They were calling everyone's attention to you, Rick. :sneaky2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick
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They were calling everyone's attention to you, Rick. :sneaky2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick
Uh huh. And you didn't get any of the peach OR cherry cobbler did you? There's a reason you didn't get any of it. You can think about that if you need to. By the way, I'm keeping track of all the foul things you call me. I'm going to talk to Chris about a slow ban just for you.
This just goes to prove that "survival" is NOT fun & games. Both of you had a helluva time, & I'm glad you came out the other side ok. But I've noticed that there's no talk about a big "survival knife" that you were carrying around. Numpties need to pay attention here! :cool2:
there was a knife. poco had 3 on him at all times. one on his back and two on his sides.
Well that's true but they weren't the Big monstrosities that Sarge is talking about. I carried 3 folding liner locks all CRKT's - Point Guard, M16 and another that I don't recall off hand I think it was a different version of the m16. Hey my street name was "Catfish" I had to have 3 sharp "fins".
I left out just how violent the streets can be, people were killed while we were out there You really need some form of protection, a lot of homeless carried some kind of "weapon". One guy called "Highway" carried a claw hammer and slept with it.some just a "walking stick".
Lifes decisions are what we have. that is all we have.
I came from a POS place called Valley Station Ky. Born to a bastard and a Bit==. Both uneducated and mean beyond reason. I like many others made decisions and gained predjudices from our folks.
Our homeless friend has reasons to be homeless mostly decisions that he made. Like temporay work. Seasonal work is just that seasonal and not for a life time..
I am glad you got up on your feet. Now where are you going to walk to.
Respect
Daniel
USMC/Army Airborne
Thank you for sharing a difficult time and helping us to learn. A question, I don't mind helping a homeless person but, I don't want to help the scammer. How can you tell the difference?
It's hard to spot a real scammer; most of them appear to want to work, & the stories that some of them will tell you are scams. Here's one way; In our town, & others around here, panhandling is illegal. A scammer wants money, usually for drugs & alcohol, while a homeless person usually is looking for food, clothes, a bed with a roof over their head, etc.. However, the scammer, being hindered by the "No Panhandling" law, will have a sign that is designed to tug on your heartstrings. Here are a couple: "Homeless Vet needs to fix car to get home!" or: "Will work for food!" I saw one of these a few years back with the "food" sign a short distance away from a fast food place. People would bring him food, which he quickly stashed in a backpack, wanting to gain cash instead. Here's what I do: I ask them where there car is, for example. Then I explain that I know someone who's a top mechanic who can help them, or I direct them to someplace who will. If they decline the help, it's more than likely a scam. When they do that I call the police & tell them that there's a person in trouble who needs help. If they can convince the cops that their plight is a serious one then the police will not only direct them, but often will take them to where they need to be. When I worked at the Mission the police were always bringing people in for food, clothing, & a bed. "3 hots and a cot," as they liked to call it! I never give somebody like that money, but will help them get to the right agency, pantry, etc.. I have even offered food from my own pantry to some. Always talk to them & then check out their story. I believe in helping those that are truly in need, but I've seen a lot of scam-artists in my time as well. Later on I'll relate one guy that took me two days to crack his story; it's pretty wild. :cool2:Quote:
Originally Posted by rebel
thanks for sharing your story
Rebel that's a hard one to answer. Like when someone is "flying a sign"(homeless slang for holding a sign at a on ramp or such with wording like "will work for food" etc.) Take them up on what their sign says(or at least offer to) offer work if they take you up on the offer then they are probably genuine. a lot if not most are just asking for money(but not all) another variation is "stranded need help" they might be really stranded,and just need a tank of gas. (yes some do have vehicles, that IS their "house"). There was one Faker/fraud/con artist that I saw hold a sign every day at the same spot, 3 or 4 times a day his wife? Girlfriend? would stop and he would give her the money he had gotten so far. He made a living out of it... and made it harder for those who really needed it. There are frauds. I mean I even flew a sign when I had to have money for something I couldn't get any other way. I hated doing it, absolutely hated it. But I had to on ocassion, That may be the key too, frequency of panhandling. There are other ways of getting money when you are homeless most of which are illegal. Taking wiring out of abandoned buildings etc. Panhandling is illegal every place I've been. But if you need money and you need it quick(that's a relative term maybe quicker is better),Panhandling is the easiest fast way to get cash. If you see someone out there for 2 or 3 days and then don't see them for a while,they are probably "genuine" (for lack of a better word)
You see the psychology of the sign "will work for food" is this - Most people are NOT going to take a dirty homeless person home to cut the grass, rake the leaves etc. Those that feel compassionate enough would rather just pull over and give them 2 or 3 dollars or so. Some are not even hungry. Bring back a burger off the dollar menu, judge from their expression,whether they are genuine or not. Chances are that 95% are really after the money, not necessarily just to con you out of yours,but because there is something that they NEED that they can't get any other way. Out of that 95%, probably half need money for drugs or alcohol the other half probably need something,cigarettes, food, pots,blankets, coats etc.The other 5% are nothing but pure con artist.Sometimes though they are trying to provide something for themselves AND someone else. I knew a couple that that was the only way they could get stuff. She would Fly and he would wait and worry if she was alright. If he could go and hide in some bushes nearby he felt better about her safety, he could watch out after her. He was totally illiterate couldn't read a word other than his name.
