I have trouble doing laundry. I just don't trust anybody these days. I might do a load a month. LoL. I buy new clothes. I also wash some by hand. I feel like I would just be a fool if I trust again. All people know how to do is hurt and humiliate each other. I think it will still take time.

Hello Natasha. Welcome to DS. 18 months of living on the streets is allot to recover from, whatever the psycholabels attached. I doesn't know but I am wondering if whatever put you on the streets in the first place is even more to recover from. It was/is in my case.

As hard as it was/is for me to trust people, I earnestly believe trust is a vital ingredient in healing. How can I heal without trusting that healing can happen to me?

I hope you can learn a thing or three about trust here. Some of us are learning how to do more than hurt and humiliate each other. Studies in progress. You are invited to study with us and/or just observe, as you wish.

Welcome aboard.

Hi Natasha. Welcome! So sorry for all you've been through. The world is very messed-up sometimes.. Wishing you a time of relative safety.

Hi, Natasha72, I was homeless in 2010 after chronic kidney disease lost me my job, so I lost a lifelong collection of 500 vinyl records. My record collection was a luxury, I know, but I'd collected those records from the time I was 13 years old. Funny that among all of the other degrading things that happened at that time, 10 years later that's what sticks in my craw, but that's what does. Sorry you've gone through that stuff, too, but glad you found us.

Glad you are on the board. I have not actually been homeless but it was very close a few times in college. I broke down and asked for money from my parents when I had nothing and the rent was overdue. Actually scoped out the bridge I was going to live underneath. You certainly have lived through a trauma and it will take a while to change your thinking. Welcome aboard.

I have never understood how there can be so many wealthy, yet so many others struggling.

It feels like the gap is getting greater between the two and there are fewer landing in the middle.

My thoughts are with you.

Welcome aboard this DS lifeboat Natasha. Life on the streets can be really rough and scary. I hear your frustration over available housing. Most big cities have agencies and organizations to provide shelter and food for all who choose it. Sorry that was not your situation. Welcoming hugs.

Welcome to the board Natasha.....I can only imagine how difficult it must have been..... This is a good board.... I'm glad that you've found us.... Big hug....xo

Hi Natasha and welcome. I’ve been homeless for brief periods but I either had a car or a converted van to sleep in. 18 months is a long time and a lot to endure. I’m with you in housing being a right. I’m in Austin where the government is having a you-know-what measurement contest over the issue. It’s so bad that businesses have decided to step up and help fund housing bc our government doesn’t care, especially our governor. I know it’s hard to feel safe and secure in housing after going through that. But with time and healing, it will come.

Hi Natasha. I am sorry that you had to go through that. I understand and was in the same situation years ago. I can imagine how you are feeling. Here is a safe website to be. Things are very bad now with housing but I am glad that you have join us.