Homelessness and Jenner

Caitlin Jenner has spoken out about homelessness in California.  

I've never experienced being homeless but I've lived in some affordable housing that was old and somewhat dodgy with roommates and I've also lived through some extended periods without electricity.  

Working in downtown Miami I had the experience of running the gauntlet outside the Miami Rescue Mission which was near where I parked my car in a guarded parking lot on a daily basis.

Key West, Florida was also a place with a shelter for about 150 people.  It was a one stop sort of place with related social services.

Living in South Florida or Southern California could be an escape from really cold weather up north or a  bet that the living is easier outside, in the South.

It's usually a combination of things that lead to homelessness.  Drugs or alcohol don't help but it's easy to get a record if you use drugs or drink to excess.  Eventually whatever support system you might have had evaporates and it is harder to find and keep a job.  It's not hopeless but folks sort of get a little twisted in their outlook on things and the downward spiral gets quicker and harder to navigate.

More affordable housing, and supported jobs programs that deal with substance abuse issues are needed and will help, but mental illness will always make street life an issue.

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