this really upset me.
Apr 16th 2017, 4:32 pm
#76
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2012
Location: Cayman Islands
Posts: 4,993
Re: this really upset me.
On a related note, I have used some budgeting software called YNAB for many years. Over the last 2 in particular it has been a godsend as I know exactly how much I need for everything, and where I can make savings. Building up a buffer,not living paycheck to paycheck is one of it's founding principles.
As for beggars... as a general rule, they would get more sympathy from prospective donors if they offered to work in exchange for money. Even young children can wash cars, and most (?) adults don't mind giving a few bucks to kids who are willing to do that. (I don't mean the window-washers at traffic lights. That's extortion!)
Apr 16th 2017, 5:12 pm
#77
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2017
Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Posts: 261
..... Wait, does that mean that I am living both the American and the British dream simultaneously? 
Apr 16th 2017, 6:45 pm
#78
Banned
Joined: Dec 2015
Location: california
Posts: 6,035
Re: this really upset me.
2016's Shocking Homelessness Statistics
A common but quite incorrect idea. See the link above. The homeless are families, children, regular single people and a large percentage of them even have jobs (but don't have enough money to pay rent, put together a deposit, or can't pass a credit check).
A common but quite incorrect idea. See the link above. The homeless are families, children, regular single people and a large percentage of them even have jobs (but don't have enough money to pay rent, put together a deposit, or can't pass a credit check).
Rents anywhere have risen out of sight in the last two years to an average 2,200.00 per mo. Most landlords me included require first and last month rent plus (in my case) a cleaning fee of 700.00 dollars which is refundable if the property is left clean and in good order. That comes to over 5 thousand up front which is probably beyond the reach of a lot of people.
For certain incomes have not kept up with the cost of living either but we live in the age of the One Percent after all.
Apr 16th 2017, 6:53 pm
#79
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: this really upset me.
One upside to where I live despite high rent the government caps deposits at a max of half a months rent.
We would be homeless if they could do first last and random cleaning deposits.
We would be homeless if they could do first last and random cleaning deposits.
I was posting an opinion from a research in homelessness done several years ago but perhaps now that conclusion is a bit out date.
Rents anywhere have risen out of sight in the last two years to an average 2,200.00 per mo. Most landlords me included require first and last month rent plus (in my case) a cleaning fee of 700.00 dollars which is refundable if the property is left clean and in good order. That comes to over 5 thousand up front which is probably beyond the reach of a lot of people.
For certain incomes have not kept up with the cost of living either but we live in the age of the One Percent after all.
Rents anywhere have risen out of sight in the last two years to an average 2,200.00 per mo. Most landlords me included require first and last month rent plus (in my case) a cleaning fee of 700.00 dollars which is refundable if the property is left clean and in good order. That comes to over 5 thousand up front which is probably beyond the reach of a lot of people.
For certain incomes have not kept up with the cost of living either but we live in the age of the One Percent after all.
Apr 16th 2017, 10:41 pm
#80
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2009
Location: Somewhere in Hamilton, ON
Posts: 4,307
Re: this really upset me.
I was posting an opinion from a research in homelessness done several years ago but perhaps now that conclusion is a bit out date.
Rents anywhere have risen out of sight in the last two years to an average 2,200.00 per mo. Most landlords me included require first and last month rent plus (in my case) a cleaning fee of 700.00 dollars which is refundable if the property is left clean and in good order. That comes to over 5 thousand up front which is probably beyond the reach of a lot of people.
For certain incomes have not kept up with the cost of living either but we live in the age of the One Percent after all.
Rents anywhere have risen out of sight in the last two years to an average 2,200.00 per mo. Most landlords me included require first and last month rent plus (in my case) a cleaning fee of 700.00 dollars which is refundable if the property is left clean and in good order. That comes to over 5 thousand up front which is probably beyond the reach of a lot of people.
For certain incomes have not kept up with the cost of living either but we live in the age of the One Percent after all.
