Wouldn't it be great if more could or would

[peter halle]

I ran across this video, found it interesting and am posting it just as a thought provoker.  Maybe someone - even a non-member visiting this site - will get motivated in such a way as to do something for somebody else who might not be so fortunate.  Nothing political intended here.



Happy Saturday!

Peter

 

[Kev]

I'm unusually lost for words. What a big heart.

 

[bobfog]

I saw this (or another guy doing the same thing) and a few other similar videos on social media a few weeks ago. It's a nice idea and probably done with good intentions (there were some suggestions that the guy was doing it to virally market his own construction company, but I'd prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt).

But the overwhelming response was that ultimately whilst it serves as a temporary solution, a) some towns/cities/states were removing them as illegally constructed structures without permits b) making homeless more comfortable on the streets was a very temporary solution that ultimately just delayed them finding a more permanent solution and effectively prolonged the time they were exposed to the dangers of rough living (alcoholism, drug addiction, crime, etc).

I guess it's a catch 22/chicken and egg situation where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

 

[Holmz]

[member=1674]Peter Halle[/member]  [member=13058]Kev[/member] -- wow.....

 

[CrazyLarry]

I saw this (or another guy doing the same thing) and a few other similar videos on social media a few weeks ago. It's a nice idea and probably done with good intentions (there were some suggestions that the guy was doing it to virally market his own construction company, but I'd prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt).

But the overwhelming response was that ultimately whilst it serves as a temporary solution, a) some towns/cities/states were removing them as illegally constructed structures without permits b) making homeless more comfortable on the streets was a very temporary solution that ultimately just delayed them finding a more permanent solution and effectively prolonged the time they were exposed to the dangers of rough living (alcoholism, drug addiction, crime, etc).

I guess it's a catch 22/chicken and egg situation where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Maybe but it has to better if one person does say one thing per year like that, than just donates cash to a charity (now really corporations in all but name) and walks away not knowing or perhaps even caring what tiny percentage of what they gave does any good at all.

Besides which how many of those living on the street aren't there in the first place because of alcoholism, drug addiction, crime, etc.?

On top of that how about catching the people who just dump things in the street fining them and putting the proceeds into a small houses program?

On another tack just down the road from me is the Y:Cube trial development. Specifically designed to provide an affordable steping stone from street / hostel to rented accommodation so people can re-enter the labour market.

 

[bobfog]

I saw this (or another guy doing the same thing) and a few other similar videos on social media a few weeks ago. It's a nice idea and probably done with good intentions (there were some suggestions that the guy was doing it to virally market his own construction company, but I'd prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt).

But the overwhelming response was that ultimately whilst it serves as a temporary solution, a) some towns/cities/states were removing them as illegally constructed structures without permits b) making homeless more comfortable on the streets was a very temporary solution that ultimately just delayed them finding a more permanent solution and effectively prolonged the time they were exposed to the dangers of rough living (alcoholism, drug addiction, crime, etc).

I guess it's a catch 22/chicken and egg situation where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

On another tack just down the road from me is the Y:Cube trial development. Specifically designed to provide an affordable steping stone from street / hostel to rented accommodation so people can re-enter the labour market.

Yes this solution seems far better than putting these tiny homes that effectively amount to nothing more than an illegally placed garden shed/dog house.

What would be even better is if such a scheme could actually educate/train some of these people in construction and they could contribute by learning skills and making even more of these legitimate stepping stone homes whilst they get back on their feet and re-enter the labour market.

 

[grbmds]

[member=1674]Peter Halle[/member]

Peter,

Made my day! It's just nice this guy does this without all the questions about what causes homelessness. He's just doing something nice for those he encounters.

 

[Stone Message]

That is a really kind hearted guy and he deserves everyone's support. My only worry is - how will Oscar or Sheila get their hip replacement surgery done - I hope that there are some kind hearted doctors around. Maybe the video could go viral and generate the money to support their care in later life.

Peter

 

[bkharman]

Reminds me of the Wikihouse projects. I have been following Alastair Parvin since his Ted talks a few years ago. Would love to be part of their US operation when things take off.

Thanks for sharing... Noble cause and direction.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Peter_C]

Good people helping homeless are hard to find  [smile] I wish there was a simple solution, but there is not. My contributions are to give them food or clothing, never money. The county we live in says no camping, yet offers them free tents and sleeping bags?? Gives them cell phones, and doesn't quell pan handling. With mild weather homeless come from all over the US to live here with all the programs available.

Unfortunately living in a larger city I have negative interactions with the homeless, and work often with the police to remove them from our private properties. The police named the hill behind me "Heroin Hill" for a reason. Currently it is cleared, but it needs to be patrolled often, and I keep a letter of trespass on file, with signage up everywhere, which they tear down. Still they have started multiple fires. Those that heard of the wildfires in California can understand our fears, let alone the crime that follows the homeless around. Like 20+ stolen bike frames! I have never seen so much garbage created either. We wound up with a rat infestation even. The drugs/alcohol are what keep them from staying in the shelters.

Their plight is a sad one. Giving money is not the answer, but clothing, a warm jacket, or food can help. I share with them some, but should probably do more. Thanks for sharing Peter.