blight.

[@bryanx5829]

Because they need to pay the property taxes for that land, you can't just freeload.

[@xcqematic1]

Except they dont want to be there. In SF we provide free housing, meals, medical care, AND free needles but they still choose to live in the streets.

[@zezmerelda240]

i've always wondered the same thing.

[@xcqematic1]

@Dark Clouds yes. No drugs in the hotel. They get repulsed by that.

[@tinatheartistlife9529]

It hurts when it's a family member, and all the suffering the familys and community endure with our storys.

[@glennabate1708]

Americans living like this while trillions of dollars are given to foreigners. America is a sick place and it’s population is not very happy. What was it all worth if this is the result.

[@alvisserrano9797]

Im 49 and i see me an a homeless man in 2 years. Both my brothers own homes. I owned my home from 2000-2015 lost my job. Lost home. 3yrs of working doing anything to survive. Then pandemic . Now working doing deliveries in my own car. I have 15 years of working in law enforcement of at risk youth and 7 years of mental health experience in acute psych facilities plus a certified medical assist plus An AA . I apply for jobs through an agency sadly employers dont hire no more . Worst is all this experience. I cant get a job to pay rent . Now most people dont have my education . How will they pay.... if i cant and tying. My brother say , you cant be here 4 ever . Man oh man im trying.

[@ericvonjeffeson2640]

Praying for you brother, hang in there.

[@alvisserrano9797]

@@ericvonjeffeson2640 Thank you Sir.👍

[@realdeal139]

Roll with the punches brother. Stay strong

[@Chaz2yacom]

HUD laws need to be reformed. I live in a HUD elerly community and people can get kicked out for ANYTHING. HUD does not protect tenants, the laws are so bad that if you fight eviction in court , THEY WILL NOT LET YOU APPLY AGAIN FOR 7 YEARS! I see people becoming homeless, who are too old and sick to fight being evicted.

[@shaymalchione809]

I took care of an elderly lady who told me she was homeless & lived in her car for 2 years. She said they kept raising her rent & she just couldn’t afford it anymore. She had no children or family she was raised in the foster system. She said finally a church heard about her situation & got her help.

[@thishandleistaken2023]

I wish cities would purchase the oldest, most functionally obsolete apartment buildings and old motels/hotels and convert them into transitional housing for the homeless. It would provide jobs to maintain and manage these facilities.

[@vylbird8014]

And inspire a lot of opposition from the local community.

[@generalyan7084]

Government is the problem, not the solution. END THE FEDERAL RESERVE

[@jonatand2045]

Cities changing zoning so the housing supply increases would be more effective.

[@generalyan7084]

@@jonatand2045 government is bigger and more bloated than ever as homelessness is the worst it's ever been. Shrink government, and solve the money problem with higher interest rates and no more QE and you'll resolve the homeless problem as borrowing (debt enslavement) becomes more expensive, homes will become more affordable.

[@jonatand2045]

@@generalyan7084 It is mainly a supply issue, there has been a shortage for decades. As long as there obstacles to development that shortage will remain.

[@kmlund42]

Blaming the victim is always easier when you aren't the one suffering. If you think you can never be homeless think again. One bad health event can immediately put you at risk for not being able to make money. Healthcare is expensive and one not covered illness or event can bankrupt a person. We are starting to have more homelessness than third world countries. Poor people do not through away people like we do in this system.

[@AndrewSmith7]

Problem is cities get that money and allocate that into contracts and high priced condos and apartments. When you give ppl jobs and a place of their own. That's when you can improve things not only will that help the homeless but brings in more revenue for the city state and fed while saving more because ppl won't have to rely on government resources. One of the biggest issues is on job applications "your address" and "have you been convicted"

[@valeriab9735]

Well it's not quite that simple I'm not in defense of the government I see the top people taking this money that has been allocated but my point is it was a social experiment then a couple decades ago by CBS News they probably wouldn't admit to it now but back then they chose 12 people took them out of the hood gave them $25,000 in whatever help they needed information wise to start a new life to get a new home new job new area and at the end of one year all of them had gone back to the hood except one and every single one of them named The reason as they missed their community so there is a huge emotional tie to the poverty community in order to help somebody you've got to break that cycle of poverty that comfort of poverty

[@parrisatkins8776]

@@valeriab9735 Um, Yeah! It's called help the community, not just the individual.

[@dalton6173]

Condos on 100% high price originally the problem is whenever you have people who rent the condo and then they rent it to someone else in the nitrogen to someone else and then suddenly you're paying for people for the right to live inside instead of just one person like indentured servitude used to be like... granted we do have a lot more freedom with the leftover change we have after paying our chosen master... I say chosen because theoretically you do have some choice in where you live if you make enough to get permission from another human being to live inside like a human being

[@valeriab9735]

@@parrisatkins8776 Paris that's where you're wrong by helping one you help the community it goes all the way down to helping the one

[@AllHandlesRTaken]

But that would be a solution to the problem. This ignored.

