I am doing an assignment about homeless people and their surroundings. I havent even begun my assignment that i started at 8am this morning, because i have been so entrenched in the issues that is homelessness.

I stumbled across a website that has truly touched me and has even got active forums with some homeless people from brisbane writing their stories down for all to see and understand.

Rebeccas Community

It is really inspirational to read the stories of dominic and his life in dealing with homeless people.

I figure id do my part and spread the word about this fantastic charitable website. I know there are some people in these forums who have a bigger heart than their mouths :)

heheh, nice link

Because homeless people can eat websites

last edited by Astroboy at 22:23:48 27/Apr/05

I may (will) get flamed for this, but I stand by the point of saying that there is no reason that anyone should be homeless in Australia other than their own choice and stupidity.

no but they can sure eat with the money on of you might donate. Or they might make friends with a person on this forum. Who knows, but its better that this community knows about it than it is that they do not know about it.

Grosby, i had more or less the same point of view as you did at about 8am this morning. Goto this website, read the forums, post your point of view. Trust me, you wont regret it.

You arent a bad person either from what i gather with you and your fundraising for lukaemia (sp?).

Its pretty powerful s*** what they talk about on this website.

Also, homelessness is not a lack of available housing..

"Homelessness is a condition of detachment from society characterised by the absence or attenuation of the affiliative bonds that link settled persons to a network of interconnected social structures "

I skimmed through a few of those stories on that site...

and the missus watched blue heelers earlier this evening...

and some other tripe she watched the other day..

common theme in all, people raping their kids... WTF is up with that s***, gawd damn this is a f***ed up world.



last edited by rodolphe at 22:42:18 27/Apr/05

I wanted to bleed to death but it didn't work because someone found me lying in the alley and called an ambulance.

You just give up, that's it, it's the end. As soon as you get to that stage where you don't care if you live or die you end up so upset, so depressed, so hurt with everything that you just cant handle even the day in front of you.

In the end it's a matter of well if I get through the day then great, if I don't doesn't matter, no big deal. It's not like anyone's going to miss whether I'm here or not.

The last time I tried to kill myself I only had a syringe to slash up with so I was hacking at myself trying to get myself bleeding properly. Then I sniffed paint until I blacked out.

w h o l e y.... f u c k.

last edited by existence` at 23:14:27 27/Apr/05

I havent even begun my assignment that i started at 8am this morning

?

I may (will) get flamed for this, but I stand by the point of saying that there is no reason that anyone should be homeless in Australia other than their own choice and stupidity.

I concur.

I concur to some extent, but more to the point:

I just don't care.

Why would you try to slash yourself to death when theres a perfectly good river to kill yourself in? They don't want to die; thats attention seeking.

I concur with Grosby. Centrelink = food + shelter + education.

there is no reason that anyone should be homeless in Australia other than their own choice and stupidity.

Actually there are a whole range of 'reasons' and issues surrounding homelessness in Australia. Many people end up on the streets because of drugs, a bad homelife, alcoholism, mental illness and so on. These are complex social and health issues that I doubt many professional health and community workers would call 'stupidity'.

I mean, you could call an alcoholic 'stupid' I suppose, but its a fairly unhelpful way to look at what is no doubt a serious mental health issue.

When children are brought up in abusive households they are often unable to develop socialisation skills the way 'normal'or mainstream people do. Sometimes cycles of abuse and neglect contribute to forcing people out of mainstream society.
People who find themselves homeless are on the streets, and continue to be there, because they don't have the skills necessary to create an environment that is stable or 'normal' for themselves. It's not always as easy as saying they are 'stupid'.



You were right though, you did get flamed :)

/steps off soapbox

I agree with SakaruWars, mostly. I don't care.

The problem with homeless people is they don't care. So theres pretty much nothing you can do for them, they'll get fed, i don't give them money and that doesn't make me feel like a bad person.

Homeless kids and runaways should be sorted out though.

That was a flame!? Hah.

Sans the mental health issues, in Australia there is NO REASON to be homeless. There's housing commision, there's centrelink (all you need is a postal address - which you can get anywhere), there's St Vinnies and all the other places.
I hate it when I see homeless people, smoking, sniffing paint, graffitiing. Whatever. It's THEIR choice to be there, it's THEIR choice to be homeless.
They were abused and they don't have social skills? Nor does anyone at the front counter of Centrelink.

People are only on the streets because they want to be.

imo it is a sympathy call, poor joe blogs on the street... less sympathy if joe blogs makes something of his life.

i won't feel guilty, or sorry for people who can't wake up and smell the coffee for themselves.

dont feed the animals.

these social workers are just prolonging the lives of these street rats, and sustaining them so they can commit more crimes to feed their drug habits.

there should be a modern day auschwitz to deal with these scum.

These people are all homeless by choice. This website has done nothing but piss me off with its total crap.

yeh, no need to be homeless, if people really want to get straightened out, the charities (vinnies, etc...) will help them get their lives back on track, but most of them dont care... as was said, so, I dont see why we should care.

We should be giving homeless people free holidays to Bali with a $10,000 bonus on their return.

I hate it when I see homeless people, smoking, sniffing paint, graffitiing. Whatever. It's THEIR choice to be there, it's THEIR choice to be homeless.

I was going to say the exact same thing. It really pisses me off when I see a homeless person begging for money one day, then the next day see that same person with a new pack of smokes. They don't seem to give a s***, so nor do I. If they really wanted to get their s*** sorted out, then they would. The remain to be homeless because they're not responsible enough to try to do something about it.

last edited by Midda at 10:00:40 28/Apr/05

so its their fault they may have been raped when they were 12 years old hey?

people getting pissed off by this website? you f***ing inhumane bastards. Go on the website and make a thread detailing why you are pissed off about it and see the responses you get.

Im amazed at the attitude from some of the people on this forum, these people dont care because they have been abused/have mental illnesses etc.

When a person is raped, its as if someone has reached in and ripped their soul out of their body. This person can not form intimate relationships because theyre association is with deprivation and not intimacy. Many people on the streets are what we call scum and do not care about themselves, but it was not like that in the beginning for them...you think they like being there? Who the f*** wants to live on a street with no friends, no family and no life....sniffing paint and stealing s***. What kind of f***ing life is that? and yeh it probably was a cry for help trying to slash herself to death- a f***ing huge cry that has landed on deaf ears that belong to people like you.

I can see the problem of removing homelessness doesnt lye with the government, it lyes with unneducated unnaccepting pricks like you(most of you it seems)

so its their fault they may have been raped when they were 12 years old hey?

people getting pissed off by this website? you f***ing inhumane bastards. Go on the website and make a thread detailing why you are pissed off about it and see the responses you get.

Im amazed at the attitude from some of the people on this forum, these people dont care because they have been abused/have mental illnesses etc.

