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I live in Michigan and have always been puzzled by homeless folks in the winter. They don't have a job or any responsibilities, so why don't they go south to warmer climates in the winter? They could start walking south in the summer and never have to deal with cold weather. Why freeze in the north? I'd rather be homeless in Miami than NYC, that's for sure.
I doubt it is the main reason, but I'm sure it is one of them. If there was no reason at all, I'm sure they would go. They're not that stupid.
I wonder why the OP hates seeing them so much? It would be more understandable if the OP felt sorry for them, but instead s/he gives the impression of being actively hostile to them.
Yes the U.S has a large amounts of food being wasted, but the food isnt healthy food either. It's food filled with steroids or preservatives and bone and who knows what other bull shit they don't know about. It's foolish to blame the American citizens for the disgusting acts of the government in which they live under.
As the resident homeless IIN user, I'll say that the reasons I do not move south during the winter are:
- Shitty fast food.
- Non-reciprocity for CCW permits.
- The price of out of state hunting licenses.
- People in the south get all weird about land ownership. In the north, I can park anywhere.
- I like the cold.
- Too lazy. That's why I am homeless.
I'm one of the "driving homeless" by the way, like a gypsy.
I don't see what you are trying to prove or say. You just agreed with me that people can be stuck due to their homes, jobs, etc. I agree. One could leave those things but would face legal consequences that would further reduce their quality of life. If you are homeless and go from somewhere cold to somewhere warm you are improving your quality of life.
It wasn't about agreeing or disagreeing. Just trying to show you a different perspective on something you think is simple. And I never suggested abandonment of responsibilities. Most bills will follow you through an address change. I just don't think a temperature change is the deciding factor that would influence someone to move, regardless of income. Of course, there will be exceptions. There always are. But what you see as an improved quality of life, may not be enough of an improvement to pull someone away from their roots. And just because you improve weather conditions, does not mean you have improved access to community, food, and shelter. If you didn't have to worry about bills, would you up and leave for better weather?
Its because they like where they are and can adapt to the cold. They are familiar with the area and are comfortable there. They are not birds, geez! Most have tents and DIY shelter in the woods or stay in shelters. Some homeless do travel though, they are called tramps or hobos..
In Canada homeless people often travel west to Vancouver because it is the warmest place in the country in the winter. Leaving the country isn't usually an option except from port cities. A lot of homeless people that I know hop freights or hitch. Homeless people are not afraid to do what they need to do to survive, but I seriously doubt that many of them walk crazy long distances and nothing else. There are ways to get around, and I think most people would be surprised at how frequently people stow away on trains.
I think that's a great idea but it's how to motivate them. It's probably hard enough to survive with starting a journey.
I still despair at why the community centres / churches don't open their doors and let all the homeless people sleep inside during the cold nights.
I don't ever see homeless people unless I am in major cities but it makes me feel guilty that I have spare bedrooms - but I couldn't risk my own son's safety.
If you hate to see them cold, why don't you try to help them out a bit by bringing them your extra clothes, etc?