[@zztop8592]

Inflation is why we have homelessness, wages never keep up with home prices or rent. It will never be solved unless minimum wage goes up to 25-30 dollars an hour, or houses come down in price.

[@generalyan7084]

Correct, it's the wealth gap created by the Federal Reserve's inflationary policies and interest rate manipulation that has destroyed our economy and housing market. END THE FED

[@desertangelfish140]

This is a runaway train that's never going to slow down. Widespread homelessness is going to be the new normal. And there isn't any shame in that when you're dealing with the system that works against you and not for you. In most cases it doesn't diminish the value you are as a human being on this planet!

[@zztop8592]

@@desertangelfish140 I'm sorry to know that you are homeless. What I did was buy the cheapest home I could find when I was in my 20's ($19k at the time)and keep it up for 2-3 years, then sell it and use the profit as a down payment on a little better home, and do that every 2-4 years.

[@hsinhuang6039]

It is so sad to see this. . As a Taiwanese, alot of families, relatives, and friends more willing to help each others. People also like to save money aside. 23 Millions population, only 9K homeless, one of the lowest homeless rate in the world. 1% poverty rate, low unemployment rate. universal care (so no bankrupcy because of that), free public college, so 50% has college degree. I think that are also the factors low homelessness. and Taiwan is capitalism, full democracy, with many different religions. Also the Homeless Taiwan Association employ homeless people or help them find employment, provide shelter, social service, counseling, and legal aid to those on the streets.

[@Athrunwong]

That’s just communism…when you need government to involve for everything.

[@Fringes007]

@@Athrunwong easy for you to say while your in your parents basement

[@blandgreen4135]

@@Athrunwong I'm not being an ass when I ask this but in that scenario who is supposed to help if not the government?

[@conductingintomfoolery9163]

@@blandgreen4135 you

[@Athrunwong]

@@blandgreen4135 Help yourself, stop being lazy and start working. The country is built great because of Capitalism, we should stop spoon feeding the lazy. If they want to live, they will find a work.

[@JoseLopez-ys2oz]

The United States (US) can’t solve her homelessness, because her own citizens have no say in our government. The People’s Republic of China, on the other hand, has already eradicated poverty at home, despite having 4 times the US’ population. Moreover, while only 40% of US citizens are satisfied with our government, 90% of Chinese are satisfied with theirs. Who is the real champion of democracy? The US consistently ignores 42 United Nations resolutions asking her to immediately return Puerto Rico’s sovereignty to the Puerto Ricans. Two thirds of Puerto Ricans today reside away from our national territory. The US, thus, is committing a crime against humanity. How could that be indicative of being the leader of the free world? Democracy is dead as long as oligarchs run the US government.

[@JitzyJT]

but but but ugly looking Chinese are trying to enter US illegally and not the other way around....Why is that?

[@philbrzezinski6]

You finally noticed??? It's been going on since day one!!!

[@joebloggs830]

I'm homeless and partly because being nice to these people means so much to them. I live in public spaces, with a community vibe, and couldn't be happier. The only downside is occasionally the police and council come and ransack the entire space and throw everyone's things out, but when you only have basics you can find a new cup, cutlery, and plate at charity.

[@tanyatressler3132]

💕

[@nagratna793]

Really?? I hope u get helped 🙏

[@ccarta192]

Really? How do u pay for the necessities? Be homeless is not a lifestyle.. hey if u could be homeless without being a problem for those that prefer a home then go for it however in reality it never works out that way

[@joebloggs830]

@@ccarta192 In this country there is a safety net that if you have nothing they can help pay for your necessities... it's about $40 per day and without paying $20 or more for a roof alone, the $40 goes quite far. That's what shocked me - I could live in a room of a house and pay over half just for that, or go without that and have more money for food etc. I decided life was better without making an already wealthy landlord any wealthier and I was going to look after myself.

[@Angry.General1461]

@@nagratna793 The U.S. could solve the homeless, they just refuse to! It's amazing how they claim they can't afford to take care of the homeless or the ones in need in their own country. But they could somehow come up with billions of dollars overnight to help people in Ukraine!

[@forcesightknight]

At certain point being homeless becomes your baseline and we learn to live without the amenities most people get spoiled with. It's just to bad lots of us regret being in the service.

[@newmexicoballer3867]

The problem with America is that America don't put humans first. We spend more of our resources on animal shelter and dog programs more than we do helping homeless adults and children.

[@iFunnyV2]

Nobody wants to talk about this. This dog culture we have has gone too far.

[@RS-ls7mm]

Total BS.

