Does anyone know what and how it feel's like to live in a shelter?
139899
I'm in one now ... that's all I can say Sorry...
297116
While I don't know anyone currently in one, I have two friends who escaped just such a relationship.  They were smart and did not make excuses for their batterer...they got out!\n\nI'm sure it is a depressing job but concentrate on how many women you are helping.  Never lose sight of the good the shelter and you are doing.  Isn't that what is is really all about?
633118
Hey Ma,  I have ...\n\nRecommendation: Do it with people you know who have done it before.  They will help you understand what you are feeling and how to deal... Good times, though... \n\nGood place to be: anywhere really, just make sure you are with friends and DRINK LOTS OF WATER!
834339
Foster care was good and bad for me. I think going from placement to placement, I saw a lot of behaviors and coping skills that others had... and ended up using them myself. I blamed myself for the abuse that had happened to me, and most group homes tend to try certain behavior modification crap that works with some, and destroys others. I dunno how many suicide attempts occured in 2 group homes I lived in... but theres something about a foster parent stadning there yelling at you calling you a slut and to go cut your wrists in the fucking street ( when you're freaking out about being raped) that screws you up... and then to cover their own asses the threaten the other kids who witnessed what they said with like, - 10,000 points. So the kids cover their own asses\n( you live off of point cards in the homes, +10 point for this chore -10 pointg fort that behavior, get under 2000 and you're ground and subjected to horrible chores such as cleaning out the garbage cans outside in 103 degree with with your hands.)\n\nAh gotta love united methodist childrens home in searcy arkansas...\ngood thing was I got away from the abuse, but i ended up seeing more worse things while in care. \n\nIm an adult now, married with a 16 month old and another on the way. \nEVERYDAY, i still live in fear. I constantly cacth myself using that "ill be good, dont punish me" thing with my hubby, thank god hes patient. I cant stand living in one place for longer than 3-6 months, I dont trust easily, I battle an eating disorder and try to do everything taht i can to make sure that my childd doesnt grow up like I did. I'm constantly mourning my child hood and still blame myself for the abuse that happened and the fact that in the end, I am forever the black sheep of my family and my inlaws because of how I was raised, what I went through AND THE FACT THAT I OPENED MY MOUTH ABOUT IT IN THE FIRST PLACE.
332497
Having done charity work before (soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, etc.), the feeling you get from is is why I do it. Helping your fellow man, or those less fortunate, is more of a reward than any of the other things you listed.
198118
you might need to find a shelter.  If you are a girl between 18-25 go to transitional housing
572990
Those in need of assistance, must have the RESOURCES available to locate the organizations that provide assistance.  \n\nMany shelters are more dangerous than sleeping on the street - rape, murder, theft (of the few belongs they have, are not uncommon in shelters.  Communities, for some reason do not have adequate security on the premises.\n\nMoney for use by the shelters is often stolen by those that run the shelters.  Remember the Red Cross scandal regarding misuse of money?  The shelter system is a "big mess! and no one seems to care!\n\nThe do-good'ers, seem to help during holiday seasons:  Thanksgiving and Christmas and forget about those in need the rest of the year.\n\nI grew up doing volunteer work since the age of 10.  It is very rewarding.  \n\nI hope anyone reading this will call your favorite volunteer organization and donate a few hours of your time.
1177311
It's great, if you like city life.  There are lots of fun things for families to do together.  Parks, zoo, childrens museum, market place, on and on.  I love Seattle, but choose to live on the outskirts only because of the cost of living.  It's pretty high.  Of course you never want to have the kids out and about in Seattle at night, there are lots of homeless people and dark alleys.\nThe weather isn't as bad as everyone says, it can be quite beautiful.  And there hasn't been an earthquake worth noting in 5 years or so.  Don't let that scare you away.
