Hi @fedoraonmyhead That interview with the young man was absolutely heartbreaking. I can't imagine how he will make it out of homelessness with his current situation. He mentioned that he's going to school and that he has a goal to go to college for culinary arts. I hope he can accomplish his dreams. But i already know he has so many things working agasint him.
With his past, I can only imagine the obstacles ahead of him now that his mom has passed from an overdose. Where is his dad to help? This young man is not quite able to be completely independent. The family must be receiving some type of assistance because I see they are in tents, the young man has decent enough clothes, he attends school, and has a mobile phone in his possession. That I have never understood individuals who live in poverty, but has a mobile phone.
I don't know much about the tent cities or other type arrangements for the homeless. It just breaks my heart because the system that allows this type of humiliation for individuals is one that needs fixing. Not only widespread in every city and town in the U.S., but worldwide.
I can only pray for this young man and all other young adults and children in these type of situations.
Hi, @justclickindiva. Thanks for writing. First, I'll just get out of the way that cell phones are given out by social services--at least they are in Minnesota. His father? He's in jail.
Right now, this boy (and his brother) live with their foster mom (where this video was recorded).
The best thing this young man has going for him is also a huge asset: his spirit and maturity. I just hope his fire stays lit. He's a good teen that can have a good life if he can endure these struggles.
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Hi. Thanks for responding and clearing up my question. I asked around and found out that yes, mobile phone with limited mobility are provided to individuals who qualify for assistance.
Oh, I didn't catch that his dad is incarcerated. This young may now has a a dad unavailable, and a mom deceased. I'm glad he has a foster parent.
I could sense his upbeat attitude and spirit, especially wanting to finish high school and go to college. I hope there are programs out there for individuals who desire to do so. I know that financial aid is available. I was always told that many homeless individuals can't get assistance because they have no physical address.
This young man and many like him have an uphill battle to succeed. Somehow I sense, he will make it. His dire situation doesn't have seemed to beaten him down to the point he has given up. I wish the best of luck.
The work you do to bring this situation to light is inspiring. I know where I live there is a homeless population that growing each year.
I have empathy for those less fortunate. But I've seen both sides of the picture. My family was far from middle class, and tethered on the brink of poverty when I was young. But we were fortunate to never be homeless. That's why my questions. When I saw the living condition in the tents, then with the mobile phone and seemingly nice outer wear, hence my question.
I'm just glad to know he's not all alone and does have a foster parent situation.
Thanks for explaining the situation.
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You're welcome:)
Where do you live?
Yeah, there are actually a lot of provisions for homeless and impoverished people--clothing, food, and even phones. It's shelter, personal support, and sobriety that is often most needed. Right now Tate' has all three.
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Hi. I live in Texas. So glad there's help available. Too often government and society turn a blind eye. Check out my post "inappropriately dressed". Then my short zapfic "sitting on sidewalk". I understand fully.
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There are many things we do not understand. Why does someone with extreme needs have a cell phone? How can you live in a tent? That is a place to sleep is not a home ... But you have to see the people in your environment and not where we want to see them.
This world is truly complex and we must open our senses as this steemit user does.
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I understand that. And also the concept of homelessness. We have more than our share of this condition locally and nationally. My country has a serious problem with homelessness. The system that should address this is broken.
I also understand poverty and extreme poverty. My family was not rich, nor middle class, when I was growing up. We were placed in a level society calls poverty, so I know it full well. Poverty affects the social and economically disadvantaged almost always. With the oppotunities for advancement not being available to us.
It is also a mindset, as I know this too well.
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