Well hello everyone. It is Friday, Dec. 18th and another week has gone by and it's the same old, same old. Looking for that job, pounding the pavement.

I do want to say in regards to this story I am doing on myself with AnnArbor.com is not geared toward being selfish or one-sided. This story I am doing is a weekly thing. I am giving an insider look at being homeless. Granted I know there are people out there that are in worse situations and I hope in time that their voices will be heard. The comments that I have seen so far in regards to my blog have lifted my spirits up a little and I want to thank everyone for their input and support. But as with every story there is always the other side, and everyone has the right to speak their opinion.

I know there are many people in this situation and everyone has a different story.

I feel there are 3 reasons why people end up homeless. Most people think being homeless is always caused by drinking or drugs. Other reasons people end up homeless include domestic problems, loss of job or home, or, sad to say, sometimes I've seen people who are veterans end up homeless.

Living in shelters, I have met several people in different situations and everyone has a his own story. Currently I stay at the Salvation Army's Staples Family Center, which is more of an arranged shelter. There is a process that you have to go through and there is a waiting list. It is not the type of shelter like the Robert J. Delonis Center is where people just come in.

The Staples center has 3 floors and it is like a home. The top and bottom floor are for families, single parents with kids and ladies. The main floor is where the men stay. There are 3 rooms for the men with 3 beds in each room. Right now there are only 6 of us residing there. We each have our own beds and an armoire to keep our clothes in.

There is also a community kitchen and dining room where meals are served everyday. In the basement we have access to a washer and dryer to do our laundry. There are a variety of everyday chores from cleaning to doing dishes after a meal.

We can also talk to the staff about issues we face, including Chris, who is the director, or Tim, who is the house manager. Topics can range from personal issues to everyday things. They can help with getting medical appointments taken care of to getting a referral to their thrift store.

The main issue I talk with staff about right now is looking for that job. With it being the holidays and it being Michigan, it is like a double-edged sword that just keeps stabbing deeper and deeper. They always say there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but with the economy the way it is, everyone on a tight budget, the recession, and no funds to cover bills, it feels like the light has been turned off. I hope it will be temporary.

Thomas Bare writes about being homeless in Washtenaw County. Contact him at tab72266@yahoo.com.