When a person is raped, its as if someone has reached in and ripped their soul out of their body. This person can not form intimate relationships because theyre association is with deprivation and not intimacy. Many people on the streets are what we call scum and do not care about themselves, but it was not like that in the beginning for them...you think they like being there? Who the f*** wants to live on a street with no friends, no family and no life....sniffing paint and stealing s***. What kind of f***ing life is that? and yeh it probably was a cry for help trying to slash herself to death- a f***ing huge cry that has landed on deaf ears that belong to people like you.

I can see the problem of removing homelessness doesnt lye with the government, it lyes with unneducated unnaccepting pricks like you(most of you it seems

man i was just about to type up a huge rant but you took the words outta my mouth

you c***s are a bunch of f***ing pigs. most of those examples the kids were pre-f***ing-teens, being sexually and physically abused. how the f*** can you say its their choice / fault that they are homeless

lets look at their options

a) stay home get f***ed by my dad each night, get beaten by my dad each night

or

b) get the f*** out of there, anywhere is better then that.

Normal human instinct is the will to fight and live, so naturally, you're gonna get the f*** out of there. You're not going to be in the state of mind "oh i wonder where im gonna go", its purely "i must f***ing get out of here"

some of them went and stayed at friends houses, some didn't. I have mates who are living at mates houses cause they have f***ed up familys, and it works alright.

you people f***ing disgust me

last edited by existence` at 10:19:27 28/Apr/05

Old enough to live on the streets, but not old enough to figure out you can speak to the police about parental abuse? Don't give me the bulls*** line about not trusting any adults, if you're too thick to figure out that not everyone is going to beat you, and that people are actually distinct units with their own opinions and actions then you deserve everything you get.

Take some f***ing responsibility for your own life, the world doesn't owe you a goddamn thing.

@ existence` and fingers:
Don't tell me that people who get raped and beaten instantly become helpless. I have friends who have been both raped and abused(quite badly infact), but they can still form intimate relationships. They did something about the situation, which wasn't sitting on the streets begging, and they didn't let their bad past control their lives. They sorted out their s***, and are now living happily. Don't feed me that bulls***, there's always another road to take.

But don't get me wrong, some of them do deserve a bit of help, but they have to do something about it for themselves, and using the money that they get to buy useless s*** is a sign of their lack of caring.

last edited by Midda at 10:41:49 28/Apr/05

http://www.homeless.org.au/images/HeaderLeft.jpg
that's mad

Homelessness sucks. I agree mostly with exi. They should sort their lives out but its f***ed up saying they deserve it for not being responsible enough to do something about it. Sakura i hope you get raped by Wendell Sailor

They should sort their lives out but its f***ed up saying they deserve it for not being responsible enough to do something about it.

Seems like rather a silly thing to say, just because you refuse to take responsibility for something doesn't mean you're absolved of that responsibility.

The people who are saying they deserve it are sitting in front of a computer, which indicates they have a considerably higher standard of living than a large proportion of the world's population. It is easy to sit back and say 'f*** em' when you have not experienced the struggle that some have.
It is partly this ignorance and lack of charity that keeps people down. Society as a whole is not able to address these issues because of narrow-mindedness and a lack of understanding of the fundamental issues that surround homelessness etc.
Anyone can say 'I don't care' or 'they deserve it' but it takes a bit more effort to say 'this is a social problem that we are all responsible for' even if it means just changing our attitudes.

Grosby. I had to laugh when you said that you see homeless people graffing. You dumb f***. As if homeless people with mental health issues are out bombing trains. And you see this, do you? You wouldn't last one night on the street, and I doubt you have seen these people or heard their stories 1st hand, so don't talk about s*** you know nothing about.

You should think yourself lucky that you have a life of privilege, as the vast majority of the world's population live far below what you call standard.

Aside from this, I can't believe you would say that people deserve to be abused and deserve to be mentally ill. Sure there are hopeless losers who f*** themselves up. But you should look at the reasons behind this. That is, if you an intelligent human being and not some bigoted, middle class f***wit who can't think for themselves.

I challenge you to talk to someone who's homeless and get thier side of the story, before sitting in your ivory tower mouthing off about how we really must do something about all these disgusting poor people.

f*** you.



last edited by IncrEdible_vEgetable at 11:47:07 28/Apr/05

It's THEIR choice to be there, it's THEIR choice to be homeless.

Not in the majority of cases.
Please go back to listening to Triple M, you middle-class self-absorbed yobbo f***.
"Oh look there are people less fortunate than me who were raped by their dad and developed severe mental health issues which eventually ended up surfacing as alcohol or drug dependency. I really wish I didn't have to look at them. Oh they are all dirty. Quick mummy, shoo that nasty homeless man away. He's challenging my ideals of a Utopian Western society where everyone can make it if they want it bad enough, and where everyone is straight out of Beverley Hills 90210."

Do you even know how f***ing uneducated and pathetic you sound?

Next time you are sitting in front of your computer worth a couple of grand and you look around your tastelessly decorated middle class house with all the trappings of a good little worker drone, spare a thought for those that may not have had the opportunites that you have, or that mummy and daddy have bought for you.

Flame OK?

Homeless people are just people who have lost hope or have no control over there lives. In this country you can get all the help you need you just need to know who to talk to and where to go.

We are all homeless, We are all homeless.
Daylight come and me wanna go ....

If you're happy and you know it, give homeless people venetian blinds. Because what they need more than your pity is a bit of bloody privacy!

D*A*A*S for the win.


btw, this is a serious issue and I am trivialising it by quoting cult lyrics as a coping mechanism. Kinda like how grosby and friends are using ignorance as a shield.

Homeless people are homeless,
Fat people are fat,
Smokers smoke.

not all of those people have the ability to change who and what they are. grats++ to those that do, help++ to those that don't.

@ IncrEdible_vEgetable:

So, are you saying that the homeless people on the streets are in no way responsible for their current situation?

last edited by Midda at 12:23:42 28/Apr/05

so its their fault they may have been raped when they were 12 years old hey?

Hey, no one said this was their fault. These are you words and no one elses. They could have pushed charges against the person who was abusing them. Hell they would be going through foster homes, but then again which would you rather have? Getting raped day in and day out in a hostel or going through the foster system?

people getting pissed off by this website? you f***ing inhumane bastards.

Cry me a river, I don't see you down in the gutter helping these chumps out. If you gave a rats arse you'd be giving these tards a place to stay.

Go on the website and make a thread detailing why you are pissed off about it and see the responses you get.

Yeah and why don't I go to the Aryan Nations website and tell them I'm a Jew, or head onto the Black pride forums and tell them I hate n*****s? I wonder what kind of irrational and fanatic responses I'm going to get?

Im amazed at the attitude from some of the people on this forum, these people dont care because they have been abused/have mental illnesses etc.

Don't be amazed, get real. No one gives a s***, like I said I don't see you going over and offering these people a way out.

