Impromptu Ask Me Anything: Homelessness

Homeless2019

I don't really know why I'm creating this thread. Before I became homeless myself, I hadn't known what it had entailed. Let me tell you my story and then I will answer some questions.

I'm a regular boards user, although not usually on AH.

Last Winter, I lost my flat due to a mixture of rent arrears and marriage breakdown.

For a long time, I have observed a narrative on social media that the homeless are somehow deficient in our work ethic, or in our personalities; unable to hold down jobs, or unable to secure employment. I am a worker, as are many of the men I share accommodation with. I estimate that about 4 in every 10 of the men in my hostel are workers. Another 4 in 10 are probably addicted to drugs, and the remaining two are likely to be mentally unwell.

As this is an 'entry level' hostel (one that you would be admitted to if you ever became homeless), I reckon it's fairly reflective of the overall homeless demographic.

I read a lot of rubbish online about homelessness - about how it's used and abused, but nobody I've ever met is abusing the system. I've met 19 year olds who have been abusing heroin since before they were teenagers. I've shared rooms with men who have never lived in normal families, having been in the 'Care' of the State since they were teens, often physically and sexually abused. I have never met a single chancer who was living in this accommodation for the fun of it, or for any chance at a social house, of which there is little.

I myself am a student in a Dublin university, and I had to choose between living on the streets or dropping out of college. It wasn't an easy choice, but I've stayed in college and am lucky to have hardly ever had to sleep on the streets.

Lets clear up a lot of the BS around homelessness. Ask me anything.

Homeless2019

Berties_Horse wrote: »

When is your next fiction?

I am spending tonight in college because I can't afford a bed for the night.

Next question?

Mrs OBumble

What would make a difference for you right now?

Your Face

Familiar.

noubliezjamais

Can anyone become homeless? I'll definitely become homeless this August if I don't get into college (according to my father).

How old are you if you don't me asking? I'm 20 and repeating the leaving cert.

Would you say it's easy for anyone to become homeless? I heard the high cost of rents in Dublin along with poor mental health system here exacerbate the issue. But on the other hand, I've heard that certain government departments are loosening the term on what it means to be homeless.

kippy

Do you have a support network of:
Friends?
Family?
If so are you able to utilise them for whatever assistance you require?

How are you managing to afford college and all that goes with it in the capital city?
Have you looked at moving to a less expensive city?

I am sorry to hear of your troubles.

timthumbni

When you did have to sleep rough have you received any hassle from the public or police?

Ha Long Bay

Homeless2019 wrote: »

I don't really know why I'm creating this thread. Before I became homeless myself, I hadn't known what it had entailed. Let me tell you my story and then I will answer some questions.

I'm a regular boards user, although not usually on AH.

Last Winter, I lost my flat due to a mixture of rent arrears and marriage breakdown.

For a long time, I have observed a narrative on social media that the homeless are somehow deficient in our work ethic, or in our personalities; unable to hold down jobs, or unable to secure employment. I am a worker, as are many of the men I share accommodation with. I estimate that about 4 in every 10 of the men in my hostel are workers. Another 4 in 10 are probably addicted to drugs, and the remaining two are likely to be mentally unwell.

As this is an 'entry level' hostel (one that you would be admitted to if you ever became homeless), I reckon it's fairly reflective of the overall homeless demographic.

I read a lot of rubbish online about homelessness - about how it's used and abused, but nobody I've ever met is abusing the system. I've met 19 year olds who have been abusing heroin since before they were teenagers. I've shared rooms with men who have never lived in normal families, having been in the 'Care' of the State since they were teens, often physically and sexually abused. I have never met a single chancer who was living in this accommodation for the fun of it, or for any chance at a social house, of which there is little.

I myself am a student in a Dublin university, and I had to choose between living on the streets or dropping out of college. It wasn't an easy choice, but I've stayed in college and am lucky to have hardly ever had to sleep on the streets.

Lets clear up a lot of the BS around homelessness. Ask me anything.

Which one is it?

Fr_Dougal

noubliezjamais wrote: »

Can anyone become homeless? I'll definitely become homeless this August if I don't get into college (according to my father).

How old are you if you don't me asking? I'm 20 and repeating the leaving cert.

Would you say it's easy for anyone to become homeless? I heard the high cost of rents in Dublin along with poor mental health system here exacerbate the issue. But on the other hand, I've heard that certain government departments are loosening the term on what it means to be homeless.

