The homeless crisis

 I relate to this woman's story.  In fact, it might have been the single most defining experience of my life; witnessing 1,2,3,4 family members with psychotic breaks and becoming a caretaker at a young age.  Involuntary hospitalizations, jails, psychiatrists, case workers, social workers, homeless shelters, etc. The bipartisan legislation, Lanterman-Petris-Short Act in 1972 made mandatory institutionalization of mental health patients by family members and civil courts illegal. That way a bad judge or vindictive relative couldn’t have you locked up indefinitely at a state hospital.  But what this did was put the onus on states to fund mental health facilities.  Not all did this effectively or at all and families were left having to care for their loved ones.  With the rising cost of living, let alone the psychological toll on family members, this left many people on the streets.  In my situation, I have been extremely blessed to have found property  for my loved ones in the state of Florida, which I can only explain as an act of God, or maybe a partnership with God, or maybe some guardian angels, my ancestors.  I've gotten the limited government resources available and become an expert in navigating beaurocracy, a necessary adaptation.  I've sometimes worried about my own mental health breaking down, having to care for others while raising a family.  Although I sometimes joke, if my grip on reality isn't gone yet, then I'm probably good. 😅 Although, I have seen 3 times in my life that psychotic breakdowns happen after the death of a loved one so you never know. It's important to know it can happen to anyone. I myself have limited support and I only have so much to give, but my conscience won't let me turn a blind eye to them.  I can't say I have a solution to this growing epidemic that we like to call the homeless crisis. Although I'd like to say we need much more mental health facilities, that will only be a band-aid for something I'm afraid is much deeper and more insidious in our culture that is probably the combination of many factors.  I know I'm not the only going through this.  Every single one of the homeless people you see on the street is someone's sister, brother, mother, father, son, or daughter.  If you are going through something like this know you aren't alone. The answers aren't easy and don't fall into the trap of blaming.  Connect with others in the same situation and know that there is a way to navigate the elusive and complex system we have today so that your loved ones can be safe and taken care of.

https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/2-on-your-side-alycia-schlesinger-mental-health-help/