TLC accepts anyone into its program who asks for help. It doesn't make any difference if they have money. Or clothing. TLC accepts anyone who asks for help as long as they aren't a sex-offender or arsonist. They can have a criminal record. They can be broke. They can be jobless or homeless. Have no clothing or car or insurance.
The only thing they must have to enter the program is the desire to change their lives. And in most cases the real change we're looking for is that they decide to get sober and educate - with our help - themselves about their drug habit.
While this must seem an easy chore, changing from a drug lifestyle to a sober lifestyle it is not always the easiest thing to do. Depending upon how long they've been homeless, it can be quite difficult. What we're asking is that they change their culture completely. No more panhandling. Regularly bathing and changing clothing. Seeking employment. Attending 12-step meetings. Becoming part of our sober community. Yet, we're only successful as far as helping them change probably half the time.
Because when they get frustrated it's easy for them to pick up their bedroll and hit the road. No more responsibilities. No more stress. Maybe a cold beer. And a hot pipe of meth. They're back in their element with no one to answer to but themselves.
Is there more that we could do? I don't know. I think a lot of it has to do with how deeply entrenched in their lifestyle they are - their perceived freedom of being homeless and irresponsible.
They most important thing I've learned about being sober is that we aren't motivated to change until we experience enough pain. And I guess that's what I'd hope for the homeless.
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