Would you not be better off spending your time studying then, rather than spending all your time creating threads? Serious question.

noubliezjamais

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

Would you not be better off spending your time studying then, rather than spending all your time creating threads? Serious question.

I study but take breaks and to be honest, I don't feel it's doing me well. Last time, I got less than 100 points in the leaving cert back in 2017. My father said if I don't get into college, he'll kick me out.

It's looking quite bleak. I'm trying hard but don't think I'll be making progress.

Homeless2019

john4321 wrote: »

Which one is it?

Both. I can't imagine how anyone can live without working during their studies, unless they are from the city in which they work, or their parents are very well-off.

timthumbni wrote: »

When you did have to sleep rough have you received any hassle from the public or police?

Very little. Mostly from other homeless people, surprisingly.

Do you have a support network of:
Friends?
Family?

I don't. It's apparently quite common among homeless people - a lack of a familial support network.

How are you managing to afford college and all that goes with it in the capital city?
Have you looked at moving to a less expensive city?

I thought with my job that I should have been able to afford rent. I was previously unemployed, so my tuition fees are almost free. I really am grateful for that. But even with my job, it's impossible to make ends meet.

kippy

Homeless2019 wrote: »

Both. I can't imagine how anyone can live without working during their studies, unless they are from the city in which they work, or their parents are very well-off.

Very little. Mostly from other homeless people, surprisingly.



I don't. It's apparently quite common among homeless people - a lack of a familial support network.


I thought with my job that I should have been able to afford rent. I was previously unemployed, so my tuition fees are almost free. I really am grateful for that. But even with my job, it's impossible to make ends meet.

So why don't you have a support network of friends and family?
Why don't you move city to study?

Homeless2019

kippy wrote: »

So why don't you have a support network of friends and family?
Why don't you move city to study?

I can't move cities because no university has that kind of transfer programme, it simply is not facilitated. If I were to begin again in another university, I'd have to pay full tuition fees to do so (ie private fees). This is not feasible.

As for my family, let me just assure you that we cut our ties when I was 17 and that was for the best. They want nothing to do with me, and the feeling is mutual.

Homeless2019

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

What would make a difference for you right now?

Rental prices where working people can afford to rent very modest, simple apartments.

I work a minimum of 25 hours per week, there's no way I can afford tp pay my bills and rent. And that's just wrong, if you ask me.

timthumbni

How long can you stay in this entry level hostel? Indefinitely or is there a limit?

Can you get help with housing from the local area council.

kippy

Homeless2019 wrote: »

I can't move cities because no university has that kind of transfer programme, it simply is not facilitated. If I were to begin again in another university, I'd have to pay full tuition fees to do so (ie private fees). This is not feasible.

As for my family, let me just assure you that we cut our ties when I was 17 and that was for the best. They want nothing to do with me, and the feeling is mutual.

And being homeless is feasible?

And you've no friends, aunts, uncles, etc etc

fatknacker

When you go to a hostel do the staff put you in a room with drug users, or can you choose to be in a dry room?

kippy

Homeless2019 wrote: »

Rental prices where working people can afford to rent very modest, simple apartments.

I work a minimum of 25 hours per week, there's no way I can afford tp pay my bills and rent. And that's just wrong, if you ask me.

Why don't you move to a more affordable location?

ScallionAyter

Homeless2019 wrote: »

Rental prices where working people can afford to rent very modest, simple apartments.

I work a minimum of 25 hours per week, there's no way I can afford tp pay my bills and rent. And that's just wrong, if you ask me.

You don't need an apartment, you just need a room.

Homeless2019

timthumbni wrote: »

How long can you stay in this entry level hostel? Indefinitely or is there a limit?

Can you get help with housing from the local area council.

It's called a 'rolling bed'.



That means you stay there indefinitely, I think. I can't bear to stay there sometimes, because of the fact that guys there are smoking heroin during the night, or drinking, or slamming something or other. I'd rather stay in college some nights.

kippy wrote: »

And being homeless is feasible?

And you've no friends, aunts, uncles, etc etc

Of course I have aunts and uncles. But I can't ask them to choose between me and their sister or brother. That just isn't an option.

fatknacker wrote: »

When you go to a hostel do the staff put you in a room with drug users, or can you choose to be in a dry room?

I don't think it's a choice.



