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moocow4125 t1_j9ui6p2 wrote

Reply to comment by CBSnews in A man with no home was treated as if he didn't matter. Then a group of people helped, saving his life in the process. by CBSnews

I'm homeless, people need to accept western churches don't help the homeless. Sikh/some eastern religion churches are the exception. Sanctuary is a scam, your collection plate goes right into the collectors pocket.

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SirShaner t1_j9v65bi wrote

I have so much respect for the Sikh religion. They are among the few that walk the talk.

I'm not a religious person but the Sikh community amazes me.

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Stock_Padawan t1_j9vibr5 wrote

I can’t buy into the whole organized religion thing, but I must say I’m also impressed with how Sikh/Muslim temples/mosques will open their doors during times of need.

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Remarkablebunny t1_j9vftbh wrote

not to blow my own horn (or the horn of my parents I should say) …but you could go to any Sikh temple and they would not turn you away.

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goddesslucy3 t1_j9vtx39 wrote

I'm not sure if this helps any, but when my mom was homeless (she was a former drug addict and without me and my sister... complicated custody stuff), the local church helped her get back on her feet by giving her affordable housing, a car and legal help to win the custody battle against my dad (due to emotional abuse). I hope that gives you some positivity. There are some people doing good out there!

But I do agree that a lot of churches are run like big corporations; corrupt, with no care for the little guys. And I really do hope your situation improves soon as well :(

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N3rdProbl3ms t1_j9w3hmz wrote

I think it's necessary to point out that it's certain religious institutions, and the people who run them who are at fault. In high school, I did community service at a church that fed the homeless every day. That was 20 years ago and they still do it. My mom also helps with the church every day of the week. She goes and gives sick lonely elderly people company, brings food and gifts to low income families etcs. I was raised Catholic, and I'm not really religious, but I can say that there are still good people out there acting in good faith.

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GregorSamsaa t1_j9w7ybn wrote

Yea, probably wrong to paint western churches with a broad brush like that. town I grew up in had two homeless shelters that also operated as soup kitchens all sponsored by the Catholic Church, so although they may not open their doors and let people sleep on the pew, most of the established religious networks will be funding charitable endeavors in some other way.

I have no stake in this, not a fan of religions but seen a lot of homeless shelters, clinics, outreach programs, etc sponsored by established religions.

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chibinoi t1_j9wyy3u wrote

I think it truly depends on the church, and it’s administrative body.

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rvralph803 t1_j9ypf6x wrote

Bud, my wife is a pastor and she fights with her church to get them to serve the community in these ways. I've come to the conclusion that the preponderance of Christians are the most vile hypocrites.

The church has 70k in the bank.

When the question of letting homosexuals lead came up they decided to leave the broader Methodist church. There were people tripping over themselves to donate for the costs of leaving over homosexuals in the church. But if there's a drive to do anything for the community. To home someone or fix a person's home or health... Nothing.

As a Christian I'm just as disgusted as you.

That said, what are your practical needs. How can I help?

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moocow4125 t1_j9z3l4k wrote

It's too late for me. Help someone else.

Edit: I don't mean to sound ungrateful or pessimistic, it's been several years for me out here. I can no longer sleep inside, it fills me with a similar dread and anxiety one would have for sleeping outdoors. You sound like you want to help and I hope you have a nice weekend.

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rvralph803 t1_j9zawyw wrote

I understand that. I once toured across country on bicycle and I found a house an excessive want for a few years after. I simply wish our country would make it easier for people to make choices that don't result in criminalization or privation.

But more to my point, do you have what you need currently to live how you prefer?

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moocow4125 t1_ja028bl wrote

No. I live in a vehicle. Employment has never been a problem. I don't have any substance issues. Ive never been convicted of anything, ive technically been arrested a few times, is part of the life, in the wrong place a lot of the time but my point is no criminal history either. I had a medical issue cost me my job and i had no safety net of any kind. There was a window where i couldve made good use of assistance but that window is closed. I am trying to be a normal housed person as I now have a niece and I have an opportunity to be a good uncle. Basically, a goal. I do not wish to impose my situation on my brother, he has tried to help and i dont want my nieces early memories of me to be me crying in their guest room. Its been many years since ive slept inside anywhere. It is difficult to explain, and i realize it is irrational and safer than my current situation. But i cant relax, i end up finding myself in a defensive stance, covering my face, random adrenaline, terrified of nothing, its quite sad. I am struggling to adjust, and finding a month to month rental situation every other year only to continue sleeping in a vehicle and hanging outside all the time is both financially draining and a bit heartbreaking. I believe I need therapy but have been failed by the low access medical system as my efforts have been counterproductive to say the least. It's been too long, the man I was is dead and the man I have become is still strange to me.

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rvralph803 t1_ja1ys49 wrote

I totally get that. I really do. Not to your level. Would having a camper be a midway step?

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moocow4125 t1_ja3jgke wrote

Yeah, it would. I've been working towards that. Is my next step towards being normal.

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