I can see the problem of removing homelessness doesnt lye with the government, it lyes with unneducated unnaccepting pricks like you(most of you it seems)

I think you're the most ignorant of all so far. These people have plenty of avenues to escape being 'homeless'. As many others have said there are chartities which will get them on their feet, help them get work and into the welfare system to at least get a start. These people gave up and that's just too bad. If they want to get back up and live the rest of their lives they have that option. They just choose not to. It is a lot easier to sit on your arse in a pile of rubbish and bitch about being cold and hard done by.

a) stay home get f***ed by my dad each night, get beaten by my dad each night

or

b) get the f*** out of there, anywhere is better then that.

As usual it is very convenient to leave out option c, and that is to report the abuse to the authorities.

you people f***ing disgust me

It is a good thing no one gives a s*** what you think, like or have an opinion on then. For everything you have said there has been an option for these 'homeless' people.

Ultimately, like others have said. The world owes s*** to anyone. Deal with it make your choices and then deal with those.

You talk of rape as a reason why people are homeless,just think about it though,there are ALOT of people that are homeless,not just young boys and girls.Adults and even elderly people...you cant tell me there out on the streets cause they were raped too.

Bravo Twisted, couldn't have put it better myself.

As I said previously, I have friends who have been both raped and abused repeatedly, but they didn't go and live on the f***ing street, they took the unmentioned option C.

last edited by Midda at 13:07:10 28/Apr/05

Adults and even elderly people...you cant tell me there out on the streets cause they were raped too.

Theres a lot of reasons someone can end up without a place to live, and remember that "not being homeless" isnt just a case of deciding you dont want to be anymore.

Think about it. You have no money, where do you get income and where do you store it? You smell like s***, where do you take a shower and make yourself presentable? You have no possesions, where do you type up a resume or browse for a job?

No doubt someone will quote all of these hypothetical questions and give some brilliant response like "go to an internet cafe and type a reusme there!!" but when you combine all of that with a drug habit, severe depression or mental disability it isnt that easy.


Most of you people are looking at this from the perspective of someone who is:

a) Living at home with their parents in a nice stable environment
b) Has been well educated and got through life so far with no problem

and to be honest, until recently I would have been on the "YOU CHOSE TO BE HOMELESS!!" bandwagon, then I kinda grew up and realised not everyone has it as f***ing awesome as I do.

Theres a birlliant thread on SA (wow!) by a guy who used to be homeless in USA, itll change you're perspective i garuntee.

I think maxe, twisted and fingers have pretty much said all that to be said.

there should be a modern day auschwitz to deal with these scum.

It's good to see a bit of compassion these days.

are you saying that the homeless people on the streets are in no way responsible for their current situation?

No. It is definately their responsibility to do something about their situation. But it is not always enough to say 'they are stupid' or 'they are lazy' or whatever. Look a bit deeper. These people are not capable of affecting change in their lives, because they do not have the same skills as most people do ie. making friends, supporting a family, holding or even applying for a job. Yes, they need to learn this process and it is not good enough to simply say 'o poor them' They need help to put that infrastructure in place in order to rise above their circumstances.

Tanaka Khan I realise not everyone is on the streets because of rape or even abuse. It's just an example of how someone might end up there. I think you will find if you look into it that the reasons are usually linked to mental health issues and/or drug and alcohol abuse. These often aren't problems that people can deal with on their own.

Yes they can get help, but if you bother to have a look at our social welfare system such as Centrelink etc, I think you'll find it's not quite as easy or straightforward as cruising in and getting a handout. Many of these people are ineligible for a variety of reasons, or they simply do not possess the ability to engage with the agencies that are set up.

It just pisses me off when people say ignorant s*** like 'they deserve to be there' etc. Maybe they have made bad choices etc and maybe they aren't well educated or in posession of basic skills. Should our response be to call them 'stupid' or should it be to address the societal issues that help to create homelessness?

Seems like many of your are armchair critics who take the easy option rather than try to affect positive change in society.

As long as you've got your Playstation 2 and your take-away food, f*** the rest of the world, eh?

Only poor people own playstation 2's.

Twisted you're a f***ing moron.

You obviously have no idea of these peoples mindset, i have very little, but obviously alot more then yous.

My friends mum does alot of work with homeless people, so i hear all the stories etc.

You can't just get up and report your step father for raping / abusing you.

Say you do, where the f*** do you go from there? straight into the foster system, which is about | | this much better.

its an ongoing circle that once your in, is very very very hard to break out of

i just love it how all you f***ing heros sit here and slang s*** saying it's their fault.. f***ing unbelievable. i bet if you c***s were in the gutter begging for f***ing food you wouldn't be "taking responsibily" for it

Hands up who has posted in this thread that has actually been homeless for any length of time?

I once had a lease end before my new one started. Does that count?

As long as you've got your Playstation 2 and your take-away food, f*** the rest of the world, eh?

Sif PS2.

lol @ mission

No, I haven't ever been homeless, nor do I presume to speak on their behalf. I am simply saying that problems like homelessness, depression, drug abuse and the like are not one-dimensional problems with hardline solutions, nor are they able to be addressed by saying 'it's because people are stupid' or 'it's because people are unwilling to help themselves'.

There are complex social and personal issues which warrant a bit more constructive thinking than 'I don't care'.

Maybe homelessness doesn't directly impact on your life. Fine. Just try to look at the issue with a bit more intelligence. You are fostering stereotypes and views that only serve to maintain ignorance and negativity.

Hands up who has posted in this thread that has actually been homeless for any length of time?

Hands up those that believe it's actually possible to formulate one's own opinion based on 2nd and 3rd rather than just 1st hand experience

last edited by Hashy at 14:11:58 28/Apr/05

Hashy is right.

I don't think you have to have been in the trenches to know the horrors of war.

That's what books are for.

Dumbasses.

This is just random discussion, it's not as though anyone's disputing the opinions of someone here who HAS been homeless. All on the same grounds here.

Thus the point is moot.

Your sig is still too big.

I may (will) get flamed for this, but I stand by the point of saying that there is no reason that anyone should be homeless in Australia other than their own choice and stupidity.

You know what, you're right, you're a tool. Here's some information for you
No, wait, get a clue yourself.

I am simply saying that problems like homelessness, depression, drug abuse and the like are not one-dimensional problems with hardline solutions, nor are they able to be addressed by saying 'it's because people are stupid' or 'it's because people are unwilling to help themselves'.

There are complex social and personal issues which warrant a bit more constructive thinking than 'I don't care'.

Someone with some clue!

last edited by Loki at 14:48:51 28/Apr/05

Many people on the streets are what we call scum and do not care about themselves, but it was not like that in the beginning for them...you think they like being there? Who the f*** wants to live on a street with no friends, no family and no life....

That is the key statement... It's just not logical for someone to want to do what they do, therefore, it must be another influence/set of circumstances beyond their control, hence the def of needing help.

Ssh Loki, stop voicing your opinion

You haven't been homeless you know

The point isn't whether you have first hand experience, but rather that you can look at the issue with some sort of broader understanding of the issues involved and formulate an intelligent, constructive response.

