Looking down on the car/vandweller.

[AltTransBikes]

Meh, much ado about nothing.

 

[ToyotaEscaper]

But, Bob, not everyone who lives in a van or car needs or wants help and it's rather insulting to assume they do. JMHO.

Yes highly rude almost. Not just the van but also the hotel part and many other parts.

 

[freenez2]

I read it and didn't care.

 

[mconlonx]

Saturday, I was volunteered as a bike mechanic for a local charity ride sponsored by the community aid association in town. Since my van doubles as a mobile mini bikeshop, made sense to bring it. Someone overheard me talking about sleeping in the van, and she came over after that conversation ended, speaking low, and asked if I needed assistance finding reasonable rent on an apt in the area or immediate help with lodging.

This made no sense for me until I realized who I was speaking with -- woman is one of the higher-ups in the community aid org and she obviously thought I was in need. I laughed it off and let her know that no, I did not need help that way, that I had many resources, and that I was sleeping in the van by choice, not out of necessity. Didn't seem to quite set her mind at ease, but she ambled off, looking for someone else to help...

 

[vanman2300]

I agree the organization is there to help and not attempting to insult people. Could they change a few words around so as not to inadvertently insult some? I think yes but they simply don't know their approach could insult some. I doubt if they even are aware that there is a substantial group that chooses to live in a van, car, or motorhome on a full time basis. Most people who hear you are living out of a car or van will automatically assume you are homeless and in great need of help.

There will always be instances where someone has written, said or done something that insults another group without realizing it. I remember, for example, when I was just a kid and we typically referred to anyone from China, Japan, S.E. asia, etc as an oriental. We had no idea whatsoever it was insulting to them until many years later when we were told about it. Maybe to those who are bothered by this organization's website should write a friendly e-mail to them letting them know and give them a chance to reword what is insulting.

 

[Donedirtcheap]

mconlox,
"This made no sense for me until I realized who I was speaking with -- woman is one of the higher-ups in the community aid org and she obviously thought I was in need. I laughed it off and let her know that no, I did not need help that way, that I had many resources, and that I was sleeping in the van by choice, not out of necessity. Didn't seem to quite set her mind at ease, but she ambled off, looking for someone else to help... "

The next logical step for some of these people is that you also have mental issues because you obviously dont know what you are doing.

 

[GotSmart]

My 2 cents worth~~~ Please do not remove as political this time!

As someone trained in communication, I see a great lack of diplomacy in the wording of the original subject. I do not know if political correctness has dumbed down society or is people are really that out of touch with how others think. People do not think alike!

Bob, by having this website, has done more to combat the problems of living off the grid and non traditionally than the entire government. (Not blaming any administration.) Let people know the options, possibilities, solutions in a realistic way. Do not be patronizing or feel sorry for my life choices and problems.

The current problem that I see is one that all dwellers must face every day. How others perceive us in a world that values consumerism and consumption over being free and able to move on with minimal preparation. If I want to sit for two weeks and watch the grass grow, it is my prerogative.

I have a "free spirit" friend who was aghast at the fact that I do not have an end date for my walkabout. The former hippy chick is stuck in her stock owning material world.

 

[mockturtle]

The next logical step for some of these people is that you also have mental issues because you obviously dont know what you are doing.

Very likely! And, of course, we know that very little is being done to help those with actual mental illnesses.

 

[owl]

I wear a lot of black and dark blue, because I like how I look in those colors. I have had folks I know offer to buy me clothes because I wear the same thing every day. I was not offended because I'm not looking to be offended. How people view me is important, to them. It gives me a chance to make a connection, to open a path to understanding. To share my approach to my life. I try not to look down on what others do if they mean well, but to try to understand and in turn help them understand why my life is so much different from their's. Most importantly to help them understand why my choices aren't a threat to theirs. I really think some appreciate that we are out there, even if they can't be. Viva la differance!

 

[akrvbob]

Owl wrote:
I try not to look down on what others do if they mean well, but to try to understand and in turn help them understand why my life is so much different from their's.
= = = = = = = =
I think Owl really got to the heart of the issue, if someone really intends something for my good out of honest compassion, I should celebrate that attitude and not hate them for it.

I can already hear what you are going to say, "But I don't want their help!!" No problem, just don't go to their Rescue Mission!

Try to see it from their point of view, every day they see hundreds of homeless people who are either mentally unable to get out of being homeless or desperately want to get out of being homeless but can't. All their experience is that being Homeless is bad and to be avoided.

They share that view with 99% of America, are we going to hate and insult all of them? Or should we do what Owl said and try to have understanding and open a dialogue?

On the other hand, nearly all of us our experience the "homeless" which are vandwellers, as being very happy with their lives.