When all is said and done I don't know if I could tell you if a person was genuine or not. Just like you and I , I would have to get to know them. Man I'm sorry I don't even feel like I've answered your question at all. Maybe given you some insight into the why's but not the answer you are looking for. If there are many homeless in your area, chances are that somebody somewhere is working with the homeless. Find out who, you might be surprised at what insights they can give you. They know the individuals and probably know their story. Homeless kind of have to get to know you before they will talk to you much or trust you, so the homeless outreach people have the groundwork in and probably know who is who in the scheme of things. When I was on the street I could've told you who was genuine and who wasn't because I knew them. Trust is a very precious thing among the homeless, it isn't usually given freely. Oh they may talk to you and tell you there story, but trust you, probably not they've been hurt cheated and lied to. They don't trust anyone very easy.
thanks guys for what you all said. that was a difficult time but people can do one of two things they can either learn and move on for the better or they can stop and drown in their own sorrows. i have grown a lot since those years but i always look back on those years to remember where i have come from. i have dreams and know that with hard work i can accomplish what i set out to do. it may be hard but i know i can do it.
There is help for you under Kentucky Law. This is the Law -
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/040-00/340.pdf
You should check with the state's Community Assistance Center in your area.
It wasn't until I realized this, thanks to a former co-worker, that I understood why so many are homeless. Yes, some choose to be homeless and are in fact lazy bums. But, there are many who, just like you, had an unfortunate set of circumstances land them in this position.Quote:
Originally Posted by pocomoonskyeyes
I hope more people realize this and will encourage our gov't to change the laws and ways these freebies are handed out. So, that people who really need them have access to em and provide a way for folks to get out of this situation if they want to.
After losing my home I could have easily been left in this same position. Fortunately, I had a place and family to stay with...an address, phone# and a place to clean up.
Glad you told this story Poco.
wow poco..that was a five star read my friend. Thanks for taking the time to share that with us. That one is going to stick with me for a while i bet....you should write a book..i would buy one for sure.
Thank you Poco for a great life story. Valuable lessons for anyone.
dittoQuote:
Originally Posted by Pal334
Thanks OP
Hey, Op. How about heading over to our Introduction section and telling us a bit about yourself?
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...ead.php?t=7813
I've read this thread several times without comment. Sadly, I still don't know what to say. This is very inspiring and heartfelt.
And to think you came from this, to your own homestead farm. Dreams can come true. Perseverance pays off. Sometimes you have to suffer to appreciate the simple(r) things in life. I'm honored to have you as a friend that has true experience.
I also consider you a friend and a good one at that.Quote:
Originally Posted by your_comforting_company
You know what they say, "Behind every successful man there is an ambitious woman." Equus - Dottie deserves a LOT of credit. It was she who gave me the inspiration and drive to leave the streets behind. It was she, who said "I can't keep living like this." It was her, who said, " I don't know where we can get a job." This made me recall that not all my bridges were burnt. IF we could find a way to get a bath on a regular basis (harder than you might think on the streets), I knew where we could get a job. That job thought highly enough of me,(and worried about where I was,although I didn't know it.) That her interview consisted of - "So you've known Mel for a while huh? Well you have got a job." They chatted for a few more minutes just for appearances sake, and we were hired. It wasn't easy, some nights we slept in some bushes outside the office,just so we would be there when it was time to leave at 2:30 in the morning. But we gradually "Moved up" in the world. And now you know where the credit truly lies. With a woman who I felt I had to protect and get out of that life.