The lady in Dublin City Council said she was going to put me in a nice place, and in my first night there, there was a guy shooting up heroin in the room. I'm not blaming DCC, I'm just saying, there isn' a 'menu'! Which I guess is fair enough.

kippy wrote: »

Why don't you move to a more affordable location?

It would mean quitting college. College is my major focus right now. It's my escape hatch.

Skylinehead

kippy wrote: »

And being homeless is feasible?

What sort of question is that?

kippy

Homeless2019 wrote: »

It's called a 'rolling bed'.



That means you stay there indefinitely, I think. I can't bear to stay there sometimes, because of the fact that guys there are smoking heroin during the night, or drinking, or slamming something or other. I'd rather stay in college some nights.


Of course I have aunts and uncles. But I can't ask them to choose between me and their sister or brother. That just isn't an option.

I don't think it's a choice.



The lady in Dublin City Council said she was going to put me in a nice place, and in my first night there, there was a guy shooting up heroin in the room. I'm not blaming DCC, I'm just saying, there isn' a 'menu'! Which I guess is fair enough.


It would mean quitting college. College is my major focus right now. It's my escape hatch.

Why would your aunts or unles look at it as that type of decision?
Where are your friends?

Homeless2019

ScallionAyter wrote: »

You don't need an apartment, you just need a room.

I spend a good chunk of every working day looking up room-shares. Believe me, I have tried.

kippy

Nixonbot wrote: »

What sort of question is that?

A question based on the OP's response to a previous question.
(Moving cities not being feasible)
What is more feasible?

This is it

I don't have any question but I do wish you the best of luck.

Homeless2019

kippy wrote: »

Why would your aunts or unles look at it as that type of decision?
Where are your friends?

I stayed with my friends for two months before finally giving-in, and entering Parkgate Street and registering as homeless.



It was the worst day of my life. There was a woman there who smelt of piss, hauling around a black sack of her clothes; there was a junkie strung-out, trying to start a fight.



Believe me, if my aunts and uncles could have helped, I'd have gone to them before Parkgate Street.

riffmongous

I wonder are there any charitable groups who offer dry rooms you could try? I'm no longer familiar with the irish situation but they have them where in other countries, usually religious organisations to very varying degrees ( some religious in name only which are the ones I'm familiar with, Caritas)

SteelyDanJalapeno

Is there no student accommodation available?
Have you discussed your hard times with the college? You'd be surprised how much they can help.

kippy

Homeless2019 wrote: »

I stayed with my friends for two months before finally giving-in, and entering Parkgate Street and registering as homeless.



It was the worst day of my life. There was a woman there who smelt of piss, hauling around a black sack of her clothes; there was a junkie strung-out, trying to start a fight.



Believe me, if my aunts and uncles could have helped, I'd have gone to them before Parkgate Street.

And have you been in touch with your friends since? What do they think? How many friends have you? Have you approached any of them with an offer of sleeping on their couches for a fee etc?

Have you any siblings?


I am not trying to be obtuse and I know there are genuine people out there, without addiction or underlying mental health issues who are homeless but I often ask myself what set of decisions have they made in their lives to get to that point and is the homelessness a short term thing for them in order to facilitate some other part of their lives at that time.

poisonated

Sorry to hear about your situation. I wash you the best of luck.

timthumbni

It seems mad and very unfair that if you are not a drink or drug addict that they couldn’t find you a hostel that is dry.

Homeless2019

SteelyDanJalapeno wrote: »

Is there no student accommodation available?
Have you discussed your hard times with the college? You'd be surprised how much they can help.

I have, and they are incredibly sympathetic, but if they gave accommodation to every hard-pressed student, well, they'd be out of business.

riffmongous wrote: »

I wonder are there any charitable groups who offer dry rooms you could try? I'm no longer familiar with the irish situation but they have them where in other countries, usually religious organisations to very varying degrees ( some religious in name only which are the ones I'm familiar with, Caritas)

Thank you. I'll look that up online. All I need is some kind of hostel-type-situation where there's no drugs or alcohol, although even alcohol would be fine; at least they tend not to rob you!

kippy wrote: »

And have you been in touch with your friends since? What do they think? How many friends have you? Have you approached any of them with an offer of sleeping on their couches for a fee etc?

Have you any siblings?

My two best friends know my situation. One lives with his girlfriend, the other doesn't live in this country.



I have slept on the former guy's couch for a few weeks here and there, but am reluctant to push his patience.

kippy

Homeless2019 wrote: »

I have, and they are incredibly sympathetic, but if they gave accommodation to every hard-pressed student, well, they'd be out of business.

