Homelessness

charlene · 2003-09-17 16:18:59

Recently in the forum titled Skangers the subject has went off course abit and lead more towards homeless people I myself being Homeless would just like to see what people think homeless people are like. Many people seem to be stereotypical about the subject. So it would be greatly appreciated if you could just piont out…

17-09-2003 05:18PM

#1

charlene

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Recently in the forum titled Skangers the subject has went off course abit and lead more towards homeless people I myself being Homeless would just like to see what people think homeless people are like. Many people seem to be stereotypical about the subject. So it would be greatly appreciated if you could just piont out to me what you think a homeless person looks and acts like and do you think they are all the same?

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#2 17-09-2003 05:24PM

bloggs

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I guess people expect homeless people to be either in rags, or to be in poor clothes, to be sleeping in door ways or to ahve a cup in their hand begging beside an ATM.

I find it interesting that some people who are homeless, prefer to be that way. They don't want to get a job or better themselves. Of course this is a miniority (i hope).

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#3 17-09-2003 05:25PM

bloggs

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May i ask another question, do you beg? If so how much on average per day do you make? You don't have to answer if you don't want to.

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#4 17-09-2003 05:34PM

Runfree

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Hi Charlene,

How did you become homeless. Sorry to ask. But just trying to do some research(just for myself) as how some one becomes homeless. What ways do people loose their homes.

RunFree

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#5 17-09-2003 05:44PM

charlene

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I think for some people being homeless becomes away of life they get so used to it that they don't want to change. No, I don't beg and I wouldn't lower myself to doing that I have friends that beg. They all have drug addictions though and in fairness they can make quiet alot in a day depending on what type of begging such as the girls walking down the street saying they lost there bus fair or sitting at ATM machines. The most common cause of homelessness seems to be caused by alchol or drug addicition. Although The most common in under 18's homelessness seems to be through bad relationships with there familys or because of their parents drug or alchol addictions.

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#6 17-09-2003 05:49PM

charlene

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I myself am Homeless due to my Mother's drinking problem as I'm the oldest of three kids I can see what problems it causes where my little brother and sister see it and think that it is normal. I have no problem telling people that I'm homeless and the reason why. As I don't think there is anything I should be ashamed of most of my friends are homeless for the exact same reason. This seems to be the most common of all among the under 18's.

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#7 17-09-2003 05:52PM

Runfree

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Alright so you are suffering from your mothers problem. Soprry to hear that. *hug*
Anyway I hope you get on well.

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#8 17-09-2003 05:55PM

charlene

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Don't worry I will I'm well able to look out for myself. Thanks for the hug I needed it.
Only messing!!!!!

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#9 17-09-2003 06:34PM

charlene

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Yes, I'm doing fine the way I am now. Hopefully in 6 years time I'll be working in the hostels myself with teenagers that are going through the same thing's as I have. Although I'll be doing alot better then and I will be able to tell the teenagers that I went through the same **** as them but look at me now.

You really gotta consintrate reading this it's a bit all over the
place

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#10 17-09-2003 06:42PM

charlene

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Oh of course I need help I can't do everything on my own, but write now i'm just taking things day by day and hoping for the best. I've no plans for the future except to finish school and go to college get a good job and sort myself out with a nice house. If I can get that I'll be one of the happiest people in the world. Sorry if that doesn't quiet answer your questions.

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#11 17-09-2003 07:06PM

patch

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Originally posted by charlene
Oh of course I need help I can't do everything on my own, but write now i'm just taking things day by day and hoping for the best. I've no plans for the future except to finish school and go to college get a good job and sort myself out with a nice house. If I can get that I'll be one of the happiest people in the world. Sorry if that doesn't quiet answer your questions.

It answers perfectly. I think you'll find that most people on here have the same goals.
I'll offer you a bit of advice. Seen as you know what you want, start the wheels in motion, time goes a lot faster than you think!

Good Luck.....

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#12 17-09-2003 08:47PM

Paddy20

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charlene,

Why do I get the feeling we are not being given the whole story here?.... The simple fact is that in Ireland today. You are entitled to a rent allowance of up to 100%. This rent allowance is payable either direct to your Landlord or to you, if you can be regarded as trustworthy and reliable.