But sure, if you want to show your ignorance, then by all means keep pointing a neon sign at your obvious lack of empathy and common decency. Your thoughtless and cheap-shot responses only prove that you are not thinking and compassionate individuals.

Got sig envy?

The point isn't whether you have first hand experience, but rather that you can look at the issue with some sort of broader understanding of the issues involved and formulate an intelligent, constructive response.

im quoting so everyone reads it again.

i hear a whole lot of crying on behalf of johnny hobo, but who here has actually got off their high-horse and made a donation to a homeless charity? let alone helped serve the buggers some soup on a friday night...

I agree that some homeless ppl are just druggo junkies and should be locked up in a rehab centre.

But some of the other poor f***s are just ppl with some very serious mental illnesses.

To cold hearted c***s here who say all homeless ppl are 'scum' and its their fault, I say this: I bet you wouldnt be saying that if it were one of your own kids or a blood relation.

The point isn't whether you have first hand experience, but rather that you can look at the issue with some sort of broader understanding of the issues involved and formulate an intelligent, constructive response.

Alas; I'm going to go out on a limb and assume neither you, maxe, or ANYONE ELSE on this thread has even associated much with the homeless community, much less been a part of it.

How is it that you're allowed to formulate a response to the issue and talk about the hardships of homelessness, yet the people here who are denying it need to STFU and GTFO because they've never been homeless? Why are we applying it to one side of the fence, and not the other? Can't you see how asinine it is?

Hands up those that believe it's actually possible to formulate one's own opinion based on 2nd and 3rd rather than just 1st hand experienceOf course you can form opinions on things without having lived through it. People all over the country are doing it on a daily basis. Hell, I do it when I see some biased news report.

I was homeless for about 4 years from the age of 13 to 17. I'm not going to go into the whys and so forth, but there's a definite lack of compassion here. I'm not saying that people who are homeless are not responsible for stopping themselves from being homeless, but I beleive there are certainly some simple minded opinions being spouted.

dont feed the animals.

these social workers are just prolonging the lives of these street rats, and sustaining them so they can commit more crimes to feed their drug habits.

there should be a modern day auschwitz to deal with these scum.

Would you like to see me up against the wall at 15? Do you think if I didn't get the help I needed at the right time (from people that have a like minded view as those on that "stupid" website), that I might have just faded away and died? Do you think I'd be a father of five kids and a successful project manager?

Of course not.

Old enough to live on the streets, but not old enough to figure out you can speak to the police about parental abuse? Don't give me the bulls*** line about not trusting any adults, if you're too thick to figure out that not everyone is going to beat you, and that people are actually distinct units with their own opinions and actions then you deserve everything you get.

I did speak to the police, they didn't believe me. Actually, for being a scumbag street kid, I regularly spent quality time behind a phone book for not going home like a good boy.

Homeless people are just people who have lost hope or have no control over there lives. In this country you can get all the help you need you just need to know who to talk to and where to go.

Or more importantly who to trust.

Every single homeless person has a story, all worse than the last one you heard. Some of them (if not most) have given up, but that doesn't mean we should. Now this doesn't mean that if some smelly old man comes up to you asking for money, you should give it to him. Ignoring him if you want, don't care if you want, but don't you f***ing dare make sweeping generalisations about homeless people.

So er.. that's my 2c.

wow such a hot topic everyone has strong opinions. Anyone can get a job nowdays so money isnt a problem I think it is the motivation to get off the street is why there is so many homeless people. All homeless people should stop spending there money on drugs and stuped s***. They need reducation.

I have never been homeless but the again I have never made the choice to become homeless.

Anyone can get a job nowdays so money isnt a problem

I wouldn't say that. Getting a job from a fresh-off-the-street position in trade or manual labour or something would've been 20x easier 50-100 years ago.

Most of us are either still paying of the mortgage or paying rent anyways.

We're all homeless bums.

^ not exactly true mate.

Sure there are a gazillion casual jobs out there bugger all full-time positions. You can earn a bit above the dole but that might just cover your basic expenses forget about paying the rent.

But you are right though as you can always get the dole. Thats why I reckon most derro's arent the full quid.

Just look at Ziggy! Hes prolly a nice old dosser but he sure aint playing with a full deck of cards.

All I have to say to conclude this thread is; Underwear Goes Inside the Pants.

All I have to say to conclude this thread is; Underwear Goes Inside the Pants.

I think there's something in that for all of us...

How is it that you're allowed to formulate a response to the issue and talk about the hardships of homelessness, yet the people here who are denying it need to STFU and GTFO because they've never been homeless?

Not sure if I understand what you mean...

I'm not saying don't have an opinion. I am not saying if you haven't lived it don't comment. I am saying back it up with some kind of intelligent statement or facts. Saying that people who live on the streets are 'stupid' or deserve to die is a blanket statement that shows little or no understanding of the issues these people face every day.

It's not a requirement to be immersed in a situation to be able to comment on it. Just do so with some common sense and compassion, instead of spouting ignorant generalisations that have zero validity. The reason the 'let em die' argument falls down is that the people who are voicing this opinions have provided no facts or sensible arguments to back up their claims. It is all just inflated opinion based on very limited experience.

If you had ever bothered to stop and hear someone's story who had lived on the streets you would certainly have a better understanding of why this type of thing occurs.

I guess it is easy to be critical when you aren't directly affected or in the position yourself.

Centrelink + Counselling = ftw

Also, they should stop attacking people if they want respect; doesn't raise my level of compassion being ruffed up by some 'poor homeless kids' while I'm sick as a dog commuting to uni.
Sif I'm gonna help anyway; I'm a f***ing student. I have $20,000+ in debt on my head and its still piling up, plus I have to live.

Maybe I'll give a damn later, not now though; I'm busy writing up I.O.Us.

Man i seriously have no idea how you f***ing pigs can sit here and say that a 12 should be resposible for the way he lives. If you where 12 or so and where being raped what would you sit there and take it or leave, 12 year olds dont have real close mates/friends to fall back on. I think most of your mindframes are completly disgusting.

I dunno how many 12 year olds actually know the steps that can be taken to get out of it, like reporting abuse etc. Also, maybe they're too scared to report anything because they think it might not be successful, or they dont actually have any means of reporting it. Say they ring the police, they might get caught on the phone and get beaten with an empty VB tallie. Or they might goto the police station on the way home from school and then there is a whole process of investigation that carries a lot of uncertainty for them. Who knows, but its already been said a lot; I really doubt anyone enjoys being homeless (cept ziggy) so it cant really be that easy for them to 'take responsibility' and get out of the situation otherwise they obviously would.

This person can not form intimate relationships because theyre association is with deprivation and not intimacy.

