# So... I'm really homeless now. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 8, 2012, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336 "2012-11-08T05:53:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![bot3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/41988e/32.png) [@bot3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bot3)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/21 "2012-11-08T13:46:32Z")
> [@Crotalus](#): > > You need a lot of those rays of sanity. You seem to be running a deficit. So it seems. :rolleyes:😉 ---
**Author:** ![tapu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@tapu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tapu)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/22 "2012-11-08T14:01:25Z")
> [@bot3](#): > > Wait. Let me get this straight. You lost everything, but yet you have the money, resources and time to go on this forum and plead your plight! I’ve been in this situation before and last year my daughter was part of the Irene fiasco. Neither I nor her had time or money or resources to use the Internet or even consider going on a forum such as this to waste time. > Let me guess, you voted for Obama. You want everything given to you but you don’t want to work for it. Am I close? I bet you have one of those government issued cell phones. Am I a cynic? You betcha. Er, where are YOU? I’m hoping to avoid coming across you. ---
**Author:** ![tapu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@tapu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tapu)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/23 "2012-11-08T14:02:40Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Cynicism is not the same as critical thought. I’ll be employing that statement in conversation now. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/24 "2012-11-08T14:06:43Z")
> [@bot3](#): > > Wait. Let me get this straight. You lost everything, but yet you have the money, resources and time to go on this forum and plead your plight! I’ve been in this situation before and last year my daughter was part of the Irene fiasco. Neither I nor her had time or money or resources to use the Internet or even consider going on a forum such as this to waste time. > Let me guess, you voted for Obama. You want everything given to you but you don’t want to work for it. Am I close? I bet you have one of those government issued cell phones. Am I a cynic? You betcha. **bot3** , this is out of line. If you’d like to kick a person while she’s down, we’ve got the Pit for that kind of nasty tendency. Keep it out of this thread. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/25 "2012-11-08T14:41:22Z")
If **SurrenderDorothy** really is in St. Louis as has been mentioned, please call (314) 802-5444 - that’s the city’s homeless assistance hotline, and they will set you up with intake personnel who will be able to tell you where to go for services such as meal assistance, shelters, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/26 "2012-11-08T15:22:34Z")
I too am on the wrong side of the Atlantic, but hang in there. ---
**Author:** ![peedin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peedin/32/14095_2.png) [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/27 "2012-11-08T15:46:06Z")
I cry when I read posts like this. I feel so helpless. There are lots of resources available but I know it’s hard to muster the motivation. In addition to what’s been suggested, please look into the Salvation Army, and the local public health deaprtment. Most public health departments have a list of places that can help, including shelters. If you are posting from the public library, ask a librarian what info they have for people in your situation. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/28 "2012-11-08T15:58:31Z")
> [@bot3](#): > > Wait. Let me get this straight. You lost everything, but yet you have the money, resources and time to go on this forum and plead your plight! I’ve been in this situation before and last year my daughter was part of the Irene fiasco. Neither I nor her had time or money or resources to use the Internet or even consider going on a forum such as this to waste time. > Let me guess, you voted for Obama. You want everything given to you but you don’t want to work for it. Am I close? I bet you have one of those government issued cell phones. Am I a cynic? You betcha. You’re not a cynic, you’re simply a collossal, mouth-breathing douche trolling a message board. Your cell-phone comment belies your utter inability and unwillingness to think on your own as it refers to a long-debunked myth. It’s a pity Irene didn’t claim you. The world would be a better place. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/29 "2012-11-08T16:27:45Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > You’re not a cynic, you’re simply a collossal, mouth-breathing douche trolling a message board. Your cell-phone comment belies your utter inability and unwillingness to think on your own as it refers to a long-debunked myth. It’s a pity Irene didn’t claim you. The world would be a better place. **Inigo Montoya** , a moderator has already admonished **bot3**. I understand that you don’t care for what s/he said, but this reaction is really out of line for this forum. Dial it way back. No warning issued. **twickster** , MPSIMS moderator ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/30 "2012-11-08T16:30:14Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > You’re not a cynic, you’re simply a collossal, mouth-breathing douche trolling a message board. Your cell-phone comment belies your utter inability and unwillingness to think on your own as it refers to a long-debunked myth. It’s a pity Irene didn’t claim you. The world would be a better place. **Inigo** , see post 19. There’s a pit thread. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/31 "2012-11-08T16:35:39Z")
