They really appreciate being able to spend time with each other and with the animals on the farm and have spoken with me, telling me that it's the animals to take care of and be responsible for that have given them meaning to life again.
Have any of you stumbled across this yourself?
Does this make sense to you (incase I am in a local minima that won't generalize)?
My wife teaches people to ride horses and a very thin slice of her business is serving sick children, developmentally disabled people, veterans with PTSD -- most people find a meaningful connections with animals but for some people with challenges it is one of few things they can connect to.
More generally, any low-difficulty, low-stressful task or source of enjoyment is probably a cure for most homeless people. Especially if you give them a shelter and food and access to shower and safety other stuff you don’t get being homeless.
Homelessness and drug-addiction are a vicious cycle. Imagine yourself, but homeless on the streets, dirty and with a headache. Would you be able to sober up, re-learn software engineering or some other trade on your own, and re-aquire a living space and job? Maybe, but it would be incredibly tough and would take at least a few months. Meanwhile you have to find food, avoid the elements, avoid thieves and police. find spaces to clean, spaces to sleep. And also whatever job you take, you have to compete with people who aren’t homeless and don’t have to do those things. And this is ignoring the temptation and withdrawals from drugs.
But let’s say someone gives you a basic job and basic necessities. Now it’s a lot easier to get back on your feet, because you only have to deal with the drug withdrawals. The work also helps serve as a distraction and alternate source of happiness, which is extremely important.
You gave these people a clear and reasonable way to succeed and enjoy life without drugs, effectively breaking the cycle.
I will note that I know a fair amount about homelessness and I think the angle that "homeless people are all junkies and crazies" is way over hyped.
But thank you for doing this for them. You did a good thing.