Homeless Family's Blog

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 04:52:00 +0000

Originally this blog was created when Blogger had certain functions available that aren't anymore.

Originally the first post was created in 2004, so it's actually best if you start from there and continue reading 'older post' to get an understanding of what was going on in our lives at the time.

Over the course of time, I became involved in 'monetizing' my blog and caught up in 'paid posts' for a few years. A revamped site won't include those entries, so they won't detract from the story behind the people you're reading about within these missives.

Comments are moderated, so if you need to contact me feel free to do so here by leaving one and include your email address so I can get in touch with you. Don't worry, I'll delete the entry so your email isn't seen by others.

Best, and thank you for visiting this blog. Please remember though, it's a very small part of what makes us up as a family and individuals.

John C

The musician's friend

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:36:00 +0000

Have you ever seen a musicians friend play the banjo? It only works if the friend is a musician themselves.

Months ago I sat down and watched my daughter attempt another round of Rockstar Rolling, or one of those similiar guitar playing video games. She genuinely smiles thinking she’s accomplishing something.

Chances are in the next year I’ll check in to seeing if she wants to dabble in either strumming a dulcimer or learning to finger a violin. Anything beats the next phase she’s already interested in...the drums.

Why some police shouldn't be police

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:18:00 +0000

I'm sorry, but I was trained to use lethal deadly force when necessary.

I've had to make the decision of when or if to use such, and I've diffused situations much more dangerous than this with everybody involved being able to wake up the next morning.

I've had people under my command who obeyed orders up to that point. 1 man with a knife facing multiple police officers, a canine police unit...and reportedly 45 shots fired?

Obviously this town in particular is paying too much for too little on law enforcement.

Fastforwardacademy

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:05:00 +0000

I’ve mentioned Fastforwardacademy.com in prior posts, initially due to the need of many people needing to get their enrolled agent ethics course behind them. They’re one of the most simplest means people can get their enrolled agent continuing education requirements fulfilled quick and easy.

A month ago I noticed more questions being sent to me in my comments that I didn’t feel it was my place to speak for them. For direct questions regarding the site, it’s best to check them out directly. On another note there are some matters others seeking these same classes in their own areas of expertise may find of interest.

While I’m a Florida Certified Recovery Peer Specialist for Adults, any of the courses offered that can have a beneficial impact on my service delivery to consumers all fall as being acceptable by my Board authority, when it comes time for annual re-certification.

Some of the biggest questions I got were as followed. Mind you these comments are my own based on my experience using the site and spending the time to research. In all fairness, anyone else taking the time will probably find likewise:

Do I have to order courses in bulk or can I ‘piece’ together what I need specifically for my field of expertise or study?

Either way! Some people only need a refresher or individual CE’s for their annual requirements. Others get a larger group and take advantage of saving money. The choice is up to the person served and their individual needs.

What forms of payment are accepted? I don’t like paying online, can I do so by phone?

Yes, they accept payment by credit/debit cards as well as by PayPal, Google, or Amazon. Unsure about doing it online and prefer to speak to someone taking your payment by phone? You can call them at (888)798-PASS (7277) to feel more secure!

Has it been six years

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 01:00:00 +0000

I was going through some posts. Some of the photos in the blog were originally lost due to site changes, but one entry that stood out was just prior to us leaving a shelter in June 2006. It made me realize 'why' the CEO of that agency felt compelled a year later to personally apologize to me.

It still doesn't change the fact her subordinate is again directing a housing section of another non-profit agency in Jacksonville...nor the individuals still employed with a known history of unethical, immoral, and illegal activity.

Please. Make no mistake.

When an employee of a homeless shelter father's children of guests...it's wrong.
When an employee quits her job and becomes payee for clients about to receive favorable disability benefits...it's wrong.
When clients are daily fed unhealthy diets and company assets are used to provide free lunches at an Annual Food Summit conference as sponsorship...it's wrong.
When clients personal belongings are taken by night staff and property is 'disposed of' before administrative staff arrive the next morning...it's wrong.

After six years...and three CEOs...obviously for the problems to continue this long are the responsibility of the Board of Directors. "That"...is what's known as turning the thumbscrews...just a tad.

