Vaping and the homeless

[Racehorse]

Unless, they have a pet, which a lot of them do... in fact, that's what drove a lot of them homeless.. Refusing to give up their pet and/or smokes. They are both pertinent for many ailments.

Finally, somebody who gets it.

I love how some in this topic are telling other human beings what their "needs" are. Most homeless people do receive a check, some are ex vets who are shellshocked/PSTD, some are mentally ill, some are elderly with dementia, some are alcoholics and addicts. Most of them actually buy smokes.

No different from ANTZ telling us how we don't "need" smoking, nicotine, or vaping. you know, we are *disgusting* addicts.

Where would you live if you lived in apartment where you could not vape?

As for my pets, I "need" them. I once was almost homeless trying to find a place that would accept me and my dogs. I was blessed when I found a lovely family who let me stay in their motel until I found an apartment or rent house... a thousand blessings to them, I think about them often, think about their kindness and how they made my life better during that time.

I think it's downright presumptous to tell others what their needs are, based on our own perception of what those needs *should be*. Many homeless people do not want to live in an apartment building, they have issues...just like I would live in a tent or a teepee before I gave up my dogs. They are part of my family.

By the way, any mission could set up a vape lounge. Homeless could come there to vape, use the batts and juice....there is no need to have to take with them if the gear can't be maintained. A few large companies could donate some disposables for other times. Then maybe they would still smoke when they left.....until they stopped in at the lounge again........but that would be no different from many members right here at ECF who still smoke.......

If one truly wants to help people better their lives, where there's a will there's a way.

FOr some reason, it seems appropriate to send vape gear to soldiers in warzones, out in the field, who may very well be living a rougher life than homeless people on the street.....perhaps we need to examine our hearts and see if there isn't some kind of bias going on.

I can't imagine anything worse than being homeless AND having a serious health disease like lung cancer or COPD.

 

[Giraut]

By the way, any mission could set up a vape lounge. Homeless could come there to vape, use the batts and juice....there is no need to have to take with them if the gear can't be maintained.

I don't know why, this thread has gotten me thinking, and it's staying with me for some reason...

I think you may be on to something with supplying shelters: at least in Belgium, those who are admitted into shelters at night are those who haven't turned completely antisocial, drug addicts, or incapable of staying in an enclosed environment - yes, some street dwellers are so used to the street, they have panic attacks when they go inside buildings. Maybe that crowd would be more receptive to the idea of vaping.

Also, a lot of these shelters don't allow smoking inside the building, and I know it turns off a lot of would-be candidates for a warm shower and a bed. Maybe if they could vape inside, some of them would accept to come.

I don't know. Really I've never been exposed to that side of society. But I think I'll go inquire at my local homeless shelter when I'm back home. Who knows, maybe they'd welcome the idea, and I'm fairly sure I could get a few vaping companies to donate hardware and juices. There'd be just the little problem of nic juices being illegal in Belgium though...

I'll go ask. That at least doesn't cost a penny eh

 

[Bernard Marx]

We have all noticed that vaping turns into a sort of hobby and draws our attention in a mostly constructive way. I think some homeless people might be positively diverted from some of their negative rituals if they developed an interest in it. Also DIY juice is really inexpensive.

 

[3mg Meniere]

I don't know why, this thread has gotten me thinking, and it's staying with me for some reason...There'd be just the little problem of nic juices being illegal in Belgium though...I'll go ask. That at least doesn't cost a penny eh

Even if they can cut down on their smoking by vaping 0 nic it would be to their advantage. Of course, then there will be people standing outside the back door, offering a tiny squirt of 100mg into their bottles for three euros.

 

[The Torch]

[...]
When I lived in New Haven a bunch of homeless guys (ex vietnam veterans) lived behind my parking lot. One night somebody tried to rob my truck (NOT a homeless person, just a garden variety thief) The homeless guys assailed him and one got hold of the police, as the thief was carrying away my car stereo, fishing poles, etc. Thankfully I got everything back. The homeless guys kept an eye on the neighborhood. They were nice people, but with alcohol problems. None of them stole anything from anyone. They once fought for us in the armed services for us....honorable men.

Not all homeless are vets . Those guys were smart and insured they would be accepted there by protecting the area.

[...]
By the way, any mission could set up a vape lounge. Homeless could come there to vape, use the batts and juice....there is no need to have to take with them if the gear can't be maintained. A few large companies could donate some disposables for other times. Then maybe they would still smoke when they left.....until they stopped in at the lounge again........but that would be no different from many members right here at ECF who still smoke.......
[...]

Makes sense. I would gladly donate vaping stuff I don't want anymore to shelters since in that context since they would have enough help available to be able to actually use it more than just on the initial charge and fill.

 

[sneakerpimp]

I think it's a nice idea but not very feasible in the real world.

yea it's not like they can log in to ECF to solicit help with setting up a kayfun clone.

