Serious replies, only, please... How difficult is it, and how dangerous is it to

[Ilsa]

be homeless in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex if you are a man in his mid-forties with diabetes? The person is degreed in a good field and has lost his job. We don't know how soon he can find work. I was explaining to a friend in a liberal state that caterers in Texas have been fined for feeding the homeless and that hospitals don't have to treat you unless you are dying. I told her that the social safety net in Texas might not be what they have in her state and that men have less access to certain things than women and children.

The person in question has had drug and alcohol problems in his past and those close to him are concerned about enabling him. I'm not certain how much family can help him.

Have any of you men managed to defeat homelessness? What were the worst challenges if you had a chronic health problem?

On Edit: I would appreciate any information or advice from people who have lived in the area or Texas or have known someone who have had to manage this situation.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. Difficult.

[MineralMan]

2. I'd think the situation would be very difficult wherever he was.

Perhaps worse in that area than in some others, but being homeless with diabetes is very difficult anywhere. His best option is with his family.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. Serious reply:

Retired Social Worker, here, with some knowledge of homeless issues.

Support services are going to be a lot more available IN the city than in the country/suburbs, as is
ease of getting around.

If the person is using drugs or alcohol now or very recently, 12 steps groups and churches often have connections to supportive resources.

Here is list of free/low cost clinics that might be able to help with some medicine costs:
http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf?_function=list&state=tx

Those closest to him do not have to worry about enabling him if he is not using drugs or alcohol, and their support will be key in terms of preventing medical complications.
They can at least compile a list of resources for the homeless and allow access to a puter, yes?

[dtexdem]

4. A lot depends on exactly where he is homeless.

At least Dallas has embattled Parkland Hospital. And Tarrant County has some good programs.

Denton County, for example however, at last got a clinic for the poor but has no hospital district nor public hospital.

[seabeyond]

5. i havent seen those issues you bring up, in my area of texas. i would image dallas better.

there are all kinds of services here. and they do take people in the hospital. none of it is good, but the situation this person is in isnt good.

[Ilsa]

6. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH! I'll use the resources here. nt