Meandering along

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:27:00 +0000

I just got done reading an experience of a young woman involved with a homeless count in Washington D.C. While the national advocacy sites all have missions amounting to 'not stopping until everyone has a home', it made me chuckle...they'll never go out of business.

One of the bigger problems of homelessness in the United States is the privatization of the homeless, a pyramid scheme. Money is approved at the top, and it's sent down. The problem is the middlemen.

Nobody finds it strange that in a county/city of merely two million that we have CEOs of homeless non-profit agencies making more money than it's State Governor...let alone those having direct subordinates making more than the State Lieutenant Governor.

On a side note...compression stockings for women are in higher need and demand than any service provider in Jacksonville will probably want you to know.

The things you learn

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 13:06:00 +0000

Last year I spent some time in Germany, visiting and socializing with both the homed and homeless in a moderately sized metropolitan area. The below picture, picked up from Kevin’s blog, sums up what I was thinking before I left there.

Approved Cluster Mailboxes

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Each time I walk in to a service provider providing long term transitional shelter (six months or more expected), it still amazes me how many after decades of operation aren’t taking advantage of commercial options regarding mail delivery.

In some cases an individual is ‘trusted’ to the task of mail clerk. The problem is most agencies don’t employ individuals with actual mail room experience, let alone actually confirm claimed experiences or qualifications. Most ‘mail room’ activities these days are actually pushed off on administrative receptionists in most agencies, both for and non-profit types.

ApprovedClusterMailboxes.comis one of many sites that provide the option of bypassing this problem. The difference between a ‘mail call’ hour by one individual having to face potentially a hundred or more…as opposed to individuals checking their mail when convenient during the day…is like night and day.

In some cases I’ve witnessed people ‘missing’ their mail, some when ‘mail call’ is only done twice or once a week. Providing secure mailboxes to the homeless saves agencies time of their employees, which means more dollars for doing more important things…for the consumers.

More on a home one day

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 02:17:00 +0000

I have never thought of the concept of building a gazebo much more than whimsical passing thought, but the more I consider the eventuality of purchasing a home one day...the more it comes to mind. Perhaps it's the connection to family members afar on a long forgotten holiday I spent with them after discovering their existence.

The cool fruits picked off the branches just after dawn. The smells of nectarines, grapefruit, and orange while pressed before serving. Then eating a fried breakfast while watching the sun rise level to warm my face.

Some people don't realize what they have until it's gone, while others don't realize what they could have until they take the time to think about it, I guess you could say.

Future seen

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 01:59:00 +0000

The mounting bracket for tv. The desk for the computer. The stand in the kitchen for a microwave. These are the things that aren't thought of initially when a family has to leave their home in a flurry, but are items that come to mind when the reality of homelessness hits the mind's home.

It's also why I probably don't decorate my home. Keeping paperwork archived and scanned electronically. The minimum of kitchen utensils both durable as well as efficient. Some would say I've learned from my experiences the value of the worth of things.

More so I've come to realize how many people experiencing homelessness show symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These aren't the type of things people think of when 'Not In My Back Yard' (NIMBY) comes to mind...is it?

How long does it to really take to overcome homelessness? Does anybody truly ever do?

Batteryheads

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:54:00 +0000

A few years ago I ran into an issue, the netbook I’d purchased had a history of it’s battery ‘dying’ if left inserted while plugged in for long durations. While Batteryheads.com carries Canon camera batteries, Canon battery chargers, and Canon digital camera batteries they also have a compliment of various computer replacement cords.
After being asked to check out their site I scanned through some of the above pages and was surprised not to find typical aftermarket items. I usually purchase tech gear when it’s on sale, in most cases when items are being discontinued. Sites like Batteryheads.com I’ve found actually provide better support for those ‘sunsetted’ items than parent/manufacturer sites.
What was even more surprising about this site in particular was that all the batteries for the initial link amounted to under $10USD, I ‘sorted’ by price and confirmed this for at least the first 50 items. Not bad compared to the competition, I’ve seen batteries for digital cameras easily twice as much elsewhere.
A good site to favorite if you’re needing cheaper backup/support while using equipment on the streets.

