Last week’s annual Point-in-Time Count throughout San Diego County served as a reminder that many San Diegans and those passing through San Diego at some point are homeless.
Whether in their vehicles, tents in canyons, on the streets, or out on the sidewalk with little to no shelter, many around San Diego are not living an ideal life.
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve been divorced, dealt with a pair of job layoffs, and struggled financially at times over a 36-year working career. That said, I’ve not had to call the streets home. For that, I’m quite thankful.
When I come across unsheltered people when out and about, my mind always wonders how they ended up there.
Some had one or more of the bad breaks I mentioned earlier.
A job loss and/or ending of a relationship can throw people into financial disarray, among other things. It isn’t like you can just roll into another job or relationship at the snap of a finger.
Illness has dealt others serious blows. Whether physical or mental health issues, sickness can lead to not having the financial resources to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table.
For all of the individuals on the streets or elsewhere without shelter through no fault of their own, I truly feel compassion. As mentioned before, many of us can end up in such a position through no fault of our own.
You also have a segment of the population choosing voluntarily to call the streets home.
Whether it is that they do not want to live under normal rules like most of us do, or they have thrown in the towel on finding a better life, they are out on the streets by choice. Trying to help them get back to a more healthful and better surrounding can be quite difficult.
You sometimes need to realize that no matter what you say or do, some individuals want no part of what most of us might call a normal lifestyle.
While I have tried over time to make smart financial plans as I enter what is likely my last ten or so years of working full-time, I know that some decisions are out of my control.
That said, I am thankful to have a job I enjoy, overall rather good health, and supportive family and friends to keep me focused.
Even with all of that, none of us can be totally prepared for that one bad break that could throw our lives into pure hell — including calling the streets home.
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