PHOTO PROMPT©Dale Rogerson
Almost Like Home
I creep from the unruly lot just before dawn and return just past dusk. I’ve been squatting in the space that’s been boarded-up and taped-off since my pal, Minnie, got strangled in there a few years back. I make sure not to disturb the greenery as I come and go.
It’s dry in here. My bed is made from castaway items found in the thrift store dumpster. It’s cool in summer but deadly cold in winter.
I’m on a housing list, waiting…
I’m a block from the soup kitchen.
The little free library here makes it feel almost like home.
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
How heartbreaking. Hopefully a little respite until she gets off the list and into a home.
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::fingers crossed::
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💞
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Tragic. Even more so by your direct, matter-of-fact narrative. Well done, Lisa.
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Nancy, thank you. I think she’s pretty much numbed by the lifestyle that she’s being forced to accept :(
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😞
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So sad 😞
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I like the picture you’ve painted here Li. A makeshift home.
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Sadje, thank you. She is making the best of it.
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Prayers for her
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Perhaps one of the books will suggest to them it doesn’t have to be like this
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<3
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A poignant and honouring glimpse at what life must be for those to whom the concept of property is just something they see past as they search for the night’s shelter in an uncaring world. Contrary to the beliefs of some, living in homelessness is rarely a life choice.
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Steve, thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comment.
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There was just an article in the paper today about why the shelters are full of the elderly. Too old to wait on the housing list, and too poor to rent. What a world. (K)
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Kerfe, I’m guessing you have to have minor children to qualify for public housing? We have a terrible housing crisis for all but the mega rich. I’m glad Biden at least mentioned it in the debate or in his post-debate speech.
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I’m not sure what the rules are for public housing besides the income requirements. There are also vouchers available for renting apartments, but many landlords don’t like to accept them. I do think you are right, that families would get put at the top of the list. Older single men make up a lot of the shelter population. And now the Supreme Court says the homeless can’t sleep outside…just where are they supposed to go?
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“And now the Supreme Court says the homeless can’t sleep outside” Say what??? How in the *hell* can they say that? Good question on where they will go. If it ruled on by them, then I guess every jurisdiction in the land is going to have to build housing for the homeless. If they follow the letter of the law it will be a good thing, but I have a sneaking suspicion it won’t play out that way. I know here if a person is put in jail they are billed for their stay, and once they leave, if they don’t pay within a certain amount of time, outrageously high late fees are added on. Wasn’t it England that had debtor’s prisons? What will we have here. Homeless prisons side by side with debtor’s prisons, while the real felons (the orange one and his ilk) walk free and live in mansions? World gone crazy.
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The Supreme Court has lost it.
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:(
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Sad reality for so many. Well-told heart-breaking story, Lisa
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Thanks much <3
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A very heartbreaking story Lisa! This is reality for so many. x
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A poignant look at reality, Lisa. Masterfully done.
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Eugi, thank you <3
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You’re welcome, Lisa.
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This is putting the finger right where it hurts. What a disgrace for our rich societies. What a disgrace for so many of us who don’t want to see or put the blame on the poor.
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Gabi, so true.
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Dear Lisa,
Poignant story. Hoping she gets a true home soon. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you, and I hope so also.
Shalom,
Lisa
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What a sad life she has, and yet she’s making the best of it. Heartbreaking.
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Margaret, thank you. Yes, she is, and yes it is.
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Touching. I like her positivity.
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Me too. Glad you enjoyed the story, Dawn.
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Heartbreaking. It can be so hard to even get a foot forward when things fall apart. Well told.
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This is Angela Adams.
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Angela, it sure can. Thank you very much.
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Oh this is so sad, and so true for so many…
Nicely written
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Laurie, yes it is. Wish it wasn’t so. Thank you.
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I was just reading about a community of ‘pod’ type homes that are mostly for one person but can house up to four. Those accepted must also participate in being active in the programs provided and help to keep things clean. Not quite like AA… but the goal is to house the homeless and then have them progress to better things.
Your story is too true for too many.
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I love the concept you describe. Not sure about requiring forced learning but I love the idea of required community service in building more units and maybe being an active participant in giving input about the community itself. I’m imagining a community garden, a community kitchen, a community chicken coop, etc.
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I’m not sure about the ‘forced learning’ but having to be responsible for your ‘pod’ or area and becoming aware of your needs and working towards becoming independant could be a gift?
Better than sleeping in a cardboard box…
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I’m just thinking of some Christian shelters and how they make the residents listen to Bible lessons before being given food.
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I think there are quite a few organizations that work like that…
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I can totally see this scene.
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Thank you, Someone.
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