I'm not seeing an option to upgrade my Substack membership to a paid one. Is that not an option?
Also, there are degrees of homelessness! I only slept in my car for 2 nights and couch surfed for 2 weeks. That my situation was better than yours, or that yours was better than Patrick's, doesn't discount the seriousness of either. But at least your self-righteous acquaintance got to enjoy a moment of virtue signaling. (*eye roll*)
I definitely felt for Fealey. It's so hard when you ask for help--as he did, from local agencies--and you realize...to them you're just an obstacle. Whether or not they know it, they're treating you like someone they just need to get rid of. Just like those cops, who keep hassling him in the night, pretending to help him. It's a very embittering experience.
Here in SF people are so mad at homeless people--they just need to go to shelters, these people say. It's hard to believe anyone could've reached adulthood without realizing that the government officials who're supposed to help you, usually don't.
thank you for this extremely powerful post. the feeling of being ashamed to face your own kids is.... one of the saddest things I've ever experienced. (I realize you didn't say that, and maybe that's not what it felt like for you, but, let's just say I'm prone to shame. I also realize that I've had a pretty easy life in a lot of ways, if feeling bad what my kids might think about me is the worst thing I can imagine.) and thank you as well for the link to Fealey's piece, which I would never have seen otherwise. man, what a raw and frightening story that is.
I did read the article and appreciate your mentioning that Fealey has received some funds. Our abysmal healthcare system in this country is not able or willing to help those with no money, and I was heartbroken to read about the (physical) pain Fealey was experiencing. May he and his wonderful canine have a much brighter and safer future.
That was one of the best articles I’ve read in years.
I'm not seeing an option to upgrade my Substack membership to a paid one. Is that not an option?
Also, there are degrees of homelessness! I only slept in my car for 2 nights and couch surfed for 2 weeks. That my situation was better than yours, or that yours was better than Patrick's, doesn't discount the seriousness of either. But at least your self-righteous acquaintance got to enjoy a moment of virtue signaling. (*eye roll*)
For a variety of technical reasons, I have to go through the external Buy Me a Coffee site. Sorry!
I definitely felt for Fealey. It's so hard when you ask for help--as he did, from local agencies--and you realize...to them you're just an obstacle. Whether or not they know it, they're treating you like someone they just need to get rid of. Just like those cops, who keep hassling him in the night, pretending to help him. It's a very embittering experience.
Here in SF people are so mad at homeless people--they just need to go to shelters, these people say. It's hard to believe anyone could've reached adulthood without realizing that the government officials who're supposed to help you, usually don't.
thank you for this extremely powerful post. the feeling of being ashamed to face your own kids is.... one of the saddest things I've ever experienced. (I realize you didn't say that, and maybe that's not what it felt like for you, but, let's just say I'm prone to shame. I also realize that I've had a pretty easy life in a lot of ways, if feeling bad what my kids might think about me is the worst thing I can imagine.) and thank you as well for the link to Fealey's piece, which I would never have seen otherwise. man, what a raw and frightening story that is.
I did read the article and appreciate your mentioning that Fealey has received some funds. Our abysmal healthcare system in this country is not able or willing to help those with no money, and I was heartbroken to read about the (physical) pain Fealey was experiencing. May he and his wonderful canine have a much brighter and safer future.