Apr 16th 2017, 11:12 pm
#81
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
Re: this really upset me.
The last few days and many of these posts have had me thinking about giving money to the beggar on the street vs donating to a charity. I don't mean the 2 are mutually exclusive but that they serve different ends for us, the donators..(is that a word? haven't had coffee yet!)
Certainly, the people on the streets do all they can to make us feel sorry for them or perhaps a little guilty as we swan by in our expensive cars. Do we give to them to make us feel better about ourselves? I don't usually give to people on the streets, my preference is to give to charities that look after them or to volunteer in some way. I think this is more effective and allows these charities to increase the aid they can give. They actually do know how best to help people, how to help them get off the street and into a more secure environment. I don't and I try hard not to make judgments.
This Italian woman, I haven't seen her since and I haven't had a chance to talk to my neighbour either. What I have realised about this encounter though is how damn easily anyone of us could end up in her situation. Time to do my best that I don't.
On a related note, I have used some budgeting software called YNAB for many years. Over the last 2 in particular it has been a godsend as I know exactly how much I need for everything, and where I can make savings. Building up a buffer,not living paycheck to paycheck is one of it's founding principles. I encourage you to take a look at it. There's also a guy and a site called mrmoneymustache which has been an excellent source of information
Certainly, the people on the streets do all they can to make us feel sorry for them or perhaps a little guilty as we swan by in our expensive cars. Do we give to them to make us feel better about ourselves? I don't usually give to people on the streets, my preference is to give to charities that look after them or to volunteer in some way. I think this is more effective and allows these charities to increase the aid they can give. They actually do know how best to help people, how to help them get off the street and into a more secure environment. I don't and I try hard not to make judgments.
This Italian woman, I haven't seen her since and I haven't had a chance to talk to my neighbour either. What I have realised about this encounter though is how damn easily anyone of us could end up in her situation. Time to do my best that I don't.
On a related note, I have used some budgeting software called YNAB for many years. Over the last 2 in particular it has been a godsend as I know exactly how much I need for everything, and where I can make savings. Building up a buffer,not living paycheck to paycheck is one of it's founding principles. I encourage you to take a look at it. There's also a guy and a site called mrmoneymustache which has been an excellent source of information
And btw - the word is 'donor' - lol
Apr 17th 2017, 4:46 am
#82
Banned
Joined: Dec 2015
Location: california
Posts: 6,035
Re: this really upset me.
I pay for gardening service and water usage which isn't a bad deal for a renter
Apr 17th 2017, 4:52 am
#83
Banned
Joined: Dec 2015
Location: california
Posts: 6,035
Re: this really upset me.
I lived in Quebec for a short time. Had an apartment in a nice part of Montreal, 2 bed, large living room, separate kitchen and full sized bath., balcony overlooking a park Shared with two other guys. The rent came to 150 dollars a month including everything except the phone. My share was 50 dollars a month.
Those were the days !
Those were the days !
Apr 17th 2017, 4:53 am
#84
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Portlandia Metro
Posts: 7,425
Re: this really upset me.
I used to give candy to the homeless on the way to and from work. For some it seemed to make their day to receive a handful of Hershey's kisses. I also carry around a few of those space blankets in my car. They only cost a dollar or so and could help save someone from the cold. I have not, and probably never will give cash.
I used one of my blankets last week to keep someone warn and dry after head on car wreck.
Apr 17th 2017, 5:13 am
#85
Banned
Joined: Dec 2015
Location: california
Posts: 6,035
Re: this really upset me.
With a landlord only being able to charge 1/2 months rent as deposit, does that not create a situation where landlords raise rents to cover potential losses?
I used to give candy to the homeless on the way to and from work. For some it seemed to make their day to receive a handful of Hershey's kisses. I also carry around a few of those space blankets in my car. They only cost a dollar or so and could help save someone from the cold. I have not, and probably never will give cash.
I used one of my blankets last week to keep someone warn and dry after head on car wreck.