Homeless become viral subjects of homed horrors, again

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:22:00 +0000

As expected numerous media outlets continue to sensationalize being ridiculous: “Victim of ‘Miami Zombie’ is a longtime homeless man”.
By the pictures it was hard to determine who was supposed to be homeless. Same thing for being a ‘zombie’. Only due to their age and key words found a paragraph into the story is one able to tell.
The zombie craze/theme has been making a comeback not due to creative work but due to marketing. While ‘The Walking Dead’ is into further seasons, even the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is capitalizing on it.

It seems Americans are more comfortable regarding the fact of the subject of zombies overrunning their neighborhoods than a handful of people pitching tents in a park.
Ultimately what occurred was homeless violence, not misrepresented facts by exploitive journalism. Cannibalism is one thing, and while the attack was inhumane this incident’s no different than any other homeless violent act ending in death…the assailant used what was readily available and attacked with ferocity.

For those visiting London soon

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:48:00 +0000

Robert And Polly Arnold are couple offering unique experiences to others wanting to visit London – they are Londoners - having lived there all their lives with their 3 children Rachel, Jonny and Mike. Their vast knowledge of Central London sights, locations, and hot spots offer a personal service to fit their clients’ needs through London Apartments.

One of the main features they do is to help take the aggravation out of finding suitable London Apartments for those less experienced or aware of the surrounding area. Visitors can visit the sights of London easily and hassle free during the day, relaxing in their own London Apartment in the evening.

Polly and Robert have 22 years of experience in London Apartments and want to help people have the best possible visit in their City. Some things people are often asked who use their site are:

Have you ever wanted to visit London or do you visit London often?
Do you want to visit London for the Olympics 2012?
If you visited London in the past did you enjoy it?
Would you come again?
Are you coming for business and would like relevant information about locations and places of local interest?
Do you have any photos of yourselves in London or just London photos that you can include in the blog post?

If you’ve used this website, what about it stuck out in your mind?

Danged if you do

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 10:25:00 +0000

A moment ago I started going through my RSS feed reader and came across another blog related to homelessness. That’s when it hit me: I understand more each time I go online ‘why’ the homed stereotype the homeless.
People are taught things that affect their values and belief systems, and people going through traumatic events can change. Unfortunately either becoming a recurrent victim or abuser themselves after being wronged.
I went through one person’s blog and started to ask myself: “Is this real?” Is this someone writing firsthand experiences of homelessness? After some thought I’d have to answer ‘yes’. While there’s a lot of people I’ve met over the years before, during, and after my own experiences in homelessness…there’s tons more people I’ve come across voicing the same rhetoric.
Months ago I attended a quarterly meeting as an advisory member I’ve done so for years. We had three new attendees, all currently females living in the shelter system with their children. When I voiced there were numerous situations I’d personally found of people coaching others how to ‘game’ the domestic shelters, two of them acknowledged it. It wasn’t something the professionals liked hearing brought out in the open, but none of them could argue it.
The thing was the blogger I was just reading doesn’t ‘game’ agencies. She games people, men specifically. Comes across as either histrionic or borderline personality disorder type. Meets men on Craigslist before entering the town she’s headed to, making arrangements to shack up, then rants about how she’s expected to give sex.
Is it ‘really’ homelessness when you regularly are homed and amount to partnering with someone, be it four different somebodies with homes in a month?

GoCentralJersey

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:50:00 +0000

Last week I was contacted by my third party marketer to take a look at GoCentralJersey.com, to do a site review and relate whatever I want about it. The heart requirement of the opportunity really only the entry be related to my site's content. In this case my blog's theme related to experiences of homelessness, it took me a number of days to consider how I was going to approach the matter.

Aesthetically GoCentralJersey.com is pleasing. The combination of layout, visual, and content is on both a more personal as well as professional level compared to other online portals maintained by similar interest groups...their 'About CVB' page maintains it was created in 2006 by the Middlesex Regional Chamber of Commerce, while their footer identifies partnering with the Varident Product line for handling their front/back ends of the site.