As Paul Harvey would say- "Now you know the rest of the story.....Good Day!"
:angel:Some girl, Dottie!!!
You ain't bad either, Poco.;)
Girl you need glasses!! That or you didn't look to hard at my picture(I don't Blame you though, Even I try not to look at my pictures!! LOL).Quote:
Originally Posted by BENESSE
On a serious note - Thank you!:dodge::pirate:angelwings:
Dottie on the other hand can be an :angel: AND a :devil2: She does have her moments!(*Looking over shoulder*)
Mostly though she is an :angel:
Just once I got to be a :knight:
She might have been your inspiration, but you are the one who took the initiative to make the changes necessary to get your lives together. With a Good Woman driving you forward, and a good head on your shoulders, you worked together to achieve what (at the time) seemed like the impossible. Her determination and undying devotion led you both to a better life.
That deserves much respect for both of you.
I really just don't have the words to express what this story means to me every time I read it, and theres not a lot I can say about it without actually having walked that path. It does display incredible courage and ambition and perseverance. I am inspired beyond words my friend.
'nuff said
Extremely good thread. Most people I know will not even talk about the homeless and act like they don't exist for after all, they don't know any of "those" kind of people.Quote:
Originally Posted by pocomoonskyeyes
I was almost homeless at least once and Hope I never will be. I should not be as long as I can live on my mtn place and make a little money up there working for neighbors with cabins, which I am the only "cheap" labor they can get up there. And readily available anytime.
A few stories I could tell but briefly, the closest experience with many homeless I had was in Eugene, Oregon in 1983. That was a year I had no job but had saved up money and was traveling all over the West. I spent a couple months in Eugene for I liked the area and just got a one room apt. for $150 a month.
There were homeless people all over the streets. I could not walk anywhere without getting asked for a quarter etc. A retired alcoholic truck driver had an apt next to me and had several homeless people around all the time.
Once I was standing there talking to them and a guy vomited and I could see he had ate some bologna. I also saw a guy climb into a dumpster and come out with aluminum cans. In Oregon they paid 5 cents for each can.
One homeless guy was especially bothersome and would not leave me alone. Once he even banged hard on my apt. door. I did not answer but had a nightstick ready in case he did break thru. I had a chair against the door and doorknob. I spent a lot of time listening to the radio and walking all around Eugene.
After two months of this and no job prospects I decided I might as well go back to Colorado, where I was born and raised.
I have volunteered for the Salvation Army as a bell ringer, being able to wear a bear costume, which was fun and brought kids and others to the kettle. It was very hard for me to ring the bell without the costume. But I saw All kinds of people who gave, most did not. I thought they could not even give a measly quarter? But I think anymore many people have no change, just cards. Which the Salvation Army has some kettles in big cities with a card scanner.
That year about five years ago, when I rang the bells I also helped serve meals to the homeless in Greeley, CO Which Greeley has a population of around 80,000 people and I thought surely there are not too many homeless? But around 100 people everyday would come to eat at the Salvation Army.
I should volunteer more there and the Salvation Army is the Only church I have went to for the past 20 years. The wilderness is my main church now but as an organized church the Salvation Army has about all the others beat for they actually Do what they preach and what the Bible says about feeding, helping and caring for the poor etc....
I would like to turn my mtn place into a survival camp for the poor and whomever would or could live up there. But hopefully and maybe someday.....
Btw, poco, that pic of yours looks a little like me, only my beard is longer and scragglier, after I have been on my mtn place a few months. Especially around Oct. when I have been up there for four months.
Thank you Mike! I appreciate you telling of your experiences, That is what I wish, That more will share their story so that others can understand what it is like. That and to learn in case they end up there themselves. I am happy to see that you have overcome that, and found some measure of stability and happiness.
Probly One Of The Best Threads Around Here!!! I've Never Been Homless Thankfully. But My Brother Who Has Always Been Very Arrogant Lost His Well Paying Job And He Found Another Job That Paid Far Less. And Hes Been Humbled By The Experence Of Not Having Everything He Wants And Having To Worry About His Home. I Think This Economic Downturn Has Humbled Some People And Some Snobby Kids I've Known. People Have Found Out That Just Staying At Home And Having A Family Dinner And Watching A Movie As A Family Has Been Farrrr Underated. Sometimes It Takes Being Knocked On Your Arse To Be Thankfull For What And WHO You Have.