It is more difficult. but far from impossible.

s usual it is very convenient to leave out option c, and that is to report the abuse to the authorities.

and what? get them taken to jail. thats really helpfull when the rest of your family rely on that person to bring in the income. "why not make life more difficult for the rest of the family, i mean, i have no self esteam, i don't care about myself, and anything bad that happends to me i deserve it, so i think i should be the one to leave. plus, its not as easy as "just going to the cops". physicaly yes. mentaly no.

Hands up who has posted in this thread that has actually been homeless for any length of time?

they way this website says it.. for about 3 years of my life. (not physicaly homeless, but indeed detached from sociaty). and physicaly homeless, about 2 days.

the way it works from my experaince (FISRT HAND!) is that you just stop caring, stop giving a damn. you just stop, everything colapses around you. and if someone isn't there to stop you going on the streets, then thats when you end up.

and what? get them taken to jail. thats really helpfull when the rest of your family rely on that person to bring in the income. "why not make life more difficult for the rest of the family, i mean, i have no self esteam, i don't care about myself, and anything bad that happends to me i deserve it, so i think i should be the one to leave. plus, its not as easy as "just going to the cops". physicaly yes. mentaly no.

It's not always a family member or the sole income earner.

just like it isn't always rape? and it isn't alwasy 12, and its not always by your father. etc.

we are using an example right?

alot of the time the father is the soul income earner.

my reason for not going to the athorities was similar, i didn't want to upset the family? (also, i got told not to. and threatened etc)

last edited by WhiteWolf at 18:56:51 28/Apr/05

I think focussing on the sexual abuse issue is a little bit misleading.

While there are probably many cases that arise from this instance, it is more to do with mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse (which are very often symtoms of other forms of abuse).

Again, the issues aren't as easy to solve as "you got raped, go to the police" or "you can't get a job, go to Centrelink". They are far more complex and often the issues compound each other so it is not just a matter of seeking help for a problem, but an entire state of mind.

Anyway, if just one person here has read my posts and the others like them and thought about this issue a bit more than they ordinarily would, I think it has been worth it. Maybe it hasn't changed anyone's opinions, but it may just amke someone a bit more aware.

Also, they should stop attacking people if they want respect

yes, becuase all homeless people are united into a great army, with the actions of one homeless person representing the actions of all.

Also, what the f*** does this have to do with getting respect?

i don't do this much but i'm gonna have to agree with exis'..

It's funny how those without much of a strong point resort to name caling, swearing and other random dribble to get forward a weak point.

Australia is a rich country full of choices. We have a great legal system to deal with stuff such as abuse and the rest, we have fantastic charities to deal with those less fortunate and we have a great 'free money' scheme, as well as housing oppertunities.

No, I haven't been homeless, but my life hasn't been peachy keen either, I grew up in housing commision, I wasn't abused by my parents but I certainly don't like talking to anyone from high school now (ie: support network/social skills debate), I've been kicked out of home and I've had to live in a shed/makeshift room in my parent's-in-laws back yard because I didn't have a place to live. Why didn't I end up on the street? Because I made choices. I made a choice to go to centrelink and get money, I made a choice to take up the Work For The Dole thingo just to get some experience for my blank resume. I made a choice to scan the paper for job oppertunities. I made a choice to not s*** in my own nest and not get kicked out of the place given to me. I made a choice to live in the best way I can for as little as I can.

As a result I know rent a large 3brm house in Indooroopilly, I had a beautiful wedding, my house has 2 computers, 2 tvs, a console and other luxeries. My pantry and fridge is full. I have a very stable part-time job and a casual job. Some of my income is disposable and my car is only 2 years old.
And why did I make this all about me?
Because MY choices allowed me to continue living and not making dick-around excuses about not having a warm place to lay my head at night. I haven't been there, but had I not made the choices I did, I may very well have ended up in those situations.

I agree that people can't help their mental issues, more should be done to help those people.

f***, if you can't find a bed for the night, you could at least do something to land you in one of our cushy luxary apartments that give you 3 square meals a day, a nice bed, blankets and clothes. Some people call it prison, others re-offend because that choice is better and easier than being on the streets.

I'm not helping anyone I don't respect. And 'they' is a word used to denote plurals, as there were multiple people who tried to mug me. Its Relative. I'm not going to say "just the people who tried to mug me" because I'd be leaving out other wankers who steal and attack people (and don't f***ing try to argue that there's no-one else) because that would be bloody stupid.

In my opinion people are just too dman pedantic these days, especially regarding race, religion and politics. Common people, we're big boys and girls; don't do crying to mummy every time you think someone doesn't like you.

This homeless thing is more of a 50-50 thing. Theres the mentally/emotionally unattached people who do infact have psychological problems with dealing with whatever is/has happened to them. With that in mind, there are also the ones who are lazy.

I think we live in a very supporting country with many facilities and oppotunities for anyone and everyone to get them back on their feet with things such as centrelink and other non-profit charaties such as the salvation army to assist those in need. The only problem I believe is for the homeless being able to understand that there are people willing to help, but are let down by the hundreds of people who pass/ignore them ever day, and I must admit that I am guilty of that.

I'd type a bit more, but I'm not exactly fully educated in their field, plus I am kinda tired...

As a result I know rent a large 3brm house in Indooroopilly, I had a beautiful wedding, my house has 2 computers, 2 tvs, a console and other luxeries. My pantry and fridge is full. I have a very stable part-time job and a casual job. Some of my income is disposable and my car is only 2 years old.
And why did I make this all about me?
Because MY choices allowed me to continue living and not making dick-around excuses about not having a warm place to lay my head at night. I haven't been there, but had I not made the choices I did, I may very well have ended up in those situations.

Right. No go back to when you were 12 years old. Your mother is a prostitute and a crack head, she sometimes brings customers home and lets them sodomise you for a carton of smokes, sometimes her "boyfriends" beat you, rape you. You've never had an authority figure to teach you what is right or wrong, The police are those people who keep arresting your mother and doing all sorts of horrible things to her ( so she says ). You barely have any food to eat, and certainly no one to cook it for you. You know of some kids who go to school, but you've never been there yourself. In fact most kids you know in your rough neighbourhood beat you up because you are smaller than then and provide them with an outlet for their aggression.

Would your 12 year old self have been capable of "making choices" and "decisions" in that situation to ensure you had a "new car", 2 tv's and a DDR mat when you growed up.

OK

does living in your car for a few weeks count???

HOMELESSNESS (for me)

PROS:
nice view
cheap rent

CONS:

dog chained to centre pillar keeps you up when he changes possy

find a new s*** spot every few days

clothes stink

c***s lookin at you

s*** sleep

cold

live on junk.... should I continue??


Seriously its f***ed.

but well fact is I can accept being homeless for a week or a month (like I was)
but long term.... for kids.... well I dont know.

P.S. I know I had an unfair advantage cos I had my car :P

And once as the 12 year old is old enough to understand that that's just not on, they can make the choices.
They might not live a lush and lavish life.. but they may get buy without having to sleep under the william jolly bridge.