Navigation for visitors is what I consider 'closed ended', providing content category type links throughout the site. In my opinion this shows appropriate planning on the site designer's part on one hand. On the other the site doesn't provide an easily found 'Search' box or area...visitors with intent on preplanning aren't given the opportunity of delving deeper in the site's content than what's available through design.

Page Load Size in consideration to visiting user available bandwidth: I found the site rather 'graphic heavy'. The prominent navigational/graphic carousel center page, while attractive, used graphics that I consider 'heavy'. One graphic itself having a file size over 100K. That's Kilobytes, not kilobits. While we've moved into internet networking many people use cable, many of my peers online still use dialup as well as satellite who at best maintain a 1.5Mbs downstream. Graphic file size is always a problem, one solution is to train people either taking or uploading content photos to reduce file size appropriately without losing visual representation value in online browser display.

Whether realized or not, the site uses appropriate and classical forms of subliminal brand connection with it's readers. My first inkling of this was in their "Where will we exceed your expectations" promotion on their front portal, obvious reference to the book 'Raving Fans' enjoyed by many over the decades and still useful marketing tool to those unfamiliar with it.

All in all the site provides footer linking easily found by visitors for searching out their own interests in planning, whether it's dining, hotel accommodations, or things to enjoy offered by the supporting community. There's just one thing missing: it wasn't apparent what or how they support their local homeless coalition members, and you'd be surprised how many people ARE looking for that.

In December of 2007 out of similar searching I was contacted by a member of a a faith's national level for setting up activities for their annual 'lock-in' weekend meet up. They'd originally searched out information ahead of time through my local Chamber's site as well as Homeless Coalition, the latter I'd only been nominated that day as a Board of Director for. I was able to garner a good story for my advocacy by following their youth group for 18 hours.
For each metropolitan area there are thousands of visitors interested in homeless advocacy. By providing links and connections online to supporting networks sites like this are able to provide valuable information. While no agency or network wants to admit their geographical area has an issue with homelessness, there are ways for the subject to be engaged in any regional site affected by it. In fact there are visitors and vacationers having been negatively affected by homelessness issues not disclosed prior that view non-disclosure in their planning.
In short, when travelling and vacationing while a site relates the wonders available to visitors...so should it also disclose appropriately the risks for the naive, as well as opportunities for others seeking out this type of venue.

All in all, GoCentralJersey.com is found to be a valuable resource for individuals and companies planning vacationing, relocation, and potential business in the Central Jersey area. It’s also a good resource for anyone doing site design and wanting another perspective on a well laid out site.

Magoosh

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Tue, 29 May 2012 11:37:00 +0000

Whether you're dealing with a child needing help with SAT or gre prep, take a second to check out Magoosh.com. It's one of those sites providing what amounts to electronic tutoring, seems there's a lot of good feedback regarding the brand and the education team behind it is pretty strong.
More and more more people are finding it more simpler, faster, and saner to do their studying and vocational pursuits online than ‘old school’.

Hurricane preparedness for the homeless?

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Mon, 28 May 2012 00:29:00 +0000

As of this time I haven’t received any emails or communications from any of the agencies providing services to the homeless regarding what contingency plans there are IF a weather disaster were to hit Jacksonville.
I remember being homeless during Katrina and other storms during the 2004 season.

I also remember physically going out and inspecting places in 2008 in our minivan to see first hand how the shelters were responding.

At this time Beryl is expected to hit Jacksonville on or around midnight. For those not sheltered, be safe. Whether it’s a Category Level I storm or not, a few mere miles per hour doesn’t mean a difference to people sleeping hard outside.

Lastly, if you're thinking about getting any gifts for homeless kids, take a look at a dark magic yoyo. It keeps busy hands...busy! They're also pretty unique.

Parenting and nowhere to go during the day

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Michele Forrest at Chosen Fast wrote an entry about a few single parents homeless with their children. It’s stories like this that usually only get media spun when someone else needs to have ‘their’ message heard.

To all the people pouring their guts and doing something in their communities, you’re validated.

If you haven’t read the entry, please visit the above link. If you’ve got an RSS Reader, add Chosen Fast’s feed. Just to find out what it’s REALLY like from people in the trenches…with the people often living in them.

