How I joined the ranks of Brooklyn's homeless... NOT one of my life's great ambitions, believe me. I'm expanding this blog to include resources, solutions, and much more, and plan to collaborate with other homeless folks I've met along the way... the homeless population is far more diverse than popular opinion might acknowledge. Calling 311 for help is pretty much useless; I've found out more from talking to other homeless people over the past 6 months than from any other resource around.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Intro

How I became homeless at 47 is a long story, but the briefest version possible is that it's a result of the fallout from a bad marriage turned into a bad divorce, and getting a royal screwing from my soon-to-be ex. The bureaucracy that's supposed to help people avoid homelessness is twisted, sick and illogical: THIERE IS NO SAFETY NET. I'll get into all the details on my experiences with both areas in another post, but meanwhile, this blog will chronicle what it's like to become homeless and deal with it from my point of view (at least as long as I have computer access and can post to the blog).
Emily

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Check out my digital photography at http://picasaweb.google.com/emilyholiday/EmilyBrown, and one of my blogs at http://hiremesoon.blogspot.com/;  I also have a short slideshow video at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4527071836788208173

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RESOURCES

This list will be updated periodically...


I've contacted the Public Advocate's Office (212-669-7250) and explained to the intake worker what was going on; they may be able to help me work more quickly through the maze of Public Assistance and finding a new home. But, of course, since it's Friday, I won't be hearing back from them until next week.

The Church of St. Paul (263 W. 86th Street) has an Urban Justice Center; call 646-602-5600.
They also have legal clinics in different boroughs.

Coalition of the Homeless has an automated information line at 212-776-2000, and offers a variety of services. They're located at 129 Fulton Street in lower Manhattan, near Nassau Street; they take walk-ins, but recommend that people be there before 9 a.m. because they can only see the first 30-50 people on line (first come, first served).

I wish I were a cat...

I wish I were a cat...
I'd have a better chance of getting help or "adopted"