I've Always Tried To Help Where I Can. A Friend Who Works At A Work Store Gets Me Carhartt Insulated Coveralls For What They Pay And I Try And Get 3 Every Winter And Give Them To People On The Street. Even Just Talking To Someone Whos Fallen On Hard Times And Treating Them With Respect Can Be A Very Uplifting Experence For Them... And Shaking Their Hand Is A Gratifying Experence In It's Self....
Poco, great story bro! Not great what happend to you....you know what I mean!
I was homeless by choice ,for religious and political reasons, that I will not disscus, but it was easy for me, cuz I hung out it the woods alone most of my childhood. So living in parks and along the local rivers and creeks till I'd get the feelin' "time to go",was quite easy! I would still visit family and freinds, who of course thought I was nuts, but I was happy and healthy so, it was all good.
I weld up a couple of times reading your story! You as I have seen the world and people from a perspective many will never see.
One time me and my first wife went to K-Mart to apply for jobs. We had only enough money for bus fair there and back. Well when we were waiting for the bus to go home, a little boy and his mom were also waiting for the bus and the little guy went and sat on one of those ride thingys thats always in front of the store. His mom told him she didn't have the money for the ride, so I put a quarter in it for him. My wife looks at me and says "Now WE don't have enough for the bus"
I just said no biggy and started to ask people if I could bum a quarter for the bus. I had never done this before and was appauled at the way people acted,you'd thought I had lepoursy or some thing. After asking about 50 people I was begining to get pi**ed. So the next guy I ask told me no ,of course,so I say "Your going shopping and don't have a quarter!" He told me he worked there ,so I said "YOU GOT A FINE JOB AT K-MART AND DON'T HAVE A QUARTER!" well he just slithered away like snakes do. Well some old guy who saw the whole ordeal came up to me grinnig and handed me a $5. I told him I just needed a quarter for the bus, and he told me he didn't have any change and I should go somewhere before the cops show up ,buy a soda and cool off! So me and Bon went to the gas station and got us a soda,when we came out the police were at K-mart! Don't know for sure it was for me but probably was!
That was hilarious!! Maybe not to someone who hasn't been there buuuut..... Having been there I can see the humor. There were one or two guys out on the streets that would intentionally cause a scene just to get thrown in jail for a couple of days. Their reasoning was that - "Hey I get a nice shelter and meals for a couple of days.... maybe a month." I never did get nervy enough to try that,no matter how bad the weather, I was too afraid of losing the stuff I had. Leave it unattended for a day and it's gone!! I always tried to stay on the "good side" of the law. It helped out, one Cop would always check in on me and against the department policy he actually gave me some stuff he had "laying around" at home. Some 550 cord and some stuff like that. Yeah there were good moments.... Like this relationship with this Cop. I consider him a friend,and would help him any time.
I guess I need to say this again.
Folks this is NOT "my" thread. Yeah I started it. Someone has to take the first step.It is OUR thread. If you have been homeless - SHARE! Tell of your experiences,and lessons you learned. You just might help save someone's life.
You wouldn't believe how many times I have checked to see who is on-line reading which post and discover that one of our Guests is reading this. A couple of days ago 3 guests were reading it at the same time!! They may need to know what you know.
I know it is hard, I procrastinated for several days after Sarge asked me to do this. You have a one of a kind opportunity,an opportunity to share something bad in your life. Not for pity,but to help someone else. Like that time you asked for something to eat and someone gave you something, maybe a PB&J, but something. That is why I called this "Gems From The Gutter", You all have some of those "Gems" in you....Won't you bring them to the light and let them sparkle?
Trust me, the first few times you see someone is reading this, knowing it has a part of you, you will be nervous. You will. But when you realize that you may be helping someone you will feel really good.
A saying I have always liked..."A burden shared is halved... a joy shared is doubled". We all have some things we need "Halved", and some things we need "Doubled". Don't let it slip by.
To Poco you have the greatest inspiration in my life. I love you with my whole heart. I really don't know what to say to you about the way I feel about you. You are my knight in shining armor.
And That is what a few people I have seen post in various forums hope will happen with many of the arrogant people who have always looked down on the poor and homeless.Quote:
Originally Posted by AVENGED
Here is another thread that I believe goes well with this good homeless thread > http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...ad.php?t=10071
I've spent a couple of months in my teens "homeless". I got thrown out of my folks the first time at 15. Slept that night on the concrete floor in a picnic shelter. Didn't sleep much and got up bright and early the next day and met up with a buddy who knew a guy with a nursery. We pulled weeds and hacked away at stuff all day in summer heat to earn enough for some McDonald's and an efficiency near Fort Lauderdale beach. Had some weird exploits and I am sure the statutes of limitations have forgiven me my crimes. But, I'll just say that we kept that efficiency for about 2 weeks and met some real doosies there.
