5 ms·

I just googled my guy. He is homeless but he's in Salt Lake and apparently in jail, unable to post the $200 he'd need for a $2000 bail for assault on a police

• dgzl 8y ago
  Once you're on the street, life becomes incredibly more difficult. Physical security, shelter, food, good hygiene, human relationships- everyone needs these things, yet a person's options absolutely dissolve when they're forced onto the street. The best opportunities available are now illegal, making them rethink their moral and ethical responsibilities, further turning the crank of depression, anxiety, suffering. This man I talked with, one of our conversations was about the daily offerings of free food in Portland for essentially anyone willing to show up. He listed off several places, praising the eggs and waffles at one place, but dismissing the bland oatmeal of another. It gave me hope to see him happily reminiscing the generous efforts of those willing to offer their time, skill and supply. I think it's important to understand that the homeless are more like regular people than we want to admit. There are some sweet and kind people who try really hard to maintain, and there are some bastards who are fine, or even excited, to ruin it for everyone. The question is, how do we identify those willing to work hard at rehabilitation, against those who are happy to commit real crimes against people? How can we offer them cheap housing and meaningful work?