3 ms·

I experienced homelessness for a while in my 20's (back in the 90's, for reference). And yes, there were a group of people who were homeless and did not want to

I experienced homelessness for a while in my 20's (back in the 90's, for reference). And yes, there were a group of people who were homeless and did not want to change. They would complain to everyone who could give them cash or assistance about how horrible their life was, and how they were victims of circumstance, but to other homeless people they were quite honest about their intentions to stay on the streets. I never experienced people abusing me or stealing my stuff, but they were definitely difficult to be around. "ruiners" is a great name for them. I moved on, getting some casual construction labouring work that allowed me to get the deposit for a rental property together (90's remember, not sure that would be possible today). And a friend let me housesit her place for a couple of weeks, which really helped. I'm not saying we shouldn't help the homeless... I got a helping hand up from a construction contractor who didn't have to help me, and I'm grateful for it. But maybe don't be surprised if earnest attempts to help the situation aren't received well.

mav3rick 8y ago
Do you have any ideas as to why they prefer to stay on the streets ?
- codeafin 8y ago
  It's similar to someone complaining about their job or relationship, but refusing to do anything about it. Life can be comfortable if you keep thinking to yourself that you are a helpless victim. You become your own biggest hurdle at that point but it's a consistent predictable life people sometimes subconsciously fall into. It's also still subjective to say not being homeless is all good. Some may even prefer that "free" lifestyle of not having to have responsibilities.
  - marcus_holmes 8y ago
    I had a mate around the same time who was voluntarily homeless. A Falklands veteran who'd worked on bomb disposal. They didn't know what PTSD was back then, but after he'd seen too many of his friends blown up in buildings, he didn't trust them much, and preferred living outdoors. But that's a different thing, I think. Totally agree, for some people painting themselves as innocent victims of circumstance allowed them to avoid all responsibility for their lives, and let them continue avoiding facing unpleasant/difficult truths about themselves. Not all, obviously, but there were those who didn't want to change because change would be painful.

mav3rick 8y ago

Do you have any ideas as to why they prefer to stay on the streets ?

codeafin 8y ago
It's similar to someone complaining about their job or relationship, but refusing to do anything about it. Life can be comfortable if you keep thinking to yourself that you are a helpless victim. You become your own biggest hurdle at that point but it's a consistent predictable life people sometimes subconsciously fall into. It's also still subjective to say not being homeless is all good. Some may even prefer that "free" lifestyle of not having to have responsibilities.
- marcus_holmes 8y ago
  I had a mate around the same time who was voluntarily homeless. A Falklands veteran who'd worked on bomb disposal. They didn't know what PTSD was back then, but after he'd seen too many of his friends blown up in buildings, he didn't trust them much, and preferred living outdoors. But that's a different thing, I think. Totally agree, for some people painting themselves as innocent victims of circumstance allowed them to avoid all responsibility for their lives, and let them continue avoiding facing unpleasant/difficult truths about themselves. Not all, obviously, but there were those who didn't want to change because change would be painful.