# On being homeless **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 28, 2024, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339 "2024-10-28T07:58:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/21 "2024-11-22T02:27:37Z")
Hurrah! So happy, I cannot tell you. I’ve wondered about you after the other thread. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/22 "2024-11-22T15:08:30Z")
Great news! When do you move? ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/23 "2024-11-22T15:58:06Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > But just this afternoon, I got offered a villa-unit in a complex (that includes aged care facilities) but the offer was for an independent living facility, at a cost I can afford and away from the ‘Mosquito Capital of the World’ where I am currently staying. > > So WOOOOTZERS, I am over the bloody moon. Congratulations, kambuckta. That is excellent news indeed! ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/24 "2024-11-22T18:03:22Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > Not invoking gods, just some lovely news all round. Congratulations! ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2024, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/25 "2024-11-22T18:11:53Z")
That’s terrific! ---
**Author:** ![X.L.Lent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a5b964/32.png) [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2024, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/26 "2024-11-23T09:00:57Z")
Congratulations to you **kambuckta**! ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2024, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/27 "2024-11-23T15:37:47Z")
I’m very relieved for you kambuckta. I’m just stunned that we have at least two homeless folks right here on the dope. What a harsh world it can be. scud sucker, I don’t know you obviously, but I wish you would not let pride keep you from letting others help you. It pleases people to help other people and you are depriving them of that pleasure. Either way, best of luck to you. I just can’t imagine being homeless. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/28 "2024-11-26T21:22:40Z")
I went to inspect the unit yesterday, and was blown away by just how BIG it was. I was expecting a ‘dog-box’ with tiny rooms and less-than basic facilities. But the living area is as big as any place I’ve lived, the bedroom equally large with lots of built-in cupboards/wardrobes, it already has reverse-cycle air-con installed (I had been trying to factor the cost of that into my meagre budget), the kitchen has everything but a dishwasher (LOL), front verandah overlooking manicured parklands and a back entrance with a car-space and a little garden bed, enough to plant some herbs for the kitchen. Whoever the community-org who manages this place is, I dips me’ lid to the quality and to the staff. And I’m moving in either later this week or early next week when the paperwork is finalised. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/29 "2024-11-26T21:30:11Z")
I really like how this thread is evolving towards an optimistic outcome. Congratulations, **kambuckta** , it seems you made it! It is so nice to read that things sometimes turn out like they should! Best whishes to you! Of course a dishwasher would have been nice… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/30 "2024-11-26T22:08:08Z")
The only thing that turned me off at first is that it is very much a ‘retirement’ village, with the average demographic being 60+ years. But then I realised, I too am 60 + years, and my health and mobility are inching ever closer to needing more support as I age. Hopefully not for many years yet, but living in such a place is strangely reassuring for me in case something DOES happen. I’m a long LONG way from immediate family now so were something to happen, I couldn’t predict how long it would take for them to get here. This way, there’s people around who could get help (for example, if I had a fall or whatever) in no time. And I can pretend to be an older person, gonna take up line dancing and tai chi. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/31 "2024-11-26T22:32:18Z")
When in Rome…and all! Just don’t act too spry you’ll turn into the community picture hanger, couch mover person. An implied limp helps with this. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/32 "2024-11-26T23:14:05Z")
> [@kambuckta](#): > > I went to inspect the unit yesterday, and was blown away by just how BIG it was. I was expecting a ‘dog-box’ with tiny rooms and less-than basic facilities. But the living area is as big as any place I’ve lived {…} I hope … I hope there’s a freaking _echo_ in there, and that – in a month’s time – you’re _complaining about_ the freaking echo, and how long it takes to clean the place. And on that day, I hope you laugh until you cry … about this _positive_ turn of events in your life. And I hope every day after that is better than every day that came before. You got pretty close to the edge there. If _I_ were Elon Musk … I’d do all that I could to reduce misery and suffering in this world. And I do _not_ mean my own. All the best to you… ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2024, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/33 "2024-11-26T23:33:08Z")