[@justrandomthings319]

Don't upset the white women.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Absolutely true.

[@dreesunc]

Source?

[@Ablemaung]

The real deep rooted cause of homelessness is a cultural issue. And it starts with the family unit. Without a strong family structure, people fall victim to many things that causes homelessness such as drug addiction, financial problems and etc. You often don’t see homeless asian people because family structure is strong in Asian communities. Many Asians will lean on their family during hard times. It is the family unit that keeps society from decaying. Kids growing up in single parent households are at more risk to crime and poverty.

[@Arkine13]

You can't build affordable housing, mostly because of the policies, regulations and fees that have been put into place. You have to get permits for EVERYTHING and some projects have to be approved by outside entities (or voted on) before you can even begin (in some cases solar and wind power plans have to be approved by the power company even if they aren't going to be hooked to the grid...sorry but what? Why do I need the power company's approval for an off grid system?) In addition you can only build with "stamped" lumber (you can buy a lumber mill and cut lumber, but you can't build or sell it without it being stamped). In order to become certified to approve lumber for building you have to take classes and pay a monthly fee after you get certified...why is there a monthly fee for this? An annual licensing fee, sure I could understand that, but a monthly fee? And lets really consider all these regulations. 20 years ago you had 14-17 mins to get out of a house fire, now you have 2-3 mins due to all the synthetic and usually cheap materials used in furnishings and housing construction--and we're paying more for inferior houses. And if you own a mobile home you're really screwed because banks don't treat those houses the same when you're looking at a loan, especially if you try to refinance or get a home equity loan to cover unexpected expenses. And don't even think about trying to get financed for a tiny house. The only way this country is going to get better, is to stop letting the government regulate every damn aspect of our lives. Oh, and electric cars...not as good as people think they are at "saving the environment." Emissions regulations make many older cars illegal, yet, these are the only cars that poor families can afford. So now you just made their transportation illegal because the only places they can afford to live are usually a long way from their jobs. Now they have to go try to get a loan for a newer used car that they can't even work on because of all the damn computer crap in it? Often the loan for the car is far more than they can really afford. They default on the loan, loose the car, loose their job and loose their house. STOP with the damn regulatory laws! They aren't helping. The government is starting to act like a giant HOA and that is very bad for everyone.

[@jarjarbinks6018]

Housing helps but the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill we saw decades ago has really done a number to our healthcare system. Many people with untreated mental illness stay mentally ill either due to not having avenues of outreach or refusing all services offered to them. In either circumstances the illness remains untreated

[@lowmelh8497]

Stop assuming.

[@lowmelh8497]

In California 30 % of junior college students, 23% of CSU & 22% of UC are homeless at any one point time during the school year. In 2018, 11% of Google engineers in Mt. View California were homeless.

[@0IIIIII]

@@lowmelh8497 proof?

[@0IIIIII]

Thanks to Ronald Reagan

[@jarjarbinks6018]

@@lowmelh8497 The majority of Americans who become homeless sometime in their life recover fairly quickly, find another job, or find a living unit with more favorable prices. The “visible” homeless (living in tents on the sidewalk) however that this documentary was talking about a bit more make up a smaller percentage of the overall homeless population but often have a much more difficult time recovering due to more difficult underlying problems. Homelessness is clearly a multifaceted issue but to respond to someone raising attention to what is clearly an mental health crisis and opioid crisis among some of our homeless population (overdoses have been rising across the board over the past few years) and telling them to “stop assuming” is counterproductive and gives off the idea that homeless people fit only one description and therefor don’t need different treatments which is verifiably untrue

[@jbb8261]

One time I lost my wallet, and needed to get a new driver’s license. My mom was trying to wire me money since naturally with no wallet, I couldn’t purchase anything in an emergency. I also needed gas. Well, in order to receive the wire, they wouldn’t accept my social, birth certificate, or any other info. They needed a new driver’s license in spite of me making it clear I didn’t have it. So I was kind of screwed. I stood in a parking lot, well dressed, and before getting in my car I just started crying from frustration. A kind lady walked up to me and asked what was wrong. She gave me $10. I was able to get gas to go get a new license, which enabled me to go back to the store and accept the wired money. After this, I offered anything I could to homeless people even if ALL I had on me was clean water and uneaten food.

[@LifeOfTheParty323]

I don't mind buying homeless people food or water but money is a no for me.

[@someoneout-there2165]

The US could solve homelessness but it will not because most people are only concerned with trying to impress others or make them jealous. Then many of those that have excess money, if you even mention helping the homeless, they will have an excuse like.. it's my money and I'm going to do what I want! The only way a lot of people will try and "help" the homeless is by getting or exploiting them to get involved with criminal activity so the person supplying money doesn't have to worry about getting caught.