Thank you. I'll look that up online. All I need is some kind of hostel-type-situation where there's no drugs or alcohol, although even alcohol would be fine; at least they tend not to rob you!

My two best friends know my situation. One lives with his girlfriend, the other doesn't live in this country.



I have slept on the former guy's couch for a few weeks here and there, but am reluctant to push his patience.

Have you offered any of your friends a fee to sleep on their couches for the next few months instead of having to use what you are using for sleeping arrangements?
Have you more than two friends?

riffmongous

I hope it works out for you! I don't know if they exist in Ireland but there might be something similar (of course be cautious with ones that seem too religious) Id also second asking at the university, Student Welfare and Students Union

fatknacker

I just think the homeless industry is a massive shambles when you've got focus, Simon, peter mcv, crosscare, ichh, Salvation Army and how many other organisations out there with hundreds of hostels over the city and not one has managed to stay dry for the 40% who aren't substance users.

Sorry, not a question. Just more of a rant on behalf of what I've read / seen.

Homeless2019

kippy wrote: »

Have you offered any of your friends a fee to sleep on their couches for the next few months instead of having to use what you are using for sleeping arrangements?

The guy on whose couch I slept - of course, yes, I paid him some partial rent. But that wasn't the point. He didn't need the rent. He and his girlfriend don't want some lad on their sofa indefinitely. I can understand that.



And as for other people, no, I don't have a large circle of people on whose couches I'd ask to sleep on. It's a fairly embarrassing question to ask of someone.

ahnowbrowncow

Homeless2019 wrote: »

I read a lot of rubbish online about homelessness - about how it's used and abused, but nobody I've ever met is abusing the system. I've met 19 year olds who have been abusing heroin since before they were teenagers. I've shared rooms with men who have never lived in normal families, having been in the 'Care' of the State since they were teens, often physically and sexually abused. I have never met a single chancer who was living in this accommodation for the fun of it, or for any chance at a social house, of which there is little.

Lets clear up a lot of the BS around homelessness. Ask me anything.

5,459 applicants turned down an offer of social housing since 2016. Explain those figures if nobody is abusing the system?

https://www.thejournal.ie/housing-application-refusals-4587311-Apr2019/

You're very naive if you think people aren't playing the system just because you and other people you've met are genuinely homeless.

gk5000

Hi, wishing you luck - you come across as honest & genuine to me.


I think the problem for many people is that there seems to be a cynical element who exploit homelessness on both sides:
- those who profess to be homeless
- those who profess to help the homeless


So tell us your story and what you know:
- who is screwing the system pretending to be homeless
- who is screwing the people pretending to help the homeless

- what is your opinion of the government agencies and charities in this area?

riffmongous

fatknacker wrote: »

I just think the homeless industry is a massive shambles when you've got focus, Simon, peter mcv, crosscare, ichh and how many other organisations out there with hundreds of hostels over the city and not one has managed to stay dry for the 40% who aren't substance users.

Sorry, not a question. Just more of a rant on behalf of what I've read / seen.

What seems to work where I live now is they provide places specifically for people who want to do drugs in a relatively safe environment , and a majority of users go there, and the minority stay on the streets. Then it makes it much easier to keep other places completely dry

kippy

Homeless2019 wrote: »

The guy on whose couch I slept - of course, yes, I paid him some partial rent. But that wasn't the point. He didn't need the rent. He and his girlfriend don't want some lad on their sofa indefinitely. I can understand that.



And as for other people, no, I don't have a large circle of people on whose couches I'd ask to sleep on. It's a fairly embarrassing question to ask of someone.

You see, I see a person who has made decisions and has decided to continue making certain decisions that has led to them being in the position they are in.
I am not sure what you expect of society to do for your specific situation - if I am being honest.

Ha Long Bay

Could you expand more on your opening post? "Last Winter, I lost my flat due to a mixture of rent arrears and marriage breakdown. "

poisonated

kippy wrote: »

You see, I see a person who has made decisions and has decided to continue making certain decisions that has led to them being in the position they are in.
I am not sure what you expect of society to do for your specific situation - if I am being honest.