Frugaldad

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:26:00 +0000

Shopping is costly, money goes from your pocket to someone else’s hand and the more you can save the better off your bottom line is. One thing the internet’s provided is networking for people trying to save their money. Whether RSS feeds from frugal sites to regularly checking in on others directly, sites that aggregate and relay deals are able to retain higher repeat visitor and readerships than other online communities or blogs.

The reason: it’s not about ‘their’ money…it’s about yours, a good example of the original intention and benefit of the internet when it was first conceived by academicians.

Registered four years ago, Frugaldad.com relays varying deals. Using no different a site infrastructure than I use on my other sites (Wordpress), the writer there has cornered a niche: specific target information easily searchable for people looking for coupons or deals. There’s toys r us promotions, Tracfone deals, and even a link to $80 off a set of four tires.

The site’s written and administrated by Ryan Glass, and while there’s some work to do still on the site (harmless Wordpress errors cropping up at the time of my visit) it doesn’t minimize the impact sites like this have for millions of readers: money…THEIR money!

The cool thing about Ryan’s site is while he may be using third party links he’s also monetizing it through side bar advertising. This translates to two things: for him renting out valuable site space and for readers the potential for them of finding things possibly they hadn’t thought of. Personally I never got into sidebar advertisement placement, it didn’t fit in with my own sites…but with the amount of traffic for one like his, it’s beneficial. I should also say that while it’s rather prominent, it’s not ‘overdone’ like some sites tend to.

Whether wanting to save a buck or wanting to find out how to develop your own aggregation site making a buck while saving others theirs, you should check out Frugaldad.com. It’s another example of people using the internet for their livelihood but affecting other lives positively.

A homeless Democrat walks into a shelter

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Sun, 20 May 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Kevin over at The Homeless Guy put up a short quote and connected it to Republicans, which made me think: how many homeless republicans have I ever heard of?

When we were homeless I never heard of ‘tea partiers’, in fact most people experiencing homelessness; whether as a family or individuals; were all registered Democrats.

I mean…how often do you see or hear of homeless people welcome in the midst of Republicans?

Fast Forward Academy

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Are you a work at home mom (WAHM) or any of the different variations of self employed people who believes it pays to keep looking at diversification options.

While many of my peers and I were making six figure incomes working for AOL we didn’t see the “dotcom” bubble’s preparation to burst shortly after the turn of the century.

Bruce Lee once said: “Learn everything, use what is useful”…well, not exactly in those words…but that’s how I translated it.

If you’ve been involved in working at home for over two years, you’re to the point you’ve gotten some experience in spreadsheets and doing your own taxes. What you may not realize is you’ve involved yourself in accounting, regardless of the level or proficiency you have compared to others. One thing to consider are options to explore the potential of those newly demonstrated skills such as enrolled agent continuing education or going after an irs exam. Some places provide tax courses that are even free.

No, not everyone can or should get into accounting, but for myself as a self employed state certified mental health professional, courses offering Continuing Education Units, such as provided by Fast Forward Academy, actually and often have direct future impact on the quality of delivery I as an advocate and educator of people living with disabilities provide.

And trust me, when you hear people saying…

“You’re certification authority WON’T accept CEUs from third parties…”,

…think again. I’ve participated in psychosocial, economic, and conventional matter seminars providing CEUs to participants. Mine does. Of course, whenever scheduling future classes I ask myself the simple questions:

Does this course have bearing on improving present service delivery?
Will my clients present and future be positively impacted from the addition of this curriculum to my knowledge base?
Will skill sets learned as a result of participation in this curriculum enhance my professionalism in any way, and if so…how?
The short version of what I’m trying to impress is simple: anything that makes you a better professional SHOULD be identified, pursued, and advocated for when others don’t have the vision you do.

If you don’t stand up for what’s right in the midst of adversity, how can you expect to change come about?