I can promise you this, we vandwellers are a teeney tiny percentage of all Homeless. As a percentage, the view of the Rescue Mission is much more accurate than ours.

Neither of us are wrong, or evil, we just live in different worlds.
Bob

 

[GotSmart]

Try to see it from their point of view, every day they see hundreds of homeless people who are either mentally unable to get out of being homeless or desperately want to get out of being homeless but can't. All their experience is that being Homeless is bad and to be avoided.

They share that view with 99% of America, are we going to hate and insult all of them? Or should we do what Owl said and try to have understanding and open a dialogue?

On the other hand, nearly all of us our experience the "homeless" which are vandwellers, as being very happy with their lives.

I can promise you this, we vandwellers are a teeney tiny percentage of all Homeless. As a percentage, the view of the Rescue Mission is much more accurate than ours.

Neither of us are wrong, or evil, we just live in different worlds.
Bob

I have been there, and can appreciate the difference. I was homeless with a family and three little children. Once again the only real help was from private sources, and not the government.

I am not homeless, I am on an extended Walkabout.

 

[mockturtle]

if someone really intends something for my good out of honest compassion, I should celebrate that attitude and not hate them for it.

'Honest compassion' comes from individuals, not from institutions.

 

[vanman2300]

All their experience is that being Homeless is bad and to be avoided.

They share that view with 99% of America, are we going to hate and insult all of them? Or should we do what Owl said and try to have understanding and open a dialogue?

Neither of us are wrong, or evil, we just live in different worlds.
Bob

(Paraphrased)

Another excellent point!

Another good example I see often is how people handle it when they have to interact with hospice workers. Some are open to the idea of a good death while others are not. Depending on what your self image is based off of determines your thoughts and beliefs about the hospice philosophy. I can tell you there are a great range of reactions from out right hatred (rare) to complete acceptance. I accept all reactions as being valid to the owners of those reactions but also have the right to have my own individual beliefs. But I also avoid interacting with minds that are closed.

 

[LeeRevell]

Homeless shelters, assistance programs, hospices - all very good things and I am sure the majority of those running them have their hearts in the right place. But were I full-timing in my van, have all the amenities I need, am not starving, am enjoying my life, and have my mail forwarding, online banking, and other societal contact needs met, it would really irk me to be considered "homeless". I have a 'home', it is simply mobile.
Perhaps if we as a viable 'mobile community' could contact and educate these folks running these entities, let them know that we are NOT homeless and have good enriching lives, they could be made to understand?

 

[akrvbob]

Maybe we shouldn't be so thin-skinned that we get mad at the vast majority of people who simply don't understand.

Our being mad at them has no impact on them at all, but it does real harm to us.

Bob

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

it didnt really bother me...remember the context..they are writing about people that ARE homeless, relevant to their mission, and where they might be found so help can be gotten to them. fact is those people CAN be found in cars also.

 

[compassrose]

Living without a home of your own is a devastating experience. But sleeping without a home is downright difficult. Some of these places receive media attention. Others may surprise you. But all of these overnight accommodations are completely unacceptable for regular human habitation.

And if you read carefully, you will see the problem. Since many of you haven't I will point it out. The Quote should read

"Living without a HOUSE of your own is a devastating experience. But sleeping without a HOUSE is downright difficult. Some of these places receive media attention. Others may surprise you. But all of these overnight accommodations are completely unacceptable for regular human habitation."

The writers of the article mistakenly assumes that a HOUSE is a HOME and only a HOUSE or similar structure (apartment, townhouse, etc) is able to be a HOME. Unfortunately a large segment of the population thinks the same way. I have had folks feel sorry for us because we live in a converted school bus. They have never seen it, never been in it (nor would they be allowed either) yet they seem to have a mental image of a school bus... with all the seats still in it apparently.... that does not remotely compare to the Residential Vehicle that we live in. You should see the look on peoples faces when I talk about things like the fireplace we just finished tiling! Gee, doesn't all schoolbuses have fireplaces in them? It's kinda fun messing with folks.

 

[GotSmart]

Completely unacceptable for human habitation.

I said that about my kids room more than once.

I have also slept on a couch as a child that felt that way to my back.

Then there was that residential hotel in the Napa Valley...

My opinion is just as valid as any one else's.

My opinion and $4.50 will buy a fancy cup of mediocre coffee at Starbucks. (What happened to a good 5 cent cup of Joe?)

My home is what it is. No apologies and always continuing improvements. I drive away in my fully paid for and insured home while "they" drive their leased car to their over priced rental from a job that almost pays to keep up the style.

In the long run~~~ What ever makes you happy.

 

[mockturtle]

Completely unacceptable for human habitation.

I said that about my kids room more than once.

Amen to that!

 

[LeeRevell]

My Mom said that about my room on occasion!