Kids know a lot more these days then people let them. They have and know all their rights and witht he extensive advertising campaigns and education in schools they also know what's right and wrong behaviour and how to stop that cycles.
20 years ago, maybe not, but a lot of 'street kids' aren't 20 years old to begin with.

I know people who are the product of rape/incest and drug addicted parents who abused them. They can all get up in the world because of the (key word) choices they made.

So many oppertunities in my country.

How is a person to know the opportunities one has in life if nobody presents them to you. That is exactly what these people who are working with the homeless are doing. Showing them that they have options, opportunities and choices. Things that they do not necessarily know they have.

Sure you know about the choices they have because you have grown up in a place that showed those choices to you. Sure the kids that you work with in at your school in kenmore know a lot about their rights and choices, but that does not mean all kids do.

I grew up in a housing commision area in Carina and I was taught what choices i had, that was 10 years ago.
The school I work at isn't in KENMORE it's further west in a semi-toffee area, however it's also a very alternate area (that's what we call it anyway) if you get my drift.

My point stands. This is a rich country, rich in money, resources and choices.

I was taught what choices i had

Grosby you sound like you had it pretty good growing up. I don't mean to assume anything here but you have stated:

You weren't abused.
You had a house to live in.
You went to school.

But what I'm saying is that many people don't get these basic opportunities. So how can you make value-based judgements about them, on the basis of your limited (and quite sheltered) experience? You obviously have no clue as to the circumstances that see people living on the streets. You keep saying people have choices. But for the majority of people who find themselves homeless, there is no choice. They don't have the framework to be able to access resources.

As I keep saying, most of these people have mental health issues and/or drug and alcohol dependancy. Do you?
I think you are looking at this issue from a very middle class, comfortable existence that sure, you created for yourself, but I doubt you would be there if you had some of the problems that less fortunate people have.

I am not saying that these problems are insummountable or that everyone who has them has an excuse to drop out of society. But you can't make sweeping generalisations about homeless people or anyone else for that matter without knowing the facts. Which you don't.

Oh and your solution to homelessness is a classic.

f***, if you can't find a bed for the night, you could at least do something to land you in one of our cushy luxary apartments that give you 3 square meals a day, a nice bed, blankets and clothes. Some people call it prison, others re-offend because that choice is better and easier than being on the streets.

f*** that made me laugh. If you are homeless simply commit crime to get yourself a bed. Wonderful. What an intelligent and well thought out solution to the problem. I am sure you'll be first in line to congratulate the homeless guy who breaks into your house and steals your precious little trophies of a "successful" life.

I am so glad you have all that s***. I hope it makes you feel like a real go-getter. Pity your soul is bankrupt.

This is a rich country, rich in money, resources and choices.

And stupidity, racism, gangs homeless people.. shall I go on?

Let them eat cake.

My point stands. This is a rich country, rich in money, resources and choices.

From what alot of people here have said, they like to keep that money to themselves too...


I really think that alot of the people here really dont understand what a mental illness is or what it can do. How it can change and warp your perceptions.

Grosby. If you REALLY belive what you are saying, go for a few trips around the city and whatnot with the Drugarm Vans. TALK to these people, listen to their stories.

grew up in a housing commision area in Carina and I was taught what choices i had,

Yup, you were taught these choices when you were young, it certainly helped you alot. What if you wernt tought about these choices? What if your life was so messed up, not by choices YOU made, but by the choices of your parents that you belive you have no options. What if in ALL your knowledge all you KNEW was how to not get bashed/robbed by other homeless people, while barly staying alive yourself. We know how centerlink and many other places can help, we have learnt this and been tought that, but for someone who CANNOT trust a single person they meet through feer of death, how are they to learn? Trust in this random person, who by prior learning would most likly beat you stupid and take all your stuff (if you have any stuff)? No way, better to run and hide where you know it is at least partially safe...

Yer there are some homeless people that get their centerblings and spend it on booze, drugs and gambling for many reasons. Then there are heaps who dont even get that..

why is this person trying to help me?
Does he want to hurt me?
Does he want to own me?
Does he want to rape me?
I'm not sure, but he must want something from me.

Grosby, a little alarm bell just went off in my head.

You say you work at a school? God help any kids who need help or advice from you.

Scene One: Grosby's School

A young child has come to our hero, Grosby, in order to get the lowdown on stupid homeless people.

Kid: Excuse me Ms. Grosby, why do people live on the street?
Grosby: Ahh that's because they are stupid and lazy.
Kid: But shouldn't we help them? They seem like they have lost hope and they can't get themselves out of the situation. My dad told me that they are often damaged people, abused by their families and suffering from mental illness.Shouldn't I try to find out how I can make a positive difference in the world.
Grosby: Don't be an idiot (smacks kiddie across the back of the head). If they are poor or suffering from mental health issues, it's their own fault. Just keep your head down and gather as many luxury items as you can to show you are better than other people. Life isn't about being the best person you can be, it's about having more stuff.
Kid: But Ms. Grosby, someone told me that it's good to be kind and compassionate and help those less fortunate than ourselves.
Grosby: God you children are thick as a plank. (smacks back of head again) Look, the only important thing in life is to gain wealth. Got it? Sure, if you have to ignore the rest of the world and enclose yourself in a middle-class bubble in order to feel better, thanks OK. It's perfectly acceptable to disregard the lives of others, because it's way easier than thinking. Even better, not only should you ignore social issues, but you should wherever possible spread your half-assed opinions around in order to perpetuate the stereotypes that keep the whole white totalitarian capitalist machine humming along.
Kid: Thanks Grosby, you're g-r-r-r-eat.
Grosby: (smacks head once more) That's Ms. Grosby, you snot-nosed punk. No move along or I'll have you ethnically cleansed.

Stay tuned for more of Grosby's no beg yer pardon brand of social justice.

And if you are homeless or on the fringe of society and want a better life, why not try her new book entitled "Your worries are over". Including handy hints such as:
-How to commit crimes that will guarantee you a decent stint in the big house
-Dealing with your own stupidity
-Mean streets makeover: how to get your filthy rags looking their best for under $1
-Tough love: What it is and where to get some
-Mental Illness? Schmental illness!
-Grosby's guide to trinket collecting: make your shopping trolley the envy of all
-Relationship counselling: how to tell your alcoholic abusive rapist partner that you just want to be friends
-Glossy centrefold of Grosby's luxury items
-Ten point guide to shaking off that silly little speed psychosis
-The real you: how to cope with the realization that you are worthless without a large 3brm house in Indooroopilly, a beautiful wedding, 2 computers, 2 tvs, a console and other luxeries (sp), a full pantry and fridge, a very stable part-time job and a casual job, disposable income and a car that is only 2 years old!!
-and much, much more.
(comes with a free sample of Snobbery, the new fragrance from the Rich White People Company.)

last edited by IncrEdible_vEgetable at 16:12:54 29/Apr/05

IncrEdible_vEgetable said:

Your thoughtless and cheap-shot responses only prove that you are not thinking and compassionate individuals.

geez lucky we have Hashy to referee this ongoing debate.

