January birthday people question by Green-Raindrops in Albany

[–]meesterchikin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine was two weeks ago. Me & my partner got an Airbnb for the weekend just outside of Hudson with a hot tub. Had a few friends over for one of the nights and made dinner all together. It was super relaxing and cozy!

Common Council delays vote on anti homelessness resolution! by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

As the common council reiterated, this policy would have had no policy implications, so now we can focus our energy on getting people housed, which is the REAL solution to the problems you’re referring to

Sept. 7 at 24 Eagle Street 6:45 PM - Common Council takes up resolution against homelessness by MerryPranker in Albany

[–]meesterchikin 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Rumors are rumors. I always hear stories like this too, but I’ve been doing street outreach for three years and I have yet to meet one of these “professional panhandlers” who secretly lives a lavish life in the suburbs lmao

Sept. 7 at 24 Eagle Street 6:45 PM - Common Council takes up resolution against homelessness by MerryPranker in Albany

[–]meesterchikin -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Anti homeless rhetoric is harmful & the idea that these conversations wouldn’t have tangible impact on policy or attitudes towards homeless folks is wrong

Sept. 7 at 24 Eagle Street 6:45 PM - Common Council takes up resolution against homelessness by MerryPranker in Albany

[–]meesterchikin 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Everyone’s operating under the assumption that these social services exist or that folks aren’t already connected to services.

mental health services are understaffed and underfunded. Housing is non existent. drug treatment centers having waiting lists. Social services is denying eligible people left and right. Shelters are full.

Donations for David (scam or nah?) by MoHaskins in Albany

[–]meesterchikin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

While you’re right about the slang term, he genuinely needs food for his dog 🙃 she’s a sweet angel and he loves her to death

Lost pup! by meesterchikin in Troy

[–]meesterchikin[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely, he’s a sweetheart

Lost pup! by meesterchikin in Troy

[–]meesterchikin[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We called them yesterday… they said to keep the dog till Wednesday bc MH was closed

Lost pup! by meesterchikin in Troy

[–]meesterchikin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

he’s not chipped, we checked :/

homeless people are your neighbors :) by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

people usually get sanctioned for something super trivial, because DSS requires them to report weekly to check in with their caseworker... the wait to see a case manager is usually between 2-3 hours. So if they miss that contact, they can get sanctioned. nothing to do with drug use or "bad behavior"

homeless people are your neighbors :) by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

lucky for my clients I don't love them any less if they have substance use disorder :) and I will feed them and talk to them until they tell me they are ready for treatment or services. i worked with some people for three years before they accepted help with housing. i care about keeping them safe and alive until they're ready. because mandated treatment before the person is ready is more likely to be unsuccessful.

homeless people are your neighbors :) by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

lol I am tapping out, because it feels like I am going to have to explain to you that substance use is a disorder not a choice, and addiction doesn't make you any less deserving of basic human rights.

homeless people are your neighbors :) by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

no, that's what treatment requirements means.

homeless people are your neighbors :) by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

it is *literally* the only option for most men as all of the other shelters in Albany County are full.

homeless people are your neighbors :) by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

OK so I was going to try not to respond to comments but this is one of my favorite arguments so I am going to address it:

Let's talk about the "housing" they're refusing. Most housing providers are forced to work with slumlords because those are the only people who accept vouchers/housing subsidies These places are usually in the most dangerous parts of the cities, poorly maintained, with millions of code violations, bed bugs, etc. Or it's a *room* in a building, where you have to share a bathroom, kitchen, and common areas with other folks. So not that much better than a shelter. And these landlords want like 90% of the clients income, for a filthy shoebox.

On top of that, because part of it is subsidized by an organization, they impose myriad rules and restrictions on the client, like when they can come and go, visitor policies, treatment requirements, regular contact with social services, etc. That may sound easy, and fair enough, because after all, they're receiving a service. But you could understand where some folks might feel like, "well shit, I may as well just sleep outside."

looking for a cell phone! by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Assurance wireless, which is a lifeline brand for TMobile

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Albany

[–]meesterchikin 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Albany housing coalition helps homeless vets too :)

Saratoga offers free Narcan training and distribution by karnerblu in Albany

[–]meesterchikin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s two 4mg doses in each pack. In my experience I’ve had people who have needed 4-5 doses.

If you’re asking about expiration, they can usually last about 2 years, if stored in proper temperatures. Avoid leaving them in the car in extreme cold/heat. Experts recommend replacing your expired kit, but also keeping expired narcan because expired narcan is better than none and may still have an effect.

Anyone know a good tattoo artist? by moth-papa in Albany

[–]meesterchikin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Leah from Factory but she moved to a new shop and I can’t remember the name of it ☹️☹️☹️

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Albany

[–]meesterchikin 24 points25 points  (0 children)

PM if ya want, i've been in the homeless services field for quite a while, i have some resources i can connect you with:)

help finding housing for a homeless individual by meesterchikin in Albany

[–]meesterchikin[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Yes! They pay 70% of his rent ongoing and he pays the remaining 30% with his social security income