:Vocalo.org

navraaz: We need to start understanding mental health to a greater capacity. I worked for a few mental health institutions in different parts of the world as a mental health counselor. There were many cases where someone had a mental disability which led them to homelessness and they were never able to get their lives back due to this disability or illness. and the sad part is, is that these issues are treatable to an extent.

navraaz: I once counseled a woman who had her PhD in Music and was a reknown pianist. But she struggled with Manic Depression which eventually took her to the streets where she was abused to the point where she could never turn her life back to what it was. Thankfully, she was dropped off at this place in Chennai (India) where she was receiving care for her illness and was starting to put herself together again.

George: There needs to be some kind of education on: What to do if you become homeless. Some people who find them selves on the street (or living in their cars) don't know what programs or options they have.

navraaz: I completely agree. There is such a degree of shame associated with living in your car or being on the streets that you are automatically labled as a degenerate. There needs to be more focus on 'what to do if you find yourself in that predicament'.

sarah.e.lu: Good points Navraaz and George. Also--more safe, affordable housing, and an easier process of applying for and receiving assistance for said housing. The crazy thing is: you can work a lot at a minimum wage job and still not have enough money to pay for housing for you and your family.

navraaz: I have some friends in that situation now. Minimum wage is a joke. You can barely support yourself on a full time minimum wage job. If you have a family, its near impossible

navraaz: You need two full time minimum wage jobs

sarah.e.lu: Yeah--a surprising number of people are a paycheck or two away from homelessness.

navraaz: apparently last night, three buildings burned down on the south side due to people tampering with their heating systems. A lot of the residents were elderly. Those people are all going to become homeless. Its just a horrible situation.

navraaz: half way houses aren't safe for the vulnerable either