231865
I try to get beyond my initial reactions of fear or disgust. I remind myself that these people need compassion and understanding. I realize that I can't know all there is to know about them in one encounter and that the homeless are not one homogenous group. There are a variety of reasons for their status. \n\nI would not complain that they should leave a store, library, train or whatever. I hope I challenge myself to question my assumptions and become more giving to them. Sometimes I do give them money or a transit card or something to eat. (Once I offered a doggie bag with pizza in it to a homeless woman and was puzzled that she rejected it because she didn't like the flavor. It's hard not to judge, but by forcing myself to see that she needs dignity and can decide if she can decline an offer of food so be it.)\n\nLet these encounters help you become a better person.
386108
Food and a place to live/sleep
827322
May I suggest your local Rape Crisis Center or Battered Women's Shelter in your local area.  What a blessing that would be.  Also, if you have a homeless shelter in your area, buy everyone good hats and gloves.  Jingle blessings!
891919
I am a volunteer. Whenever I am doing it, I feel in a way that I cannot express. To be able to help others with little or much is the best thing I can do to myself. I am a very "huggy" person. I come from a culture where hugs are a part of your life. When I moved to the great white north, I met great people, but I was shocked as how cold they can be. Then I noticed that much of it is because they don't hug. Those who does, are warmer and friendlier and I believe, live longer. I prefer a hug than a kiss and many times a HUG was more appropriated and rewarding than sex. By the way, one big bear hug for you. :)
336375
Are you sure that your family views it as a burden?  Being homeless is not a good prospect, and I'm sure they wouldn't want that for you.  You would be placing a burden on them by making them worry that you might be killed or raped in the shelter.  If my son were grown and in dire straits (for whatever reason), I would want him to feel that he could always come home.  Talk to your parents about how you feel.  You're an adult, and that's what adults do.
822315
I have witnessed a few things in Social Housing, one such being the roof space of one rented house being boarded out and twenty matresses laid out.\n\nPeople were sleeping on them during the day, which presumably means an equal number of others slept there at night.\n\nNot a bad bit of sub-letting.\n\nThe Occupants were I am told carrying out the lowest of work tasks at hunger rates.\n\nLooked like slavery to me.\n\nIt was duly reported by me, and absolutely nothing done about it.\n\nRackman lives and thrives.
1118345
This question made me very sad, it reminded me of the poor children who have to live in such a home.  It made me realise how lucky I was to be given so much freedom at that age.  I can't even bear to think what it must be like to be force-fed lies, to have your curiosity crushed and your sexuality supressed.
795013
Some do. Here is my opinion though I was homeless when from the age of 17 till 19 thats two years it was because my father was abusive and I didnt want any part of it so I left I prefered to be on the street rather than live with someone who beat me everyday and yes there was the option for me to live in a group/foster home but when I tryed that people where just as abusive and so I chose the life of the streets. I did use my time wisely though I found a job and worked my butt off and did nothing but safe my money I didnt spend a penny unless I really really needed something. I save my money till I had enough to rent a studio. I never dreamed i'd have the luxarys I have today. I have a 2 bedroom townhouse with everything ive ever dreamed of and I am never hesitant to give out money to others in need, because i've been there and I volanteer my time to the local shelters as much as I can because I know how bad it is and I am just one of the lucky ones to get myself out've living on the street. I think more people need to help the homeless not just giving money or anything but you can donate your time to help those in need or something. I feel though that i've you dont try to at least take yourself out've poverty than I dont want to help you. I feel for the homeless children out there especially because I know just what its like and NO kid out there no matter what they've done or whats being done to them should not be out on the street. Gosh I could go on and on about this topic I give you a thumbs up for this topic.
820730
Yes, I had an experience once when I was very depressed and at my lowest.  I was so low that I did not know what else to do, so in my desperation when there was nobody else to turn to, I tried to picture in my mind the face of Jesus.  (At the time I had still not made my mind up about religion.)  All of a sudden there was a surge of peace and tranquillity and a feeling of love that I had never ever experienced in my life.  It was as if I was in his loving arms and he was saying "it's going to be all-right if you just give this to me."  That is the best way that I can describe it because the strength of it was not of this earth.  It had to have been Jesus.  There is a Bible passage where Jesus says "If you search for me, you will find me."  It was then that I understood what that passage meant.