Homelessness will outlast the internet

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:06:00 +0000

Moments ago I picked up on Dred Scott, a street artist who a year ago was covered by Cult of Mac for his music marketed on iTunes.com. The post is a good example of the armchair quarterback punditing most stories provide: the trolls always come out bashing the homeless behind cute screen names.
Unfortunately UMPG publishing, in typical Youtube.com rhetoric, is claimed to have blocked the video featured from being seen in ‘my’ country based on copyright grounds.
Translation: neither Dred Scott or UMPG publishing can take advantage of free marketing which would affect their bottom line of money. Kind of reminds me of numerous non-profit agencies that use homeless people for their professional marketing/financing campaigns, then threaten to sue the same individuals featured if they attempt to re-use those items for their own advocacy.
Short version: it’s hypocritical, in my opinion, and very short sighted.

Homeless Youth under the Crown

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:59:00 +0000

In the past I've had discussions online with people involved with homelessness in Australia. Last year I spent eight weeks getting direct contact with numerous American military dependent teens couch surfing. This Youtube video provides insight into what just one young person in the United Kingdom went through. While tons of people backpat themselves as being 'American', I'm sorry to say but I've seen directly first hand...we provide our citizens less than most European countries.

Consideration in charitable giving

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:13:00 +0000

During our two years within the sheltered system we came across diversity, not just in people and their behaviors but their hopes and past times. With the age range and the times of technology, some children held fast to electronic games while others tools of their future interests such as instruments or equipment.

Having items to keep together was difficult for many, losing a Monster-Cable from a set could mean a child; or adult for that matter; would have to make choices of using one piece of equipment over another. Usually having invested enough time or money to have such, they were extremely sensitive to taking care of their materials. I remember one staff member going on about a child appearing to be a hoarder, the staff member him or her self a prior 'guest' years ago and coming across as jealous towards others.

Most people engaging the homeless children or families in shelters, while well intended, don't come across as being as sensitive towards others as they are themselves...in my opinion. I've seen numerous instances of well intentions resulting in indulging others, when the indulgence isn't something well invested in: by time and consideration, not short term dollars or good feelings.

One thing to consider when approaching directors or leaders of such operations is to request specific interests of such people. Consider both long term pursuits as well as ability to care for property when charitably giving. It's no different a situation than considering giving a cigar box banjo rather than a dulcimer, to someone experiencing homelessness who used to play in an orchestra.

I only ask that one meditates before one acts. Better for a person to have one person charitably give to another building for the future, than one hundred people giving paper airplanes.

Searching homeless families on Scholar.google.com

noreply@blogger.com (John C) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:08:00 +0000

I wasn’t aware of the ‘scholar’ search you can do on Google via scholar.google.com. Interestingly the top three selections found for ‘homeless families’ came up with an interesting common denominator: all three referred to ‘homeless mothers’.

For the most part of my experience I found this true. Other than myself I’d only come across a handful of two parent homeless families, and only three single parent families headed by a father. But regarding the statistics it’s only fair to separate some of the fiction from facts.

Depending on the agency and it’s mission that scholars and professionals get their raw data from, their not as thorough as people think. Each time I’ve seen data taken directly from participants, it’s often not validated. While domestic violence IS an issue, there are more times both I and other people experiencing homelessness can attest it being used as a confidence game…and in the end anyone voicing this fact is portrayed as insensitive.

Last month I attended a quarterly meeting where annual figures were provided our group, in attendance were a handful of consumers…mothers living in the shelter system. When the numbers regarding ‘domestic violence’ as a reason disclosed for homelessness, I pointed out that it’s not uncommon for individuals to ‘game’ service providers providing shelter, funds, and victim services for restabilization purposes. It’s more common to see this within the ranks of the chronically cyclic homeless, and if a person is listening carefully they can learn ‘what’ and ‘how’ to express certain things to exploit systems to their advantage.

Flipping a codependent relationship to being perceived as abusive, controlling, and manipulative isn’t difficult for people with behavioral disorders. Just because something looks clear on paper doesn’t mean it adds up when the full picture is taken into account. If a person had the opportunity of getting something for nothing while already having lost everything other than your skin…if one little lie could mean the difference between breaking out for a new start…for many the end justifies the means.

The question is when service providers realize what they’ve enabled…do you think they’ll come clean or brush it under the table if possible?