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[LuvOrlando]

I'd take in kids but if I were in the situation, I agree with Sandy. We might live in a homeless shelter but by golly, we'd live together as a family. No way, no how would I send my kids to live somewhere else.

I could be wrong but I think that child welfare will remove children from their parents and place them in court appointed foster care if the parents can't care for the children properly. While I agree that I would prefer to keep my kids with me realistically, there is no way I would ever close my eyes in a shelter with 2 kids and the abuse that goes on there. The abuse that rages among the most helpless in our society is not unpublicized... doesn't anyone remember the reports that came out of the short term shelter for Katrina victims? There is a reason why some homeless people would rather take their chances with the elements than spend the night in a shelter.

I do not think my DF is anywhere close to being a candidate for a homeless shelter. They both have a living parent with a home that could take them in and presumably unemployment benefits. But the benefits wouldn't be enough to keep their home and considering our current housing market I don't think they could recoup their home investment. I wouldn't wait for them to be on there knees to help out though. If they went to their parents their kids could stay with me to finish up the school year since I live in the same district. The idea is that hopefully they could get themselves together before the following year and if not, at least the kids could finish out the year with as little trauma as possible.

I hope they are ok but these are not our only friends in trouble. I guess my home would be open to others if it came to that...

 

[minnie61650]

Yes, definatly.
I took in a friend's son for 2 years a few years ago when she was going through hard times.
I would gladly help another friend or relative again if the need arrives again.

 

[JARNJ3]

I would take them in too.

LuvOrlando - its a good thing you're offering.......

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[TaraPA]

Thanks for the update. I have no idea what type of career he was in - could be anything from a ditch digger to a CEO - but I just saw that the new Sand Bethlehem Casino is doing their interviews & hiring next week - he may want to check that out. They have 1000 positions available. I know you're local so I thought I'd mention it. People can apply online (sorry I don't know the website) or go down to the job center at the casino (which will always be the Steel to me!)

If you see them struggling financially offer anything you can - even small things like making meals for them, picking up a few groceries here & there, having a pizza delivered to their house. I'm sure they would appreciate anything.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[Pigeon]

Yes, I would.

 

[MoniqueU]

I would, just not toddlers.I get along much better with older kids and they follow rules better and it is not so physically draining. I have 3 neighbor girls who may need a temporary home and I would take them in a NY minute. No drugs, no attitude, very respectful and a joy to have around. They often all spend the night so it wouldnt be much different.

I am not close to my relatives nor do I have neices or nephews on either side of our family. I imagine if I did I would move heaven and earth to help out.

I am really easy going so I dont think it would be much of a problem with these 3 girls. They have told their parents already if something happens to them they want to come live with me anyway, which is the nicest thing to say.

 

[Colleen27]

I'd take in kids but if I were in the situation, I agree with Sandy. We might live in a homeless shelter but by golly, we'd live together as a family. No way, no how would I send my kids to live somewhere else.

It would be difficult but I'd have to go with what I thought was in the kids best interests. I can imagine situations where the kids would be better off living with a trusted friend than with the parents, like your example of a homeless shelter. I would absolutely ask my best friend or my family to take the kids in before I subjected them to a shelter or send them to unsafe schools, particularly if I was sure it would be a short term situation.

 

[Stitchfans]

Yes, but...

They would have to be either relatives or very close friends. I would not take in friends of friends or anything like that.

The last thing is that it would have to be for a certain amount of time. I would not want someone's kids to live with me until they were 18.

Same here. I agree with this person.

 

[TaraPA]

I do try, but pride is a tricky thing.

I think its sometimes easier for people to accept help from strangers than from friends.

I think I will offer her boys some money for shoveling & other stuff around the house that needs work.

Good idea to find odd jobs for the kids. Do they belong to a church nearby? Sometimes they have support groups, and not only that, the church members can offer any financial help they can. I know though, like you said, because of pride they may be resistant to help.

If there's anything locally I can do, please PM me.

 

[PatsGirl]

For family or friends, in a heartbeat without questions/restrictions and I sure hope they'd do it for my kids as well. For anyone not family, like co-worker or acquaintance or friend of a friend, maybe... depends...

 

[4greatboys]

We did take in a kid before. My oldest sons best friend lived with us for 2 years. His family moved out of town, 3 hours away and he wanted to stay here and finish his last 2 years of school.

I had his parents pay $250 monthly for food and stuff like that.

 

[AnOtHeRdIsNeYfReAk]

Absolutely. I've already done it. I took my two nieces in after my sister passed away. Things were very difficult at first (heck, things are still difficult) as I was still in school and I'm still tryng to finish my degree, but its well worth it. I'd definitely do it again.