Comments on: Giving Voice: JANE'S STORY

By: laura bruno lilly

laura bruno lilly — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 18:03:09 +0000

It’s okay to stay on our shared soapbox, Ellen – Thanks for your input!
I think part of the problem (in the USA at least) is that there is this misconception about some ‘strong’ and reliable safety net. Many call it ‘welfare’…but it in fact is 100% useless for practical living situations.
One very easy thing to do is to make the process of eviction/foreclosure slower (or something else?) when otherwise dependable & responsible tenants/homeowners come across a hard patch in jobs, health, etc. It does no-one any good to have empty rental units/owner homes while their former occupants are left with nowhere else to live in the meantime…..it’s easier to play catch up and stay in the game with a primary place of residence than what is the current status quo way of dealing with economic changes in the workplace and how it effects individuals, families, etc.
Of course, banks (those in power) don’t see it that way at all….even when their accumulated foreclosed properties decay & degenerate during prolonged vacancy…

By: Ellen Hawley

Ellen Hawley — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 13:32:42 +0000

Can I add one thing to Jane’s list? Push for a system that will support people when life falls apart–that lets them get back on their feet. Yes, we should all be helping individually when we can, but that’s not enough.
Okay, I’m off the soapbox now.

By: laura bruno lilly

laura bruno lilly — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 19:43:46 +0000

In reply to Lulu. Oh dear, dear LuLu - your sweet spirit always touches my (he)art.

By: laura bruno lilly

laura bruno lilly — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 19:42:50 +0000

In reply to L. Marie.

Well said Linda.
It’s a special group we are in…

By: laura bruno lilly

laura bruno lilly — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 19:41:26 +0000

In reply to Bob Cloud.

Jane, I hope you see this comment…I’m not online regularly, so just got to ‘approve’ this comment for public view…
Bob, You’re the best.

By: Lulu

Lulu — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 15:10:05 +0000

Thank you for what you do to bring awareness to these difficult issues. Sometimes, I think it is hard for people (including myself) to face issues like homelessness and joblessness because we are all just one pink-slip, one diagnosis, one accident, one twist of fate or circumstance, away from being in similar situations, and it is hard to accept that vulnerability. It is easier to just ignore it, but that does not solve any of the problems around us, doesn’t actually protect us from bad things happening, and only keeps us all isolated and suffering.

By: L. Marie

L. Marie — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 18:53:48 +0000

Thank you for sharing Jane’s story. I can relate to it, having been unemployed and currently having a difficult time finding a job. Which means bills do not get paid.
Jane, I agree with your list, though I can and do pray for others. But I get what you mean. People in desperate need don’t need words. They need action. They don’t need lectures about what they should do.

By: Bob Cloud

Bob Cloud — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 18:29:25 +0000

Prayers already said from this station Jane, with more coming. Very sorry for your situation. It’s obvious you are strong and tough so I know you will prevail.
Bob