It's called satirising someone's stance on an issue to make a point. I guess Grosby has to expect some sort of ridicule when she decides to make what I consider ignorant and irresponsible statements. She is welcome to respond in any way she sees fit. I am attacking her because she has espoused ideas that I think are morally bankrupt.


Let's just call it creative flaming.

I have a strong opinion on this subject. I guess I'd rather express it than simply sit there and wait for others to say something and then have a go at them about the way they say it, without actually committing myself one way or the other, or having an opinion myself.

"Man, I dont have an opinion".. ;p

It was a cheap-shot. Grosby has gone ahead and thrown her opinion into the ring and you've taken the opportunity to snipe at her from your highpoint of popular opinion. Why should there even be civilized debate on this subject if you're just going to lower yourself to tactics as you just illustrated?

I have a strong opinion on this subject. I guess I'd rather express it than simply sit there and wait for others to say something and then have a go at them about the way they say it, without actually committing myself one way or the other, or having an opinion myself.

I can't really say I have a strong view on this topic. In living in such a small town as mine my experience with, exposure with and knowledge of the homeless is so limited I find it hard to even form an opinion at all, much less debate it.

What I despise though is when people fall back on mob-like tactics to communicate an already popular opinion and attack anyone who disagrees. The more vocal among this thread's pages agree with you, yes, so stop being a dick. Keep it civil, stupid.

i un agreee with hashy and strongly agree with vegestable.

it scares me she works in a school.

but what doesnt suprise me .. is grosby went to my f***ed up school :)

There was this bum (Yes, she was a bum, not because of her conditions, but the way she acted) hanging around the construction area near the hair dressing school in the city this morning.

You can always pick the ones who are going to ask you for money, they sort of stand there, dazed until you get close enough for them to stick out their hand or to ask for money.

Now, not that I have anything against people like this, but I honestly can't afford to give every charity and every homeless person some change on the way to the bus stop because a) I can't really afford it, and b) I don't believe giving beggars money is the way to help. It's rather like feeding ducks at a pond, and only makes them dependant.

So anyway, she sort of caughed and stuck her hand out at me and I just brushed past her, abd walked a bit further up to the bus stop. I can't recall if I shook my head or mumbled no. A few minutes later I was zoned out at the stop waiting in line to get on a bus, when I became aware of this bum standing near the line. I believe she may have been there for a bit before I noticed her, begging or rambling I'm not sure.

When I became aware of her next to the line, I saw her wave her arms in my general direction and I clearly caught the word "arsehole" and the rest was a bit hard to follow, a little slurry and husky. Now, she might have been referring to me, or not, either way, I'm sure that just made everyone around there want to offer her a place to stay. She might've even been sick, but that's clearly not the best way to get help.

I know I'm generalising when I say this, but that gives me a feeling of dislike of people in her position, and whatever she was going to ask me for I don't think it was worth making a fool of herself calling me an arsehole. Also leads me to think that it was partly (if not wholly) her fault that she is in her position.

This isn't the first time I've been accosted by someone like this in the city (when I say accosted, I mean made feel uncomfortable by the persons demands and/or attitude), but is definately the first time I've been insulted for not helping them out.

I don't think I've ever given much to beggars, and now I doubt I will give any more. In fact, I'll probably think twice before donating anything to charities of this sort.

I know this may be a one-off occurence, as I did some volunteering in high school to go and cook breakfast for some homeless and met a few really good people. But I really hope this doesn't happen to any other people.

We were having kfc down the bottom of the myer centre and this bum walks in and 4.23mins later security escorts him out haaaa.

Also we are doing our part, one night in the city we got magget and went and got 20 dollar worth of maccas ice cream cones - proceeded to hand them out to bums and randoms. ahh funnies.

What the hell does my proffesional life have to do with my private?
zomg! I can't have an opinion.
It scares people that I work in a school? Why should it?

I'm not willing to debate bak and forth. Again, it's funny when someone tries to oppose an opinion they have to come back with insults and false retorts.

But just to clear the air on issues.
I am a good teacher aid and I am fab with the kids. I am fair, I am non-biased and I certainly don't put my adult views and opinions into the minds of childrens. Opinions are to be made by onesself when they feel they want to. If someone asked me why there are people on the street I'd most probably tell them that it's because sometimes some people don't have homes and a nice bed to go to at night.

How I act on here, my opinons and my beliefs have absolutely no holding in my workplace.. except when we're chatting around the staff room.

I would like to know, further, why it 'scares' people that I work in a school.

Same could be said for my opinion as a person vs my opinion as a parent. But you fail to see the different Grosby. Don't cry foul when people use the same logic with you as you use with others

there's centrelink (all you need is a postal address - which you can get anywhere)

wow, I always thought your postal address was either a post office box or your home address.

Wouldn't you need a residential address to get a post office box?

indeed you do.

Same could be said for my opinion as a person vs my opinion as a parent. But you fail to see the different Grosby. Don't cry foul when people use the same logic with you as you use with others

When, recently, have I used being a parent and having an opinion in the same sentence? The child-oral-sex-debacle was me simply being amazed that the logic used was not one that I'd expect from a parent. I didn't say you should revoke you rights for it.

And as for address, they're easy to obtain. I'm sure via St Vinnies counsellers or friends with houses they could find somewhere to have mail sent. There may be an unwiling few who can't find these avenues tho'.

i would have thought a clue was easy to obtain, clearly not.

Again, resorting to the insults/stupid behaviour instead of articulating an argument.

Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is entitled to one. :) My opinion stands and won't be changed anytime soon.

your argument has been responded it in great detail so get off the 'resoring to insults' retort please. some of your comments were purely horrible, i had to pick my chin up off the floor after reading your post!

Im wayy to lazy to read all of the pages. I do alot of work witht he homeless. Back with my school in brissy. We go and feed them. One guy i know personally.

this is his story.....

He was a father of 2, a boy and a girl. Both young. And happily married. He worked for repco (the car place) was was very high up on the rung. Held alot of power. He, and his family were driving along a 2 laned highway. going 120kmph. A truck was coming towards his car in the other lane..... The car and the truck were getting closer, but a car pulled out from behind the truck resulting in a head on collision. The rest of his family were killed instantly and he sufferd only minor injuries.

After the accident, He couldnt get a control on his life, took up drinking, lost his house, posetions, everything he owned, and his now homeless living on the streets in brisbane.

Very sad. But its good when their eyes light up, when you talk to them for 5 minutes. It brightens their day.