Your local Community Welfare Officer who is employed by your local Health Board is responsible for administering this statutory allowance. You usually qualify if you are genuinely homeless, but when you mention hostels and all your friends are on drugs etc, I begin to wonder if you have ever bothered looking for a decent room/bedsit, to start with and claim the rent from your local C.W.O.

Are you not aware that it is in fact illegal for any local authority, or Health Board, to allow anyone who wants a decent roof over their head and is homeless, to remain homeless!.

A decent place to live should be your first priority. I do not know what age you are, but if you are under eighteen, you are entitled to a lot of state help. Start by visiting your nearest Citizens Information Centre [CIC], they should clarify your housing rights. And a lot of other matters.

If you are underage and had to leave home because of unbearable circumstances. Then you clearly did not voluntarily* make yourself homeless. Therefore you are entitled a lot of monetary* help. Have a look at this website:- www.oasis.gov.ie
and look up Social Welfare Allowances, then Rent Allowances!. Do not take the standard "You are not entitled" answer that a lot of C.W.Officers, tend to throw at people in an effort to get rid of them. Demand your rights as a citizen. IMHO, living one night at a time, in insecure hostels is the worst place to be. You have a lot of options, which in an ideal world someone would already have told you about, but unfortunately when you are down in this life you can end up getting kicked so much, that in the end you feel like giving up.

Even a Bed&Breakfast would be better than a hostel , and your local C.W.O is obliged to pay for it until you find something better. Like a bedsit or share something larger with a friend. You can both claim!.

That will do for now. Post a reply if you wish, as I would like to know how you get on.

P.;)

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#13 17-09-2003 10:23PM

MarcusGarvey

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Originally posted by daveg
His comments are however typical of Hitler, Stalin ect ect...

Godwins Law again !

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#14 18-09-2003 03:30AM

shinobi

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Originally posted by charlene
I myself am Homeless due to my Mother's drinking problem as I'm the oldest of three kids I can see what problems it causes where my little brother and sister see it and think that it is normal.

You are right in what you say up to this point.
Don't you think that you being the eldest, that you should show some responsibility towards your younger siblings in this situation. Who is there to help them? You seem to be very smart in what you've posted, but the younger ones need consideration too.

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#15 18-09-2003 12:04PM

MojoMaker

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Exactly why are you homeless Charlene? Why did you *have* to leave, were you being beaten or physically abused? How come you left two younger siblings to fend for themselves. How come you have no aunts/uncles/grandparents/friends/neighbours you could stay with? Why aren't you telling us the full story?

How are we supposed to sympathise with & help you if we don't understand the full situation?

I do know someone close to me who had to become homeless because an evil stepfather was physically abusing him so I realise there is usually some objective issue/concern underlying these decisions.

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#16 18-09-2003 12:20PM

Monty - the one and only

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Spam removed, including richindubs inappropriate comment...

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#17 18-09-2003 12:57PM

Runfree

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Originally posted by MojoMaker

How are we supposed to sympathise with & help you if we don't understand the full situation?

Maybe she does not like to speak off the expierence. Now I could be wrong if so please correct me charlene.

But these aren't the replies she is looking for. She is looking for a response to her question.

So it would be greatly appreciated if you could just piont out to me what you think a homeless person looks and acts like and do you think they are all the same?

I'll answer first anyway.

Generally you think some one is homeless when you see them begging on the street.

But I know from expierence that I knew some one homeless but he didn't beg. He was well dressed and had a bit of cash for food and things. He was living in a homeless shelter but he had a small job that earned him some cash.
He was a very decent man and didn't look the slightest bit like a skanger.

Hope this helps charlene.

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#18 18-09-2003 01:29PM

Sposs

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Charlene i think your telling a porky - your homeless yet you have Internet access , where are u staying at the moment, r u still in school and if so how?

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#19 18-09-2003 01:48PM

Mercury_Tilt

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#20 18-09-2003 02:43PM

daveg

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Nice one Mec

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#21 18-09-2003 02:43PM

daveg

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Originally posted by Sposs
Charlene i think your telling a porky - your homeless yet you have Internet access , where are u staying at the moment, r u still in school and if so how?

Cybercafe ?

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#22 18-09-2003 02:44PM

Sposs

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Originally posted by daveg
Cybercafe ?

