Although I know that, at one time, I was one myself, I’ve never understood the deal with hypocrisy.
Act all holy and pious sometimes for show (As if anyone cares?), and be a total scumbag other times.
I don’t get it. We do have guys like that at the shelter, though.
12:22 pm. I would far prefer, for my readers’ sake, to present a wholly cheery picture of my optimistic, upbeat, highly motivated self just charging into the job search full speed. (Any other clichés I can use?)
Turns out that might not be wholly honest. If folk are to have an understanding of how difficult the job search is, and why so many people balk at it, then it may be necessary to talk about the dark side also.
I am at a difficult juncture.
My immediate material situation requires that, like never before in my life, I practice what I preach; care for myself; work in my own self-interest; be “here-now-can;” “keep the focus on me;” live by the Serenity Prayer. These are what I counsel any poor person to do. These are what I most emphatically now must do myself.
This entails dis-attending to all the current social turmoil.
It entails turning a deaf ear and blind eye to many messages, insistent messages, particularly coming from those who claim to have the best interests of the poor (like me) at heart.
I am facing urgent, drastic changes. To find new housing, I may wind up in a distant location. It may be difficult to get to church; it may become impossible to attend; I may have to give up my offices at church. I may have to move out-of-state.
Transitional housing now does not seem likely to become available to me anytime in the near future. The most realistic plan will be to continue to stay at the shelter, but take other steps to facilitate finding and keeping a job. The first job I get will most likely be part-time. However, any job that gives me an income of $100/week — whether that’s 10 hours/week at $10/hour, or 12.5 hours/week at $8/hour, etc. — will render me financially independent. Self-supporting.
My current cash resources will be exhausted come Sunday.
Topics here below:
– Logistics
– Smoking
– Specific housing resources
– Job prospects
Continue reading o Update 04/06/16 – Housing, Job search
I have just launched a Go Fund Me, and put a link to it in the menu bar here above.
This one:
At the risk of engaging in TMI:
About two years ago, I cashed in all my life insurance policies, and I’ve been living on those proceeds ever since. They are now exhausted … and I am going to need support beginning in the next few days.
Several posts are in the pipeline, and will appear on their scheduled dates.
Otherwise, however, I must suspend all Net activity, including this blog, until I’ve obtained transitional housing.
I will continue to try to check my e-mail daily. And moderate any comments here. And there’s a contact form on the “My Resume” page.
In the meantime, here are a couple categories folks might like to explore:
Until we meet again …
WT
For a long time, I have balked at seeking transitional housing, mainly for two reasons: (1) There must be a thousand buildings in Baltimore City serving that function, each with its own application process, eligibility criteria and rules — not to mention desirability. There’s no way to find “the right place” without going to each one in person. (2) I have heard too many credible horror stories of negligent house managers and conflicts with residents who abuse substances, abuse the property, and abuse each other.
Fortunately, the case manager at the clinic appears to have equipped me with the very short list of highest-rated outfits.
Last week’s City Paper cover story sets forth a microcosm of what is, in fact, the big picture:
As of March 7, I will have been homeless five years.
This morning I took first concrete steps to get myself into transitional housing.
This is essential if I’m to get job. For some time, I’ve been living off life insurance policy proceeds, but in the near future, that money will run out. It’s urgent that I get an income.
The shelter where I’ve been staying is extremely comfortable, perhaps too comfortable, but it has very rigid hours that make it nearly impossible to hold a job while one stays there. Currently, having to carry my two heavy bags and backpack with me wherever I go, severely limits my ability to commute. Transitional housing will spell having a place where I can stash my stuff, and freedom to come and go as I please. I will, for example, be able to take a night job.
Related: Obstacles to my prosperity
The dentist prescribed ibuprofen 800s and, for me to take at night if the toothache became severe, Hydrocodon-Acetaminoph 7.5-325. This is a narcotic. “Pain pills.”
I have a large zipper bag with four compartments. There is a main compartment, which I can lock; a front compartment; a left side compartment; and a right side compartment.
Every afternoon when I sit on my bunk, I empty my pockets and put my phone, debit card, and cash in the main compartment. I take my afternoon meds, which are already in there, and lock it all back up.
Related: Giving it all away
I meant to discuss how privileged you are if you can choose your food.
An event Thursday night changed that. Sometimes you’re privileged even when you can’t.
That same guy happened to be right behind me in the dinner line. As we approached the serving window, he got all put out because they’d run out of the chicken and French fries. What we had to accept instead:
Four thick slices of hot, tender, juicy, turkey breast with gravy, and this fantastic stuffing.
And mixed vegetables.
Related: I stay at the best shelter on the East Coast
Related: Learning curve
Continue reading * It pays to be grateful.
The Homeless Blogger 