Im just curious...how many people who have posted here would be willing to do something more then just flame each other in this thread? How many of you would be willing to volunteer your time to help some of these poor unfortunate people by helping out Red Cross,St Vinnies or even the local street access van i see getting around the area (Mt Gravatt).Why dont we have a QGL get together and help out some of these people.I'll put money down now that alot of you...even the ones who really want to help them,will find something better to do that day.Come on...prove me wrong!!!

how about forms of id? i guess you assume they have them too grosby?

its clearly not as easy as "i'll walk into centerlink and get money"

i have alwayse wanted to give that a go tanaka khan

Why dont we have a QGL get together and help out some of these people

What that instead of giving money to the needy people at RE ???

That's inconcievable.

Im just curious...how many people who have posted here would be willing to do something more then just flame each other in this thread? How many of you would be willing to volunteer your time to help some of these poor unfortunate people by helping out Red Cross,St Vinnies or even the local street access van i see getting around the area

nah, there's a difference between pity and a willingness to help. I pity them, but I can't be f***ed helping them.

sk8r_rat
Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 17
Posts: 10



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alright.........sorry I haven't been on the net the last few days, I actually have been pretty busy getting my life back together.

Lachlan..... man you made me really angry when I read some of your first posts.
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE ON THE STREETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would never ever choose that. Some people do, that's true, but not the majority by any means. To say "it's my choice" is something that really insults and hurts me. It just reinforces that fact that most people in society just treat you like crap and think you should go to jail or get a job.

I don't get centrelink because in order to get the youth allowance they would have to contact my parents, as my mum earns more that the income threshold, so I have to prove that I can't live at home. I haven't told my mum that I'm living on the streets because she would hate me and so would the rest of my family (who don't know what goes on in our house).

I left for the streets because my sister was beating me up every morning. It was so hard, can you imagine going to school after you've had a beating and knowing that you have to spend the rest of the day with that person and act as though nothing has happened (we're twins, and have the same group of friends). Add pretty bad depression to that, as well has trying to finish grade twelve. Would you have chosen to stay at home? I know that if I had pretty soon I would have been going to hospital with concussion or a broken arm or something. So for starters it wasn't my fault that I had to leave home.

Yes, I did couch hop at those friends' places for a while, but as they were friends with my sister too, and she's completely different at home and school, I couldn't tell them anything. They wouldn't have believed me if I did. So I did lean on friends for about two months, but after that I kind of had outstayed my welcome at each of those places, and I went to a couple of church camps.

The camp people found out I had nowhere to go after the camp finished (it was only a week long), and a guy Brett tried to get me a place to live. He called my mum, without asking me first, and told her that they were going to find somewhere to live, and she told him that it was all crap and I could come home whenever I wanted. I think mum feels like a bad parent and doesn't want to admit that there is actually domestic violence happening in our home. So Brett then chucked me out of the camp. That was then a pretty bad time for me in terms of depression and stuff and I started cutting my wrists, but not bad enough to commit suicide.

And thats when I started sleeping on the streets. I slept by myself at South Brisbane for about two weeks, and then hooked up with some streeties purely by chance in the city. After about a month with them I got into a shelter, but I left after a week because they were going to call my mum and tell her where I was. I went back on the streets. The shelter was the best I would absolutely love to go back there, but if it means calling my mum I can't.

If my mum finds out that I've been living on the streets she would say that I can stay away then, and not let me come back home. My sister is going overseas with her boyfriend in June, so I'm planning to go back home then, and I really really want to go back home, and I don't want to do anything that is going to jeopardise that.

So you see, I didn't choose to live on the streets, I went to friends houses, camps, everything I could think of to keep from being a streetie. And I didn't know I could get into a shelter. And now I don't have a job (nobody wants to hire someone who's got dirty clothes and lives on the street) and I don't get centerlink.

So if I was to choose to get centrelink it would mean that I couldn't return home. And if not calling my mum means I don't get centrelink, then that's what has to happen for me to go home. But I do call her and tell her I'm Ok.

I did pose for a current affair on channel 9, but they us that they were doing a story about what it's really like for streeties, and why we leave home and stuff, so I thought it was pretty important to get that out there. OF COURSE I WAS NOT STUPID ENOUGH TO JEOPARDISE MY CHANCES WITH MY MUM!!!! I got them to blur my face, and give me a different name. I explained to them the situation and they promised me they would not identify me on TV. Now I know they lied to me about what the show was about though, but at the time I trusted them cos they seemed so nice and interested in our situations.

I think it's hard for streeties to get their live back on track cos of drugs. I'd like to see ANYONE live on the streets for even three months and not take drugs. It is extremely hard to do. I still struggle not to take drugs (I never did while I was on the streets, but I don't know any other streetie who didn't), because it's hard when you're constantly around people who are, and you feel your life is so crap.

And most streeties DO get centrelink. They just spend it on drugs and stuff to take away the pain of life on the streets. And the amount you get from centerlink is not enough to pay for rent and live off.

ALOT of people on the streets also have mental and physical health issues, so can't get a job, and also can't pay for health services (mental health should be covered under medicare!!). Or they spend all their centrelink on that and can't afford a place to live. But as dominic said centrelink isn't the issue. That's not the reason people aren't getting off the streets.

Now for the last couple of days I've been staying at Pindari women's shelter in the valley. It's great (like TV, a bed, shared bathroom, FOOD!!), but there are no kids my age there, they're all over 30, most over 40, and the workers there don't do any case work with you like at the shelter. But that's OK cos the people at JPET YOS are helping me get a job. I spent all day there yesterday doing a resume and faxing off applications. So you see, I don't want to live on the streets, and I'm doing what I can to get off and stay off them, and it's not my choice or fault to be a streetie.

That just hurts me so much, to say that it's my choice, and that it's my fault, that you "wish I would chose the path of a normal, non-crime life". MAN I WISH I COULD TOO!!!!!! Now thanks to JPET I can. And when you're starving and have no money you'd rack stuff too.

Thanks tons emmer especially for being so kind. I agree 110% with everything you've said in all your posts. Everything you said is exactly spot on. It really makes my day when we're sitting there and people stop to talk to you and smile at you and stuff. Anybody can do that and it really makes a streetie feel good. Guitar is really good hey!!! I've been playing the electrics in JPET also. And some people told me about this place Visible Ink near centrelink in the valley, and so now I'm here using the net.

But thanks guys so much for reading my posts. I absolutely didn't think that anybody out there would really care about anything that was happening with a streetie's life. BTW Dominic I was talking to the chic at JPET who's helping me and she said she knows you. Her name's Kylie.

Thanks for posting ppl, it's good once you get everybody talking hey.
SK8R RAT

i didn't read the whole thing, but I read the part where he gets beaten up by his twin sister - hahahahha

Why didn't he just punch her in the c*** or something. I don't understand how you could be scared of your sister like that. Maybe she is an olympic shotput chick or something, that would make more sense.

sk8r rat is probably a chick, not a guy...but i haven't read the previous pages so yeah im just assuming...

Why dont we have a QGL get together and help out some of these people.I'll put money down now that alot of you...even the ones who really want to help them,will find something better to do that day.Come on...prove me wrong!!!

Ok name a date and i'll find something better to do.