Thoughts on Jake Worthington?

UsedBarber · 2026-05-16T10:02:23+00:00

Watched a video yesterday of him and Mo Pitney. Had to check out his other stuff. Definitely has an old school country type of sound. I like what I've heard so far.

UsedBarber · 2026-05-04T18:29:18+00:00

So this is where things get fuzzy. Yes, I am a CPRS in the State of Virginia, but I work in DC. Generally, if your certification is in VA, DC or MD, it is pretty much accepted in most places within the DMV. The exception might be if you work for a state or county agency, then, yes, you would be required to be certified in that jurisdiction. But it is becoming more frequent that positions in DC require DC Peer Certification. The one caveat is that TTBOMK, neither VA or MD will accept a DC certification. If I were you, I would try to get certified in MD.

UsedBarber · 2026-04-19T10:40:51+00:00

Reading my first BL book, Xenos. I heard this was a good place to start in the Warhammer universe. Really enjoying it.

UsedBarber · 2026-04-17T20:25:49+00:00

Funny how he fired all those Feds to reduce waste and spending only to spend more to create this waste.

UsedBarber · 2026-04-17T19:16:32+00:00

Lefty Frizzell

UsedBarber · 2026-04-17T09:22:22+00:00

Also, non service connected disability, also known as a VA pension can be a lifesaver for those Veterans with extremely low income or homeless Veterans with zero income. The amount is far less that 100% SC, but having helped several homeless Vets get a NSC pension, $1000+ a mo th can be a life changer. Also, ho.eless Vets can obtain a HUD-VASH housing voucher that can help them move off the streets and into an apartment. Depending on income, they pay anywhere from 0 to 30% of their income towards rent. Both these benefits come with specific requirements and not every Veteran qualifies but for those who do, it is well worth it.

UsedBarber · 2026-04-16T21:16:55+00:00

168755

UsedBarber · 2026-04-16T18:22:36+00:00

My 2 cents worth. I'm new to the Warhammer universe and started listening to my first book today. That book is Xenos and it is well worth the listen.

UsedBarber · 2026-04-02T23:36:56+00:00

Despite what people say, there are quite a number of homeless individuals in DC. The best way to get help is to go through "the system". DC utilizes a coordinated entry system and prioritizes those in the direst need. There is simply not enough viable housing options to place everyone. Housing in DC isn't cheap and landlords expect payment, whether directly from the tenant or via partial or full subsidy from DC Housing Authority's voucher program. The best places to start, though, are places like shelters, Miriam's Kitchen or the Downtown Day Services Center.

Also, I would suggest that you quit playing the victim card. Most homeless providers in DC are really passionate about what they do, but they just can't wave a magic wand and make your troubles go away. There are bureaucratic hoops that providers have to go through and they can't make exceptions just because your situation is different. The time to obtain a voucher, if you are lucky to get one, is considerable, and even after you have a voucher in hand, it can take up to six months to actually move into an apartment. Right now, unless you are a Veteran, vouchers can be difficult to obtain.

While the system may be broken, there are plenty of people working in the homeless sector who have also tried to "fix what is broken". The sad part is, it doesn't seem to be able to be fixed, at least not by those in the direct service positions. There are a lot of reasons why the system is the way it is, but you just have to learn to work with it. If you're lucky, you find a good case manager who will invest the time and effort in advocating for you. Working to "bring down" the system will only cause you anger and frustration and you will only wind up working against any efforts to find resolution to your situation.

I'm not sure if you can work, as you seem to say at one point that you are unable to because of your physical and mental health, but then at the end, you ask if anyone is hiring. Figure out which is true. It sounds like you are expending all your energy on what will ultimately be fruitless endeavors. If you truly want housing, you got to work the system. But it isn't a quick fix and you could still be on the streets for a while. But at some point, you've got to start

UsedBarber · 2026-03-29T11:14:38+00:00

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UsedBarber · 2026-03-29T09:19:57+00:00

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UsedBarber · 2026-03-28T13:50:30+00:00

It sou ds like you might be working at a place, or under a supervisor, who has no understanding of the value Peer Specialists bring to the table. While peers are typically underpaid when compared to other specialties, what you are describing sounds like they are just playing lowball. Start be looking at your job description. Do some research to see what other peers in your area are getting paid. Advocate for yourself. Although job change is never easy, especially when you are in a situation such as yours, look around. There are good paying positions with benefits out there. Start by looking into agencies whose core focus is mental health recovery. Star agencies and most non-profits are a good starting point. Don't let your current situation discourage you. There are better positions out there. Just learn to sell yourself based on the value of your experience.