After loosing the efficiency, we slept on the beach. We had five in our little group and we tried to figure out a way yo get another room. Had to move from the beach, which wasn't bad at all, because the cops would come around.
Stayed with my girlfriend in her Mom's place for a week and then went back out on my own with my girlfriend in tow. Finally after a couple months I came to terms with folks and my girlfriend with hers and went back home.
Most of the folks I met put their addictions in front of responsibility and that is how they got there. Some were runaways or had been thrown out by family. Some were bad people that always put themselves first. But, most formed little co-operative groups scheming for the next place, drink or drug.
I Think It Goes The Same As Anything Else. As With Any Other Group Of People There Are A Few Who Are Hostile And Non-Sociable, But The Majority Aren't... Being A Welder On Some Job Site We've Employed Homeless People And They Have Been Some Of The Friendliest And Funny People I've Met. They Say Struggle Builds Character, And Of Homeless People This Is True. I Think I've Learned More Life Lessions From The Homless Than Anywhere Else. The Most Important Thing I Think I've Learned From Them Is To Laugh, Laugh At Your Everyday Problems, Laugh At Your Flaws. Anything That Brings You Down You Can Laugh At And It'll Make Everything Seem Like A Smaller Problem...
new to this site, thanks for yourstory of your time on the streets it gave me a new insight to the people on the street, thanks.
Standingbear
Hey there standingbear - how about giving us some insight into you by posting an Intro. Thanks - you can find it here http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...splay.php?f=14
Just wanted to say the part of my inspiration for the Living in a bus thread came from reading this thread
i dont think the comment of kids not being "outdoor savy" is totally untrue
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scaru
Wow a triple "Negative" sentence, you must live in D.C. (Now if a double negative, reverses the first negative, what does a third negative in a sentence do".........? Are you really Alan Greenspan.....?)
Excellent thread for sure.
I don't necessarily look down on the homeless, but in my area, a lot of them have addictions, which makes it hard not to shake my head at. NY historically offers a lot to the homeless, so we have a large population. I used to ride the train out of NYC every monday night and every time, the same lady would have the same story. I learned early to almost never give money, but as stated in the thread, offer what the person is asking for.
That and maybe its just a NY thing or a sign of modern times, but the panhandlers around here are awful. I guess take it for what it is, advice on how NOT to ask for some change. One group won't even get off their *** to ask, they just holler "yo, got a dollar?". Another kid rode up to me on a bike listening to an ipod and asked for a dollar. Really? And I'm the kind of person who leaves quarters for the people in line behind me when their kid wants something out of the candy machine or tosses change when they are short. I mean go hold a door at a convenient store. I'd buy you a cup of coffee if I saw you opening the door for everyone. I understand that this isn't always an option, but their is always something you can do to show that you're trying to earn a couple of bucks.
Again, not to sound condescending, just a word of advice if applicable.
And we give work to the kids at the local ministry house when we can, which is always good. Some of them I really liked too. Good kids, just had a run of bad times through either bad family life or drugs. My favorite guy was a recovering cocaine addict. He was funny as hell, clean, and hard working.
Well that was a wonderful Thread, I don't post much but I spend allot of time reading. I have read a many thread here, but I don't think any have touched me as this one did, Thank you both!
My wife and I both help feed the homeless and I can say it is a very humbling experience. I am sure some are not really as "homeless" as others, but all in all everyone appreciate a good hot meal. I myself when I was younger chose to live in my truck working odd jobs here and there, till my parents caught wind of it and came and got me! Guess they wanted something different for me. In some ways I have always wondered in the back of my mind what may have become of me if they wouldn't have came to Wy to "recuse" me. I have always been a sort of a survivalist.
Thanks again for sharing your life with me!
Wes
Thank You Wes, for your kind words and for helping others who are in that situation. To be quite honest, I had doubts about posting this, but Sarge,well Sarge encouraged me a LOT! Otherwise I may never have said anything about that part of my life except in passing. I was kind of ashamed of ever being there in the first place. I still don't tell many people I know in real life, simply because of the stigma attached.
You know, if it weren't for Sarge this thread wouldn't exist, that much I do know.