Homeless living in cars
A few years ago it wasn't a big problem, but today it is.This is one of the awful results of the down turn caused by the tragedy of 9 11. The repercussions of that attack have been felt across the country.
Thalman calls the homeless who sleep in their cars "auto tramps." Sometimes they get lucky and find a job. Then they can move to a cheap apartment or transient motel until they can afford something better. And yet some prefer to remain in their cars as long as possible.
A few churches in Maine, realizing the increased problem, have opened the far edges of their parking lots to people sleeping in cars. Some have opened their church basements to families who are homeless, and then have helped them find work and housing. Not everyone is so lucky to find a church to help them.
The single people, both men and women, use their cars as a home. They want the mobility of leaving an area quickly.The car is important. With a car they have an opportunity to work and a means to get there. Public transportation, except in large metropolitan areas, isn't the answer. The hours of service don't coincide with the hours required for work. There is also the problem of availability of bus stops.
A young man I met at Borders told me his story. The bus dropped him off in front of the Buckland Hills Pavilion. He then had to walk across the parking lot, through a busy intersection and down the hill about a half mile to Borders. It wasn't a problem during the day, but he was required to work to closing. There were no buses at that hour and he had to walk several miles to the local shelter. The Manchester Area Council of Churches runs the shelter but doesn't have the means to provide transportation. Still, this young man continues to work and hopes to save enough for an apartment. That means having enough money for three months rent. Apartments require the first and last month rent, and a security deposit of one month's rent. Even for a one bedroom that could be $1,500. At $7.00 an hour, this young man will be at the shelter a long time, unless they find him something more affordable.
In New York in the nice weather, homeless can be found in the parks sleeping on park benches until the police patrol chases
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