That’s very harsh and unnecessary.

gozunda

Homeless2019 wrote: »

I have, and they are incredibly sympathetic, but if they gave accommodation to every hard-pressed student, well, they'd be out of business. Thank you. I'll look that up online. All I need is some kind of hostel-type-situation where there's no drugs or alcohol, although even alcohol would be fine; at least they tend not to rob you!My two best friends know my situation. One lives with his girlfriend, the other doesn't live in this country.I have slept on the former guy's couch for a few weeks here and there, but am reluctant to push his patience.

Most University's have funds for social inclusion and students who require assistance which most likley will cover your present circumstances. Go talk to the social welfare officer. They will be able to put you in touch with the people who can provide further assistance. Trust me - your present circumstances will meet the top 10 % quartile.

Best of luck with your studies. Keep at it and dont let the barstardos grind you down and remember always keep your head up..

Homeless2019

ahnowbrowncow wrote: »

5,459 applicants turned down an offer of social housing since 2016. Explain those figures if nobody is abusing the system?

https://www.thejournal.ie/housing-application-refusals-4587311-Apr2019/

You're very naive if you think people aren't playing the system just because you and other people you've met are genuinely homeless.

gk5000 wrote: »

Hi, wishing you luck - you come across as honest & genuine to me.


I think the problem for many people is that there seems to be a cynical element who exploit homelessness on both sides:
- those who profess to be homeless
- those who profess to help the homeless


So tell us your story and what you know:
- who is screwing the system pretending to be homeless
- who is screwing the people pretending to help the homeless

- what is your opinion of the government agencies and charities in this area?

Guys, you probably know more about this topic than I do.



I'm not sure where people are 'playing the system', if that is happening, but it isn't happening where I've been staying. Where I've been, you wake up to the sounds of men smoking heroin out of tinfoil in your dorm-room, or guys beating one another in the corridor. If you guys know of any utopia where men live in bliss and are granted a title over some free house, I'd love to know about it, but I doubt that exists.



And just for the record, I'm apparently being housed in one of the quieter hostels.

kippy

poisonated wrote: »

That’s very harsh and unnecessary.

Well, you can tiptoe around the issue all you want, but based on the pieces of information we are being given, that is my honest opinion - an opinion that would apply to this specific situation
Harsh or not I think its necessary to be honest.

PARlance

kippy wrote: »

You see, I see a person who has made decisions and has decided to continue making certain decisions that has led to them being in the position they are in.
I am not sure what you expect of society to do for your specific situation - if I am being honest.

OP doesn't come across as someone who is expecting society to do a whole pile for them. A dry hostel isn't a massive ask.

I would imagine it's more than just making certain decisions that has left them in this spot.

"Deciding" not to impose ypurself for too long on a friend is fairly considerate.

Blaizes

Homeless2019 wrote: »

Rental prices where working people can afford to rent very modest, simple apartments.

I work a minimum of 25 hours per week, there's no way I can afford tp pay my bills and rent. And that's just wrong, if you ask me.

It is wrong, ordinary people are being squeezed out, not your fault at all.

kippy

PARlance wrote: »

OP doesn't come across as someone who is expecting society to do a whole pile for them. A dry hostel isn't a massive ask.

I would imagine it's more than just making certain decisions that has left them in this spot.

"Deciding" not to impose ypurself for too long on a friend is fairly considerate.

It's also a decision.
As is placing a college education above a place to stay.
As is a multitude of other things that leave you without wider family support and/or a larger network of friends who can help out in a time of need.

Arghus

kippy wrote: »

It's also a decision.
As is placing a college education above a place to stay.
As is a multitude of other things that leave you without wider family support and/or a larger network of friends who can help out in a time of need.

Isn't it a sad indictment of our society if that's the decision that has to be made.

kippy

Arghus wrote: »

Isn't it a sad indictment of our society if that's the decision that has to be made.

It's not really a sad indictment of anything.

I went to college, as did many others. It wasn't without personal sacrifice or sacrifices of my parents. Decisions were made and things were done without.

The OP is trying to put themselves through college - an admirable ambition that they have decided is more important than a stable roof over their heads for the minute.

Arghus

kippy wrote: »

It's not really a sad indictment of anything.

I went to college, as did many others. It wasn't without personal sacrifice or sacrifices of my parents. Decisions were made and things were done without.

The OP is trying to put themselves through college - an admirable ambition that they have decided is more important than a stable roof over their heads for the minute.

To be fair we really don't know much about the OP's situation: you can't learn much from a few lines of text on an anonymous message board. I wouldn't presume to have all the answers.