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by dzhiurgis 3946 days ago
You wouldn't be able to survive winters in Netherlands. Also social system is probably better.

Coming to LA and accidentally wandering few miles off downtown to warehouse district left me in shock. I was ready to jump in front of police car just to get me out of there.

I knew about the ghettos and drug problem just wasn't expecting it to hit me so hard. People living in tents, some lady sort of dancing or having convolutions. I've seen plenty of poor people in various countries, but nothing like this. Heck, homeless beggar in London will say good day to you.

Edit: I actually have some anecdotal experience about social care in Netherlands. One morning I woke up in acquaintances house after night of doing MDMA (and him, speed). Some lady was staring at me. She explained as the guy was living off social care, he was being monitored in case he needed some help or something like that. She didn't ask anything in particular or was judgmental. Looked like he had everything, a computer, decent place, skateboard and bmx bike. A night earlier he explained his both parents deceased.
2 comments
greggman 3946 days ago
What's also interesting is the contrast. Downtown LA and the "Arts District" are getting gentrified. People live in very fancy lofts. Check AirBnB for pictures of them. Some are incredibly amazing. But, right in between downtown LA and the Arts District is Skid Row. Drive down 4th street and see all the tents and homeless and fires.

I stayed at the Barker Block building for a month last October. 1/2 a block away there were tents.

https://www.google.com/search?q=barker+block&tbm=isch

http://www.hulu.com/watch/460340

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dghughes 3946 days ago
The downtown eastside of Vancouver, BC is pretty bad just for its sheer in your face drug use and rampant poverty. But at least it's the warmest place in Canada to live if you're homeless.

But you bring up a good point I can't imagine how people in Canada can survive being homeless in -40C weather in Winnipeg for example.

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DanBC 3946 days ago
Homeless people with addiction to alcohol in Ulan Bator

http://visura.co/user/MikeA/view/40-96

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