New york law may change due to recent church break ins.

[philosoraptor]

Yeah, I still like the idea of a place people can go 24/7 if they are in need, without having to lie about it.  If that's a church, so be it.

[Asmodean]

I think when you are in a situation where you have nothing and nobody - or need to get away from something and somebody - that truth is probably the least of your concerns.

[philosoraptor]

I'm not disagreeing with that sentiment regarding needs and truth, but a hospital is still not the best place to go if all you want is to get out of the cold.  It's also stupid and selfish to lie about having chest pain or being sick if you aren't, because than you're taking doctor's attentions away from people who might legitimately need it, and if they find out that you lied intentionally that's a whole other can of worms.  A hospital ER also probably isn't the best place for someone who needs a quiet place to think.

Churches are cool.  The architecture is often times beautiful, and they're usually quiet and peaceful, to a point.  Whether people worship in them or not is kind of besides the point.  But I do think it's good that they are open and available to people 24/7, whether that's because it's snowing and you're homeless or having an existential crisis and in need of a quiet place to think.

[Firebird]

Chest pain. Can buy you quite a lot of hours.

Plus, in the US, under the EMTALA law, you can't refuse someone who comes into the ER for treatment. 

Right, but in the US you can also get saddled with massive debt if you get treated or stay in a room for the night, thanks to our lack of universal health care.

[Asmodean]

When you are out on the streets, possibly because of debt, do you think more debt is really an issue?

[Firebird]

When you are out on the streets, possibly because of debt, do you think more debt is really an issue?

Yes. Someone in that situation may not necessarily be penniless; maybe they just got kicked out of their apartment and need to stay somewhere a night or two while they look for a new place. So adding thousands of dollars in debt when you're trying to feed your family is not feasible.  Also, ERs in this county are horrible over-crowded and have long waiting times, so how much are they going to care about you while there are sicker patients waiting ahead of you? Would you really choose to go to an ER anyway when a church or some other organization is offering a bed and food with no strings attached? (Yes, besides preaching their message, but in that situation, it's a small price to pay.)

[Asmodean]

Would you really choose to go to an ER anyway when a church or some other organization is offering a bed and food with no strings attached?

No, I'd go to a motel. If I'm not that broke, chances are that I have the coin for a couple of motel nights.

[Ali]

Maybe libraries should just be open 24/7 instead of churches.  That way people could come in out of the cold, sit, and not have to use up resources for people who are actually sick.  I could get behind that.

PS. Asmo, Jesus fuck, you really never do sleep, do you? 

[Asmodean]

PS. Asmo, Jesus fuck, you really never do sleep, do you? 

Nope. 

[philosoraptor]

Maybe libraries should just be open 24/7 instead of churches.  That way people could come in out of the cold, sit, and not have to use up resources for people who are actually sick.  I could get behind that.

I approve this message. 

[Sweetdeath]

Maybe libraries should just be open 24/7 instead of churches.  That way people could come in out of the cold, sit, and not have to use up resources for people who are actually sick.  I could get behind that.

PS. Asmo, Jesus fuck, you really never do sleep, do you? 

I agree! I love libraries. I'd gladly work the nightshift.

[Harmonie]

Well, it's their fault for not sticking to organs.