h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Oh come on FwT! Is homelessness a problem for the rest of society who are embarrassed, inconvenienced etc to see them hanging about being erm.... homeless? Or do the homeless themselves experience it as a problem?

to ye Toxxin!

In that case, it's probably a mixture of both: some people dont like being confronted with how much they have, and how little some other don't have..

..some people are probably very happy being homeless, some after all choose to become homeless. For the vast majority, however, being homeless is a problem that they wish to overcome...

I completely agree with you. FwT? It's a false dichotomy! I wonder why anyone thinks differently. Oh, and when are you going to tell us about that jacket?

You like that phrase, don't you?

The jacket is a work thing: ive got to wear it when Im packing bags, so that Im visible so people can holler me over... but was looking at myself within it, and I thought [fonzy-esque] eyyyy!

I love it, and 'counterexamples'. Hey! the Fonz is cooooool.

Erm, do you go deaf too when you're invisible?

The fonz is cool...thats why I said it: because my luminous jacket is the epitome of cool!

Where did that come from? And why is it a homeless thread

Where did what come from?

"Erm, do you go deaf too when you're invisible?"

Oh wake up FwT. Don't be so obtuse. It comes from .

Toxxin,

You've got m@il!

Im not being obtuse: Im being stupid!

Well neither really. I was being too severe. This multi-threading is tricky at the best of times. I'm the one who missed the heiroglyphics earlier, remember.

I was only a'jokin'! You weren't being too severe: I took it in the way of a joke...unless it wasn't a joke then you were just being plain mean

Hi All

1. Is there a solution to homelessness in the affluent West - State or otherwise?
2. Do the homeless or the rest of the population want or need a solution or does it create a 'comfort zone' for the 'haves'?

FwT asked for some clarity on my question 2 and I think Toxxin got the meaning quite well.

To answer my own questions.
1. As has been stated a number of times already, the whole subject is complex with many alternate views. I believe that a State solution is both possible and desirable. The one thing lacking is the political will to make it happen. Policies like this are deeply unpopular with the voters esp. 'Middle Class Middle England'.

2. Describing people as 'Haves" is perhaps a bit cruel in that the majority work hard for what they have. That said, the comfort zone takes a number of forms - giving to the homeless in one way or another directly, giving to Homeless charities, volunteering, giving to charities in general though not necessarily Homeless charities and less charitable forms like smug acknowledgement of ones own position, embarrassment etc.

The homeless themselves are in that position for reasons too numerous to mention, most of which I would not presume to know. I would, however contend that the policy of Care in the Community (for people with mental health problems - some enduring) should have been called State Abdication of Responsibility!! as it was responsible for many instances of homelessness following the wholesale closure of state provision of continuing care. Before anyone else says it I accept that most of the Victorian Asylums needed to close but alternatives should have been provided in their place.

Any other views welcome

turvy

I guess we were both joking, but even with smileys it's kinda tricky in writing. Add the fact that I hardly speak to anyone in R/W from one week's end to another and I sort of begin to feel I'm losing the plot.

Hi Turvey,

There's nothing in your post I'd argue with.

The only thing is: What form would state help take? Help for the mentally ill is actually relatively easy because you can justify creating institutions for them and making them live there. But what about those who just dont want to (or can't) conform? Can't hold down jobs, pay rent etc? It would be treading very dangerous ground compelling them to accept state "help". And who next? Gypsies? New Age Travellers? Those with incomes under x? Or who dont wash regularly?. its a potential mine-field.

Stephen

Potential minefield...a very real minefield!

Lost the Plot? You're very lucky: I never had any plot!

"Very real minefield" indeed! You're doing it on purpose FwT. Doh!

Moi...would i

Hi Stephen

I have some half-formed ideas on the topic of state provision which I suspect may be a bit radical.

Ideas to float around are things like a Public/Charities mix and creative solutions allowing the homeless to continue their lifestyle with a safety net.

I would not suggest and form of compulsion though.

turvy