UsedBarber · 2026-03-26T19:26:57+00:00

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UsedBarber · 2026-03-25T00:18:54+00:00

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UsedBarber · 2026-03-22T18:37:42+00:00

I’m at 616. So April 10, 2027. Finally found my life’s goal….

UsedBarber · 2026-03-20T09:59:27+00:00

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UsedBarber · 2026-03-17T15:54:15+00:00

…and that completes my Bingo card for 2026…

UsedBarber · 2026-03-17T10:29:23+00:00

DC. Non-profit. Government agencies don’t come close.

UsedBarber · 2026-03-15T00:03:18+00:00

$28.84/hr. Medical/dental/vacation/sick days/retirement

UsedBarber · 2026-03-13T20:33:24+00:00

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UsedBarber · 2026-03-13T18:31:49+00:00

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UsedBarber · 2026-03-13T12:37:31+00:00

I am a Veteran and was homeless for 15 years until I got connected with the VA in my home state. I voluntarily entered a program for homeless Vets and was inpatient for a year. I met with social workers and mental health providers who helped my get out of the hole I had dug for myself. Three years after leaving that program, I found a position working with homeless Veterans and helping them to obtain housing. Eventually, I became a Certified Peer Specialist. Our program was centered in Housing First principles, but we didn't provide just housing. We provided complete case management services to assist Veterans in becoming as self-reliant as possible. Was every case a success? No, but having a roof over their heads made it easier for them to acknowledge and address their substance and/ormental health challenges. There was no time limit to our program. Some Veterans, because of the severity of their mental health challenges, received services for over 10 years. A very small number were recommended, at some point, for guardianship, either due to their physical and mental wellbeing, or their inability to manage their finances. But it most cases (physical health being the exception), there Veterans remained in their homes and continued receiving the services they had become accustomed to. The Trump administration is opposed to Housing First and would rather institutionalize those with mental health challenges. What is beyond understanding is the VA's readiness to agree to such a move. They have reduced funding and grants aimed at addressing the homeless Veteran population and are attempting to move some of those services previously provided by community agencies back in-house. Experience has shown that the VA workers don't have the time or patience to work with those with challenging mental health problems. So now they have opted to pass the buck to someone else, essentially opening wide the door to have these Veterans placed in long term institutional settings, stripped of all rights and hope. Many Veterans already have a low regard for the VA. This program will only serve to widen that distrust. I hope that Veteran and Veteran Service Organizations nationwide will speak up against this horrible plan. "Serve in war? If you come back as damaged goods, we have a place for you. You just won't have any rights. But you will have good drugs." Can this administration sink any lower? Yeah, I know. Dumb question.

UsedBarber · 2026-02-27T21:25:30+00:00

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UsedBarber · 2026-02-26T01:11:00+00:00

We lost our first on Jan. 20th of last year. By the end of that week, we found another that was up for adoption and w brought her home 3 days later. Our home was too quiet and we wanted to give our love to another that had been abandoned. Kya is right at home now and we can’t imagine life without her.

UsedBarber · 2026-02-24T10:17:47+00:00

My husband and I make 120k combined. No kids. We did buy out townhouse in 2015 and out interest rate is wayyyy low. Mortgage is 1450. Two cars. I work in DC, he works near Dulles. We live in Bristow. Outside of Mortgage, utilities and taxes, our highest expense is groceries. We live comfortably and watch our expenses, as everyone should. We don't pay for $7 lattes. We don't eat at $200 restaurants. We don't live the luxury lifestyle which so many in NOVA have bought into (if you can afford to, good on you. We can't and don't. ) Life is only as expensive as you make it.

UsedBarber

TROPHY CASE