Hah @Beckdawreck. It seems there is a permanent handyman on site to do all that sort of stuff, moving furniture, cleaning cobwebs from high places, Paul’s da man apparantly. 😛 And thanks to all of you for your good wishes and vibes, they’re really appreciated. I haven’t lived on my own for many years now, and to be honest, I can’t freakin’ wait! Any mess will be MY mess. Any dishes needed doing will be MY dishes. And I won’t need to ask or tell anybody where and when I’m going somewhere, because, well, I just won’t have to 😃 ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/34 "2024-11-27T01:24:15Z")
That place sounds amazing. I was homeless for a long time ( not having a place in my name). If it weren’t for kind people, I would be now. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/35 "2024-11-27T05:10:25Z")
I guess one (of the many) things that make Australia different to the US is our ‘safety nets’ for people facing difficult times. If you find yourself unemployed (for whatever reason) you will receive a payment, fortnightly to tide you over until you next get a job. Sometimes that can last years…and there are certain conditions to be met, like actually LOOKING for a job, and not being a bludger (in colloquial terms). However, with the dearth of staff in the various departments that oversee this, many people fall through the cracks. But for the vast majority, it’s a way of surviving until the next job happens. The ‘unemployment benefit’ (Jobseeker) is not enough to pay rent for even the most basic of accommodation. Unless you have family and friends, or own your own home, you are doomed to be on the public housing waiting lists, sometimes for years. BUT, there are community-based housing orgs that try to close those gaps, and for the most part, they do a bloody good job. Sure, you’ll find rough-sleepers in the cities and major towns, but many of them choose that option rather than be beholden to the charity giving them a bed. And that’s cool, there are other support services (meal vans, medical services, even a mob who have mobile washing machines and dryers who cruise the homeless parks to offer their services too). If I were to be truly homeless (living under a tarp on a roadside) I’d rather be in Australia than the US by the sounds of things there. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I waited approximately 7 weeks before I was offered this villa. I don’t have dependent kids so maybe that made a difference, but still, I am so very bloody grateful to everyone who helped me, to the staff who gave me tissues as I cried, to the doc who gave me some diazepam to calm the fuck down 😛 to everybody, especially my mate Don who put me up for the last few weeks never knowing if I was ever going to move out. I know it was hardest on him (having someone lob on your doorstep needing somewhere to doss) is hard enough, but bless him, he did it. And I saw a glimmer of hope and joy in his eyes when I said I was moving out in a couple of days 😛 Thank you Australia for giving me options, thank you everybody for all your encouraging words, and thank OG I don’t have to live in a tent or out of my car. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/36 "2024-11-27T05:22:05Z")
We have those things in America. People choose not to or can’t for some illegal things they do(drugs, crimes against children they’d rather not get seen by Social services) Or just generally running from the law. There is help, it may be a slog to get thru the paperwork and lots of talking. Maybe a brief intrusion in your life, as in knowing your assets and your true family situation. There are always those who fall thru cracks, no matter how the social safety network is ran. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/37 "2024-11-27T05:38:04Z")
I mean the folks who fall through the cracks on purpose. If someone really needs help here, it is available, but there are some (I guess mainly with mental health issues) who forego assistance for whatever reason. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/38 "2024-11-27T06:02:13Z")
Yes, I caught your meaning. I’m just happy you got help and got thru the mess involved with getting it. Good luck. Have a happy _summer_ Christmas. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/39 "2024-11-27T06:05:06Z")
Why thank you Beck, and fuck you for telling me how close we are to Christmas. Happy Thanksgiving, hope ya turkey turns into tuna. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Dorabella](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f08c70/32.png) [@Dorabella](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorabella)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2024, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339/40 "2024-11-27T06:23:40Z")
As a fellow Aussie, I am delighted for you Kambucta. I am so pleased that you found a decent place to live and I hope you will be very happy there. So sorry about your daughter though. It is heartbreaking when we fall out with our children. I hope that gets resolved eventually too. Scudsucker, I am sorry that you are still struggling I hope something comes your way too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-being-homeless/1009339.md?page=3)