Under Construction
Each list to have a link to fully developed article with some pictures. Occasionally these could be published in the paper but they would be great writing projects for those working on the paper.
Misconceptions About Homelessness
Drug Use - It is the same as in the suburbs. The main difference about drug use amongst the homeless is they don't have a place to consume "drugs" out of view of the public. Another thing to note is many people who are homeless turn to drugs after becoming homeless to cope with their situation or to feel warm during the cold months. For some people who have been repeatedly turned away from jobs, housing, even the homeless shelters, drugs and alcohol are one of the last things they know how to obtain that will keep them warm when they are sleeping in the snow without proper gear or shelter. And shelter/housing is simply not made accessible to a majority of people who are homeless.
Availability of Food - The homeless get fed food that can't be sold. Fortunately there is a lot of it, so the homeless get fed. Day old bread is still bread but people wont buy it so there is a lot of it and the homeless get to eat because of this the mass amounts of bread and pastries donated to food banks, shelters, and other places that distribute free food.
Availability of Shelter - Not so much. Day old or short dated buildings can be profited upon by businesses whether they are less likely to be shared among those in need for fear of losing potential profit. Old or new and unlike food that businesses feel they can't sell and are willing to give away, they always feel the can sell space or buildings even if it is not at the moment and therefore are unlikely to give that away.
Availability of Clothing - Depends upon what kind. Coats and sock are pretty easy to get, but clean underwear? Compared to socks its much more expensive yet important for good hygiene and staying healthy. How long have you worn your current pair of skivvies? Or a good pair of gloves... that's another story.
Mental Health - More prevalent but not what you think. Psychosis (visible) is not so prevalent vs Depression/Trauma (invisible) which is extremely prevalent. A lot of self sabotage happens in subtle ways. "No body cares what I have to say about things so I won't bother telling them." "Nobody thinks that I am worth anything and I am going to live down to that." Those are thoughts born out of depression not psychosis but when people talk about mental health issues the first thing people think about are things like schizophrenia.
Availability of Food - The homeless get fed food that can't be sold. Fortunately there is a lot of it, so the homeless get fed. Day old bread is still bread but people wont buy it so there is a lot of it and the homeless get to eat because of this the mass amounts of bread and pastries donated to food banks, shelters, and other places that distribute free food.
Availability of Shelter - Not so much. Day old or short dated buildings can be profited upon by businesses whether they are less likely to be shared among those in need for fear of losing potential profit. Old or new and unlike food that businesses feel they can't sell and are willing to give away, they always feel the can sell space or buildings even if it is not at the moment and therefore are unlikely to give that away.
Availability of Clothing - Depends upon what kind. Coats and sock are pretty easy to get, but clean underwear? Compared to socks its much more expensive yet important for good hygiene and staying healthy. How long have you worn your current pair of skivvies? Or a good pair of gloves... that's another story.
Mental Health - More prevalent but not what you think. Psychosis (visible) is not so prevalent vs Depression/Trauma (invisible) which is extremely prevalent. A lot of self sabotage happens in subtle ways. "No body cares what I have to say about things so I won't bother telling them." "Nobody thinks that I am worth anything and I am going to live down to that." Those are thoughts born out of depression not psychosis but when people talk about mental health issues the first thing people think about are things like schizophrenia.
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