I’m too European to get it. What is the message?

Homelessness doesn’t just mean looking like a bum on the streets. Shocked a European wouldn’t be aware that all homelessness is not having a steady place to live, that includes people in hostels that are addicts or victims of various abuse. That includes 18 year olds told to leave the nest and stand on their own two feet when they’ve nothing actually lined up. That includes people who are couch surfing because they have an unsafe family home.

Homelessness is incredibly easy to fall into when situations spiral out of control. I’m long term unemployed (looking for employment though) with no savings but I live with my dad and if my dad kicked the bucket today then I would lose the home I grew up in and would have to get in touch with relevant authorities to be put on a waiting list that lasts years for somewhere to live.

Thank you for your explanation. It is legal to tell 18 year olds to leave home without providing for them? Wow. We have to provide for our relatives for life (parents for kids, but kids for parents as well. Well, at least legally – does not work in all cases.)

I’m aware that homelessness is not restricted to people like the man in the first panel. I’m working in a psychiatric hospital, and finding a place to live for our patients who are no longer capable of looking after themselves is not easy, but usually possible. I wasn’t aware people are forced to live in hostels.

I wish you good luck finding a job, long lasting health for your father and a way to keep your home on your own.

I’m curious about a bunch of things here.

• What country are you from?
• What does it mean for parents to be required to support their children for life?
• What does it mean for kids to be required to support their parents for life? Support in what way?
• What happens if the family doesn’t get along with one another? Support in what way?
• What repercussions are there if someone chooses not to fulfill their familial obligations?
• What happens if someone is financially unable to fulfill their familial obligations?