I hope Bot3 didn’t scare off SurrenderDorothy. Hugs for you, Darlin’. I hope one of us is able to help you, but you gotta come back. ---
**Author:** ![Noone\_Special](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noone_special/32/2863_2.png) [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/32 "2012-11-08T16:43:15Z")
> [@Helena330](#): > > I hope Bot3 didn’t scare off SurrenderDorothy. > > Hugs for you, Darlin’. I hope one of us is able to help you, but you gotta come back. Most likely she’s out there during the day, busting her chops to earn her next meal and **maybe** , just maybe find a job that will get her **off** the street. You know, the things some people better unnamed here may not believe she’s doing…? I’m hoping she’ll check in something like the same time again today (which was around 1 AM EST if my time-zone calculations aren’t off) \*\*Dorothy \*\*-- once again, fingers crossed, my thoughts going out to you. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/33 "2012-11-08T17:27:50Z")
> [@Cinnamon\_Imp](#): > > I’m really sorry to hear that **Dorothy** , I remember the start of this from the mini-rants thread. … Me, too. I’d at least offer you a hot meal if you’re in the Dallas area. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/34 "2012-11-08T17:28:13Z")
> [@bot3](#): > > The next election will inevitably elect a Republican president. Only if the GOP can find a Reaganite that can win the nomination, assuming they aren’t extinct. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/35 "2012-11-08T17:30:20Z")
**SurrenderDorothy,** please don’t pay any attention to bot3’s decidedly unfriendly and unhelpful comments. As others have said, take a look at his join date, then move on. I really can’t do anything to help you or give you any advice except to say please don’t surrender or give in to despair. Please take advantage of any resources available to you and try to get a roof over your head and stay safe. ---
**Author:** ![SurrenderDorothy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/surrenderdorothy/32/1221_2.png) [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/36 "2012-11-08T17:44:20Z")
It’s a fair enough question. I’m posting from my phone, which was a gift from my mom a few years ago. She hasn’t taken me off the family plan. She won’t help beyond that, but that’s okay- the phone is my lifeline. I do still have a job, but the hours are erratic and the pay is low. I’ve applied for a bunch more, so I’m hoping something comes through. No food stamps or disability or anything. I do have enough to eat and ride the bus and such. And I’m in St. Louis and will definitely call that hotline- thank you. I did vote for Obama, so… spot on? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/37 "2012-11-08T18:10:26Z")
[St. Louis food pantries](http://www.foodpantries.org/ci/mo-st_louis) ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/38 "2012-11-08T18:29:09Z")
[Some more links compiled here](http://www.freepublicassistance.com/ci/mo-st._louis). ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/39 "2012-11-08T18:54:20Z")
It would seem to me that your first priority would be finding a shelter. Now I understand that they are no picnic – one friend described them as being like prison – but they are far safer and more comfortable than sleeping on the street. I think one really important thing is to live your life as close to normal as you can. Keep yourself clean and groomed at all times, maintain your friendships, go to parties, etc. Keep yourself out of the downward spiral. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2012, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336/40 "2012-11-08T18:59:34Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > It would seem to me that your first priority would be finding a shelter. Now I understand that they are no picnic – one friend described them as being like prison – but they are far safer and more comfortable than sleeping on the street. The big problem is finding a shelter that allows you to keep the part time job. Most of them have strict hours for checking in and checking out, sometimes with long lines lasting more than an hour before the doors open. In some cities it can be a problem if you wait in line to get into one shelter, only to find out that you didn’t make the cut and it’s far too late to make it to the next nearest. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-im-really-homeless-now/640336.md?page=3)