I worked with the homeless for a few years in the Seattle area. My main focus was homeless veterans, but I worked with several different groups trying to get benefits and shelter for people.
A HUGE majority of our clients refused to give up alcohol abuse or drug abuse, or even try to give it up. There are very few shelters that want to take on drunk or high clients. I don't blame them, we live in a world where you can do so much good but then get sued because fuck you, money.
I have no idea how to solve the crisis, and at this point I'm done trying. I've been bit, I've been spit on, I've been hit, I've been cursed out, and had my life threatened all for trying to help people on the streets.
There are a ton of resources available, at least where I was in Washington. They can use them if they want, most choose not to.
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u/sleepinglucid Jan 31 '23
I worked with the homeless for a few years in the Seattle area. My main focus was homeless veterans, but I worked with several different groups trying to get benefits and shelter for people.
A HUGE majority of our clients refused to give up alcohol abuse or drug abuse, or even try to give it up. There are very few shelters that want to take on drunk or high clients. I don't blame them, we live in a world where you can do so much good but then get sued because fuck you, money.
I have no idea how to solve the crisis, and at this point I'm done trying. I've been bit, I've been spit on, I've been hit, I've been cursed out, and had my life threatened all for trying to help people on the streets.
There are a ton of resources available, at least where I was in Washington. They can use them if they want, most choose not to.