Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Motel Homeless

Here's a piece for Nickel and Dimed folks:
Here's a slide show

As the recession has deepened, longtime workers who lost their jobs are facing the terror and stigma of homelessness for the first time, including those who have owned or rented for years. Some show up in shelters and on the streets, but others, like the Hayworths, are the hidden homeless — living doubled up in apartments, in garages or in motels, uncounted in federal homeless data and often receiving little public aid.

23 comments:

maryn said...

Wow, I can not even imagine what it must be like to live in such tight quarters. I know I thought it was awful to have to share a room with my sister while growing up. We even shared a bed for most of our growing up years. I am thankful I have never had to experience homelessness and I hope I never do.

Unknown said...

the slideshow reminded me of this one time in Florida, it was my family's first hurricane experience. the day before the storm hit our town (right off the gulf), we packed up and went to the local civic center that was serving as a shelter. luckily we only spent one night there. the next afternoon the storm had done its damage and moved on, we got to go home. but so many less fortunate people couldn't go home, they ended up in situations similar to this because of the weather. i'm thankful that it didn't happen to us! God bless.

JCampos said...

Yeah man it is really hard seeing kids at that age knowing of the troubles and hardships of the world. A child is not supposed to know of those kinds of things, they are supposed to eat their boogers and think that girls have cooties. It is sad to see this situation because it really does happen and families really do lose everything they have fought for.

I had a close relationship with a family that came from Louisiana and moved to Yakima. They would take their kids to the YMCA youthroom where i work at. They lost their home during Katrina and they currently live at the Red Carpet Motor Inn over on Fruitvale. THat was a powerful slide show and i hope nobody takes things for granted because one day when we least expect it, a hurricane may arrive.

twfields said...

It's hard to imagine that we live in one of the most riches countries in the world and yet people are still living like that. Makes me wonder were our priorities are.

JLYNN said...

That's so sad to see people who actually have to live like that. It makes me be more thankful for what I do have.

JLYNN said...

When the little kids talk is when I really start to feel bad. I guess I never really realized stuff like this actually happens.

Amy said...

I feel like it would be just as expensive to live in a motel, but i couldnt imagine it. Did you see all the stuff and books that they had stacked up in there. Can you imagine taking all your belongings and trying to fit them in a motel with a family of six and still have room to live. I for sure can not. This would not be fun.

Anonymous said...

Wow that would be a hard life. Before reading Nickel and Dimed I never really realized that people actually lived in hotel rooms. I guess I should have known. I am glad we have read this book because it has opened my eyes to a whole new world.

Jessica said...

This video almost made me cry. It broke my heart to see those little kids just wanting to have their own space and not have to share a bed with their siblings. I can't even imagine living like that and it must be so hard for their parents because they want to give their children a good life but they just can't.

Unknown said...

I can not imagine the stress that the parents must be under! and i'm sure they try to hide it from the kids, as most parents do, but living in one room, it has to be extremely difficult. its so sad that in our country that is supposed to be all about thriving and being the best place to be, we have huge amounts of people who can't make it. it makes me angry. i don't like the false impression that we give to the world, that everything is perfect in america...psh! liars!

Alycia said...

I dont think the reality of how horrible the poverty level in America really is has ever really been a thought in the forefront of my mind. After reading these books and especially watching this video, its amazing that a family can be so "positive" about being homeless.

Alycia said...

The worst part of this video was hearing the little boy talking about his hopes and dreams. They basically included having a house with a kitchen, attic, and bedrooms. Most kids dream of living in mansions or becoming super rich and famous. Its a true slap of reality that to many the basic necesities of life are a dream.

kayla said...

I too lived in Florida and experience a few hurricanes. The slideshow brought back some memories.

kristina.s.ballasiotes said...

Its crazy to think that people in other countries have it even worse that people in the United States do. Try to think about that next time you are buying something that you dont really need or throw away a bunch of food.

Barry W. said...

its really tuff sharing that little of a space with so many people i am not sure if i could.

Eric Manzo said...

Now this is really sad to see a family in a situation like this. I remember when I was little we used to live in a crowded place but wasn't as bad as this.

LindsyM. said...

That is so sad. I couldn't even begin to imagine how hard it would be to be in elementary school and know that you were homeless. Those poor kids. I mean at least they have a roof over their head but still, to be forced to live in a hotel would be really hard.

kristine lefors said...

this is the reality of what is happening to many people. In Yakima we see much less of it, but in places that had big factories including car and metal factories. I am glad that I have a roof over my head instead of six tarps to keep out the rain.

steve said...

That is just brutal. I agree with Ballasiotes though, this is living high on the hog compared to many other countries. You need no look far beyond your front door to find the poor, but true poverty is a world away.
-Matthew

Anonymous said...

I used to work at a motel as a housekeeper and now that I'm thinking about it I ran into people who have lived in motels just like this.By the time they left the rooms were disgusting.

Reguardless though it's a sad story. I hope this recession ends soon otherwise I'll see you all in the bread line:(

Unknown said...

Its hard to try to put yourself in a situation like this one, so thats why im thankful of having what i have. I have friends in situation like this one and even thou they are sterugeling like this family and its really hard see how they live and survive.

Unknown said...

this is so sad. no one should have to move into a motel room just so they can stay off the streets. for 6 people that room is way to tiny

Rochelle said...

This almost made me cry in class yesterday. It brought back some tough memories from when I was a kid. Darn you Peters!