 

[3mg Meniere]

They can access the internet through their local library. As for a Kayfun clone, I doubt it. lol.

 

[amoret]

For the homeless, vaping should be something they take up when they can afford food, decent clothing, and their own place to live. Smoking or vaping isn't a necessity That's not being obnoxious, it's just common sense.

And you don't remember being addicted to cigarettes?

My main concern with this whole idea is where the hell is a homeless person going to get juice when they run out?

It is SO much easier to bum a few cigs off of someone than it is to bum a bottle of juice.

I messaged him on FB and messaged a couple of posters in that thread.
One of the guys lives within 20 miles of me but he hasn't posted in quite a while.
I hope he pops in to read once in a while.
I'd like to get something going around here or get involved in something ongoing.
I have friends (live & dead) that suffer(ed) from mental illness and it's heartbreaking.
If there's a thousand hurting people and someone helps just one it matters the world to that one.

I've been broke and had mental health problems. I never reached the completely homeless stage, but got awfully close. Food and shelter are usually available in some form. Nicotine products of any sort aren't. When I lived in an urban area I always carried extra cigarettes so that when someone asked for a cigarette I could give them a pack or two. I also donated cartons to shelters to be given out.

I think this would be a great place for cigalikes, and I think that I will start doing that.

 

[Scootaloo]

It’s a nice idea, but I think maintaining a PV is a bit too complicated for someone in a situation like homelessness

I think getting homeless people a roof over there heads to start with is probably the best thing to do and think about converting them to vaping when that bits done.

 

[3mg Meniere]

I think getting homeless people a roof over there heads to start with is probably the best thing to do and think about converting them to vaping when that bits done.

If they are on disability, there are plenty of options for getting them a place to live. However, many of them prohibit smoking. Giving them an alternative to smoking might keep a roof over their heads.

 

[Scootaloo]

yea it's not like they can log in to ECF to solicit help with setting up a kayfun clone.

How do I set up a Kayfun clone? have you got any spare change?

I'm just kidding

 

[Scootaloo]

If they are on disability, there are plenty of options for getting them a place to live. However, many of them prohibit smoking. Giving them an alternative to smoking might keep a roof over their heads.

You make a good point actually

 

[eyerhere]

wow just like politics. even the dumbest ideas get over analyzed and discussed till you are ready to puke.

 

[Giraut]

wow just like politics. even the dumbest ideas get over analyzed and discussed till you are ready to puke.

An idea is not dumb until it's been discussed, and then dismissed as dumb. And certainly any idea to help those who are less fortunate is worth considering. Personally I've far from convinced that vaping would work for the homeless, but I see nothing wrong in talking about it.

What makes you puke in this discussion exactly?

 

[sneakerpimp]

"will work for coils."

 

[3mg Meniere]

"will work for coils."

Coil-making class here. Free wick and wire. Set it up in a corner of the soup kitchen or free clinic.

 

[Bernard Marx]

It's going to happen whether it bothers people or not. I have noticed that the changeover from cigarettes is starting to really snowball. Soon it will be the easiest method of acquiring nicotine.

 

[sneakerpimp]

i was at a bbq last weekend with 50 people and i was the only vaper.. was a bit surprised.. and disappointed not being able to talk shop with anyone.

 

[Bernard Marx]

I don't know about 'talk shop,' whatever that means, but I do know that unless we blow it, soon cigarette smokers will come over to our side. We aren't doing this because it is a religious pilgrimage or anything, we are doing it because it is easier, cheaper, healthier and better. Street people just do what we do in an ...-backward way. Soon they will be picking up on the idea that this is a good thing.

 

[Bontasia]

I read this whole thread and I was just going to move on but I can't.

The lack of basic human compassion I have seen in some of these comments saddens and disappoints me. Something I can honestly say is a first in my time on ECF.

Every one of you who have made rude and thoughtless comments need to count yourself lucky that you have your jobs and homes and everything else that you take for granted because I guarantee you the vast majority of homeless people are not homeless because it's the life they always dreamed of.

Most homeless people aren't thieving, drug addicted miscreants - some are military veterans and some are mentally ill and some of them just lost their footing financially.

Above and beyond the reason for their homelessness they are HUMAN BEINGS and they have the same wants and desires as everyone else.

Of course having food and shelter is a priority but that doesn't alleviate the need for simple comforts.

I wouldn't support tax money to pay for vaping gear for anyone, no more than I would to supply cigarettes or alcohol but for those of you who deem the homeless unworthy of a healthier alternative just....shame on you.

I think the idea of donations of unwanted gear from vapers as well as from vaping suppliers is a FANTASTIC idea. Even if it's not something every homeless person could maintain long-term, just like everyone else it would be a few less cigarettes that they smoked.