All I know is that if I found myself homeless and lived somewhere that it was bitter cold in the winter I would be walking south in a hurry. Of course I have common sense and generally use it to make good decisions in life, so it is unlikely I will be homeless.
It's a long walk, and in many instances, it's illegal to hitchhike on major roadways (where you'd be more likely to be offered a lift).
And then there's people's hesitation to readily welcome into their vehicle another person who is dirty and smelly because they don't have the means to keep themselves up on a regular, consistent basis.
Then there's the sheer distance when you don't have money or a vehicle. If one is leaving Detroit and heading to Miami, that's a long haul, for example. And you forgot the fact that the authorities in Miami will not be out waiting to greet you with food and shelter and assistance, either. They don't want more homeless, migrating or otherwise, because there are plenty of homeless people in Florida (and no, they aren't all "beach bums" here, either) and it's a challenge to provide services to meet needs whether it's though the public sector or the non-profit sector. Florida is broke, and unemployment is high. Homeless migrants would not be received with "open arms" by many here.
While in theory it makes sense to move south for the winter because our ancestors probably did this on a seasonal basis, following sources of food, in today's society? Not so much.
I never said anything about public assistance which I oppose. I just think it would be smart not to freeze their asses off. It is a great distance, but even walking 20 miles a day will get them somewhere!
No, I know that you didn't imply they should be "given" any public assistance. But, that wasn't my point, actually, either.
The point was that because there are already a good number of homeless people and social services are drained, a migrating homeless person might find it more difficult than you imagine when you suggested they could "just walk down to where it's warm." It's just not that simple.
Should homeless people travel south for the winter?
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It is partially out of pity but also out of frustration. That is one way they could easily improve their own conditions and they choose not to.
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wigsplitz
11 years ago
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Well maybe it doesn't bother them as much as you think it does. I also wouldn't say it's 'easy' for them to just leave, you don't know that.
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Anonymous Post Author
11 years ago
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All I know is that if I found myself homeless and lived somewhere that it was bitter cold in the winter I would be walking south in a hurry. Of course I have common sense and generally use it to make good decisions in life, so it is unlikely I will be homeless.
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Miss_Anthrope
11 years ago
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Good luck with that.
It's a long walk, and in many instances, it's illegal to hitchhike on major roadways (where you'd be more likely to be offered a lift).
And then there's people's hesitation to readily welcome into their vehicle another person who is dirty and smelly because they don't have the means to keep themselves up on a regular, consistent basis.
Then there's the sheer distance when you don't have money or a vehicle. If one is leaving Detroit and heading to Miami, that's a long haul, for example. And you forgot the fact that the authorities in Miami will not be out waiting to greet you with food and shelter and assistance, either. They don't want more homeless, migrating or otherwise, because there are plenty of homeless people in Florida (and no, they aren't all "beach bums" here, either) and it's a challenge to provide services to meet needs whether it's though the public sector or the non-profit sector. Florida is broke, and unemployment is high. Homeless migrants would not be received with "open arms" by many here.
While in theory it makes sense to move south for the winter because our ancestors probably did this on a seasonal basis, following sources of food, in today's society? Not so much.
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Anonymous Post Author
11 years ago
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I never said anything about public assistance which I oppose. I just think it would be smart not to freeze their asses off. It is a great distance, but even walking 20 miles a day will get them somewhere!
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Miss_Anthrope
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No, I know that you didn't imply they should be "given" any public assistance. But, that wasn't my point, actually, either.
The point was that because there are already a good number of homeless people and social services are drained, a migrating homeless person might find it more difficult than you imagine when you suggested they could "just walk down to where it's warm." It's just not that simple.