I used to give candy to the homeless on the way to and from work. For some it seemed to make their day to receive a handful of Hershey's kisses. I also carry around a few of those space blankets in my car. They only cost a dollar or so and could help save someone from the cold. I have not, and probably never will give cash.
I used one of my blankets last week to keep someone warn and dry after head on car wreck.
I had one renter a young couple with a small child who ran into a bit of misfortune when the husband was laid off. They fell behind on the rent. I knew they weren't screwing around with me so the last months rent they had already paid I applied to the current month which kept them up to date. Afterwards the husband found another job.
My wife and I volunteer as help at a homeless shelter at Thanksgiving and Christmas and also donate money
Apr 17th 2017, 3:34 pm
#86
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,103
Re: this really upset me.
I've lived in and around San Francisco for over 30 years now, and San Francisco is pretty much ground zero for homeless issues. The mild climate and liberal city government conspire to create a magnet for the homeless - it never freezes or snows, and it's never much above 70F in the hotter times.
ETA: The liberal population continues to vote in supervisors that offer to do more. 'solving the homeless problem' is on every politician's agenda, and as you will see from the numbers below, the city is spending massive amounts of money on the problem.
Driving around some areas of SF is shocking. Entire streets are lined with tent camps. I just read this article which gives the extent of the issue ... SF's homeless problem: A civic disgrace
This paragraph is an eye-opener:
and ...
That's 'billion', not 'million' !
and this para, which addresses the fact that, if shelters exist, the homeless must be forced to use them or face consequences (not clear what those consequences could be ...):
This site shows a typical street scene ... https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2016/07/12...hborhood-view/
ETA: The liberal population continues to vote in supervisors that offer to do more. 'solving the homeless problem' is on every politician's agenda, and as you will see from the numbers below, the city is spending massive amounts of money on the problem.
Driving around some areas of SF is shocking. Entire streets are lined with tent camps. I just read this article which gives the extent of the issue ... SF's homeless problem: A civic disgrace
This paragraph is an eye-opener:
The severe effects of chronic homelessness on the city budget and life on the streets is no secret in San Francisco. Those with the most acute dysfunction due to substance abuse or mental illness represent a disproportionate strain on the budget. They too often become caught in a brutal cycle of jail stays, ambulance rides and emergency care. Some 1,500 chronically homeless people cost the city about $80,000 a year each; the figure rises to $150,000 for the 338 considered the most needy in the city’s public-health database.
The Legislature needs to pass SB1380 and move ahead with a proposed $2 billion homeless housing bond.
and this para, which addresses the fact that, if shelters exist, the homeless must be forced to use them or face consequences (not clear what those consequences could be ...):
Also, San Francisco, which gets an influx of about 450 chronically homeless people a year, needs to shed any perception that it is a sanctuary for people who are unwilling to participate in programs designed to get them off, and keep them off, a life in the streets. It is neither inhumane nor “criminalizing poverty” to enforce laws against aggressive panhandling, tent encampments or defecation and urination in public places. It would be a colossal waste of money to make the necessary investments in supportive housing and other services without a commensurate commitment to assure that the people who are offered this array of assistance are no longer afforded the option to flout the law with impunity.
Last edited by Steerpike; Apr 17th 2017 at 3:41 pm.
Apr 17th 2017, 5:49 pm
#87
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Portlandia Metro
Posts: 7,425
Re: this really upset me.
I've lived in and around San Francisco for over 30 years now, and San Francisco is pretty much ground zero for homeless issues. The mild climate and liberal city government conspire to create a magnet for the homeless - it never freezes or snows, and it's never much above 70F in the hotter times.
ETA: The liberal population continues to vote in supervisors that offer to do more. 'solving the homeless problem' is on every politician's agenda, and as you will see from the numbers below, the city is spending massive amounts of money on the problem.
Driving around some areas of SF is shocking. Entire streets are lined with tent camps. I just read this article which gives the extent of the issue ... SF's homeless problem: A civic disgrace
This paragraph is an eye-opener:
and ...