U'd think she'd save her money for food???

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#23 18-09-2003 03:30PM

charlene

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First of all I'm not looking for sympathy just want to get that off my chest. I have already explained on several occasions that I have access to a computer in the loft which is a day centre for homeless teenagers where we can eat, shower, watch TV and use the computers. About the entitlement to rent allowence and so on I actually can't apply for rent allowence till I am 18 or else 16 with a child that is as far as I know but I will check out that web site because I am not fully informed about my intitlements. I am aware that my younger brother and sister are having to live through alot of **** but they don't seem to be bothered by it yet but I do take them out as much as possible to Stephen's green or swimming etc. I left home due to verbal abuse being put down and told a was worthless all the time. Pyhsical abuse was rare but did happen on many occasions. My mam is an only child and I have no realastionship with neither of my grandparents as the live in cork and it has been along time since I seen them. On my fathers side it is a family of 13. 8 of which are still living with my granny in a three bedroom house meaning there is no room for me. So I hope I've answered all your Questions.

Oh and Mercury when can I moe in.;)

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#24 18-09-2003 04:17PM

K2

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I suppose my image of a homeless person is somebody with a drink or drugs problem, dirty clothes and in need of a good wash.

I know you haven't asked for any advice but keep up school if you can and I hope all works out for you.

btw: MarcusGarvey, are you saying the thread should end? Or do you have anything relevant to say 'cos you are going to get pretty boring if all your posts are three word affairs.

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#25 18-09-2003 04:33PM

bloggs

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Originally posted by charlene
First of all I'm not looking for sympathy just want to get that off my chest. I have already explained on several occasions that I have access to a computer in the loft which is a day centre for homeless teenagers where we can eat, shower, watch TV and use the computers. About the entitlement to rent allowence and so on I actually can't apply for rent allowence till I am 18 or else 16 with a child that is as far as I know but I will check out that web site because I am not fully informed about my intitlements. I am aware that my younger brother and sister are having to live through alot of **** but they don't seem to be bothered by it yet but I do take them out as much as possible to Stephen's green or swimming etc. I left home due to verbal abuse being put down and told a was worthless all the time. Pyhsical abuse was rare but did happen on many occasions. My mam is an only child and I have no realastionship with neither of my grandparents as the live in cork and it has been along time since I seen them. On my fathers side it is a family of 13. 8 of which are still living with my granny in a three bedroom house meaning there is no room for me. So I hope I've answered all your Questions.

Oh and Mercury when can I moe in.;)

Im sure if you told your family in Cork what the situation is, they would be more than happy to help you get back on your feet. I have many relations, and i can't see any of them kicking me out of their house. I know my parents would be willing to give someone a roof other their head if they are family.

On your father's side there is 13 'children'????? And 8 fo them live at home??? Bloody hell, I am so strange, because i moved out of my home, got a job and get a house of my own when i was 18????

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#26 18-09-2003 04:35PM

bloggs

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Originally posted by Sposs
U'd think she'd save her money for food???

I think she said in another thread that she works in McDonalds, fair play to her if she does. At least she isn't begging on the street

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#27 18-09-2003 05:37PM

Mercury_Tilt

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#28 18-09-2003 05:42PM

Sposs

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Apologies you sounded like a troll at the start of the thread - but you seem genuine and as Merc said you seem to have a head on your shoulders , best of luck in the future and if you're ever stuck for something post here in boards there's always someone who knows someone who knows someone that can help ya

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#29 19-09-2003 03:11AM

shinobi

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Originally posted by charlene
I am aware that my younger brother and sister are having to live through alot of **** but they don't seem to be bothered by it yet but I do take them out as much as possible to Stephen's green or swimming etc. I left home due to verbal abuse being put down and told a was worthless all the time.

I think that you are very brave in what you have done & your younger siblings need to have the mental thought & stability as you have. Give them the same thought and guidance as you have and give them something they have to look up to.

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#30 19-09-2003 11:19AM

Runfree

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Originally posted by Mercury_Tilt
We have decided or rather I have ... to adopt you.

Your new House of the pear scented type delling place.

And where are my keys Merc?

You've seem to have lost them???

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#31 19-09-2003 12:15PM

Sposs

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Merc wont let me in cause i like to touch

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