Mary3 Posted February 4, 2009 Posted February 4, 2009 With all the economic job losses ..What if you knew your friend was about to become homeless , literally ? Your friend had no Unemployment compensation or very little coming in... Your friend was not working . You know your friend went to others seeking help and that friend was not very fortunate because many are in the same situation. Question : We all have known homeless. What if your friend were about to become one ? How would you treat him/ her ? Is there a stigma attached to homeless in light of our severe economy ? What if that were your friend ?
wuggle Posted February 5, 2009 Posted February 5, 2009 If they really are your friend, make it clear to them they will always have somewhere to stay
missmich Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 Are you able to have your friend stay with you for a while while the search for a job? This is a very generous thing to do,but some people can take advantage of it. I'm not saying your friend would do that though. If I let a friend stay with me I'd ask them to pay a little if they can and if not then they can do other things,like clean or cook or help with the groceries or something. I'd want them to be looking for a job though or applying for assistance. I hope your friend is going to find a warm place to stay soon.
Jenny123 Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 I'd help them out, let them stay with you, encourage though for the short term until they've sorted themselves out. It could be you in that position needing help, it would be very sad if no one extended their hand to your time of need. It's very soul crushing to not be working and has certainly made me eat humble pie.
joh2141 Posted February 10, 2009 Posted February 10, 2009 If, even it wasn't my friend, I knew someone who was about to become homeless, I'd open my doors and let them stay. Keep them comforted (they will always feel guilty to be a mooch and that is the hardest part because no matter how much you say it's fine, they will still feel guilty.) Help them find a job. Stick with them for a bit until they have a stabilized salary and can rent some place. Follow up on the friend and check how well they are doing. If they never find a job though, I'd let my friend stay as long as needed and, if I had my own job, see if my work had any openings for my friend. But in reality, it may be harder to deal with. I've never had a friend close to being homeless so I really don't know what you are feeling right now. Supporting your friend is the greatest thing you can do. But never give them "charity" allowance. That will degrade them and make them feel worse than homeless. If they ask for it, though, and you had enough money not to worry much, then maybe I'd consider it.
pathill Posted February 10, 2009 Posted February 10, 2009 If she or he is my friend, I will not leave him or her homeless. If I were in such a good financial condition I will help out. It will not hurt to pay for a 2months worth of rent for a cheap room and then ask him or her to pay back when his/her financial condition stabilizes. What are we friends for anyway?
Woggle Posted February 10, 2009 Posted February 10, 2009 I was once pennies away from being homeless so I know what it feels like. My friends know that when the chips are down they can always turn to me.
Citizen Erased Posted February 10, 2009 Posted February 10, 2009 All of them know the door is always open. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing any friend of mine had no home and I have a spare room.
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