That's 'billion', not 'million' !
and this para, which addresses the fact that, if shelters exist, the homeless must be forced to use them or face consequences (not clear what those consequences could be ...):
This site shows a typical street scene ... https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2016/07/12...hborhood-view/
ETA: The liberal population continues to vote in supervisors that offer to do more. 'solving the homeless problem' is on every politician's agenda, and as you will see from the numbers below, the city is spending massive amounts of money on the problem.
Driving around some areas of SF is shocking. Entire streets are lined with tent camps. I just read this article which gives the extent of the issue ... SF's homeless problem: A civic disgrace
This paragraph is an eye-opener:
and ...
That's 'billion', not 'million' !
and this para, which addresses the fact that, if shelters exist, the homeless must be forced to use them or face consequences (not clear what those consequences could be ...):
This site shows a typical street scene ... https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2016/07/12...hborhood-view/
Apr 17th 2017, 6:02 pm
#88
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 12,865
Re: this really upset me.
Most homeless shelters that I am familiar with are single sex and don't allow even visitors from the opposite sex. I have a long-time friend who is now essentially homeless, and I've not been able to visit the last few places she's been living in.
I concur with most of what Steerpike writes. The tent camping situation is outrageous, and although I am sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, turning blocks of sidewalk into campsites simply isn't the answer. They are havens for crime (typically bike "chop shops") and drug use. There's one about a mile from my place that I used to cycle past, but the situation there has become so crime-ridden that I will no longer go past it.
Apr 17th 2017, 6:26 pm
#89
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: this really upset me.
San Francisco sounds a lot like Vancouver Canada. Lots of tent citys here and in the burbs. 70 known last I saw.
There are family homeless shelters here in SF. I am guessing they are way oversubscribed.
Most homeless shelters that I am familiar with are single sex and don't allow even visitors from the opposite sex. I have a long-time friend who is now essentially homeless, and I've not been able to visit the last few places she's been living in.
I concur with most of what Steerpike writes. The tent camping situation is outrageous, and although I am sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, turning blocks of sidewalk into campsites simply isn't the answer. They are havens for crime (typically bike "chop shops") and drug use. There's one about a mile from my place that I used to cycle past, but the situation there has become so crime-ridden that I will no longer go past it.
Most homeless shelters that I am familiar with are single sex and don't allow even visitors from the opposite sex. I have a long-time friend who is now essentially homeless, and I've not been able to visit the last few places she's been living in.
I concur with most of what Steerpike writes. The tent camping situation is outrageous, and although I am sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, turning blocks of sidewalk into campsites simply isn't the answer. They are havens for crime (typically bike "chop shops") and drug use. There's one about a mile from my place that I used to cycle past, but the situation there has become so crime-ridden that I will no longer go past it.
Apr 17th 2017, 6:27 pm
#90
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Portlandia Metro
Posts: 7,425
Re: this really upset me.
There are family homeless shelters here in SF. I am guessing they are way oversubscribed.
Most homeless shelters that I am familiar with are single sex and don't allow even visitors from the opposite sex. I have a long-time friend who is now essentially homeless, and I've not been able to visit the last few places she's been living in.
I concur with most of what Steerpike writes. The tent camping situation is outrageous, and although I am sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, turning blocks of sidewalk into campsites simply isn't the answer. They are havens for crime (typically bike "chop shops") and drug use. There's one about a mile from my place that I used to cycle past, but the situation there has become so crime-ridden that I will no longer go past it.
Most homeless shelters that I am familiar with are single sex and don't allow even visitors from the opposite sex. I have a long-time friend who is now essentially homeless, and I've not been able to visit the last few places she's been living in.
I concur with most of what Steerpike writes. The tent camping situation is outrageous, and although I am sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, turning blocks of sidewalk into campsites simply isn't the answer. They are havens for crime (typically bike "chop shops") and drug use. There's one about a mile from my place that I used to cycle past, but the situation there has become so crime-ridden that I will no longer go past it.
