After 38 years, Long Beach man finally has a home

As Ron Skaggs was preparing to enter his apartment down a dimly lit hallway, the 60-year-old struggled with the locks.

[Taxpayer]

The article states:

"Now I can put my head where it should be," he said.
Otherwise he'll "sit in a La-Z-Boy, eat popcorn and watch television,"

This is not a wise use of public money. Why do we allow this?

[pitbull65]

Taxpayer wrote:

The article states:
"Now I can put my head where it should be," he said.
Otherwise he'll "sit in a La-Z-Boy, eat popcorn and watch television,"
This is not a wise use of public money. Why do we allow this?

Would you say the same if it were your family member receiving that help??? This man served his country in the Navy, and has worked odd jobs over the years. Doesn't look like he took any help from anybody until now....and he's 60 years old. Get off your high horse! It's not like he's running around "pumping out kid after kid, getting his hair and nails did" with his assistance check. He sounds like an individual who truly needs and deserves help. Not a person that consciously screws the system.

[LongBeachLove]

pitbull65 wrote:

<quoted text>
Would you say the same if it were your family member receiving that help??? This man served his country in the Navy, and has worked odd jobs over the years. Doesn't look like he took any help from anybody until now....and he's 60 years old. Get off your high horse! It's not like he's running around "pumping out kid after kid, getting his hair and nails did" with his assistance check. He sounds like an individual who truly needs and deserves help. Not a person that consciously screws the system.

Well said!!

[indeed]

pitbull65 wrote:

<quoted text>
Would you say the same if it were your family member receiving that help??? This man served his country in the Navy, and has worked odd jobs over the years. Doesn't look like he took any help from anybody until now....and he's 60 years old. Get off your high horse! It's not like he's running around "pumping out kid after kid, getting his hair and nails did" with his assistance check. He sounds like an individual who truly needs and deserves help. Not a person that consciously screws the system.

Exactly! THIS is who the public services are for, and I'd bet most people wouldn't be against this program. What irks me are literally the thousands of people getting HUD who have no business being on it, and are gaming the system.
It not only costs taxpayers millions, it deprives people like this fellow from "winning lotto."
HUD housing allows up to 50K per year in cash "gifts" without losing your HUD status. Take some guesses on how that can be used to an abuser's advantage. And it is.
I've seen it over and over and over.
I wish the Press Telegram would actually report on the HUD abusers in this city. It's gotten WAY out of hand. And meanwhile, more people like this gentleman remain under bridges, while HUD housing beneficiaries drive new luxury cars, and watch their 50' plasma TV's that they bought for cash.
I've seen so much abuse, it's insane. I've reported it to HUD and they say there's nothing the can/will do about it.

[former lb resident]

This is a beautiful and inspirational story. Wishing much success for Mr. Skaggs.

[Milly in Long Beach]

I agree with the comment of pitbull65. This is a man who put his life on the line to protect this country (us) and worked all his life doing what he could at odd jobs to keep himself going. And despite the odds being against him, he still persevered with God's help. I tell you, I am so thankful that good people are still around to help Mr. Skaggs get the necessary help he needed to get his own place and be safe. You can use my tax dollars any time to do this kind of help for somone who really needs it and deserves it. God bless Mr. Skaggs, God bless the good people of this country who still care. I am proud to be an American, when I read about stories like this. This is still a great country of caring people.

[Ahhnold]

Taxpayer wrote:

The article states:
"Now I can put my head where it should be," he said.
Otherwise he'll "sit in a La-Z-Boy, eat popcorn and watch television,"
This is not a wise use of public money. Why do we allow this?

I'm sure there was a hint of sarcasm in there. Don't worry, our elected officials will waste more tax payer money on their own agendas than this program ever will.

[Shelley]

Taxpayer wrote:

The article states:
"Now I can put my head where it should be," he said.
Otherwise he'll "sit in a La-Z-Boy, eat popcorn and watch television,"
This is not a wise use of public money. Why do we allow this?

what an idiot thing to say.

[Marty Rae]

Good for you Mr. Skaggs, I too only got to 11th grade and it does my heart good to hear of your'
getting a place of your own, I pray that you learn to read, write and all other educational needs be met so that you could succeed in life.
Thank God for his looking over you. In all of our lives we face, sometimes the inevitable, but thanks to Almighty Creator, he knows when we've reached the end of our rope.
I have a sister who worked for Home Depot almost 20 years and they just up and fired her, blaming her for something she didn't do. Now she's homeless without a job or a place to live. Companies can be so cruel. But it gives me great comfort to know that something good happened to you, maybe the same could happen with my sister.

[APJ]

Finally some great news outta Long Beach!!!!!!!!!1

[SURF808]

Great story... best regards Ron

[SURF808]

Taxpayer wrote:

The article states:
"Now I can put my head where it should be," he said.
Otherwise he'll "sit in a La-Z-Boy, eat popcorn and watch television,"
This is not a wise use of public money. Why do we allow this?

If I was close to you, I would have given you a box of matches so you can set yourself on fire...After 10 minutes have passed, I will then call the police and fire department for assistance. That would be a wise use of public money don't you think??? LOL

[LBC Lifer]

Can we, please, stop giving to the do nothing losers?

This man has done NOTHING to deserve this, NOTHING! My father is a Vietnam Vet, who saw active duty and he too dropped out of school in the 11th. grade ( and he went to school in Arkansas, he even learned to read), guess what HE got a job and paid for his own home when he got out of the service.

[Babycakes]

LBC Lifer wrote:

Can we, please, stop giving to the do nothing losers?
This man has done NOTHING to deserve this, NOTHING! My father is a Vietnam Vet, who saw active duty and he too dropped out of school in the 11th. grade ( and he went to school in Arkansas, he even learned to read), guess what HE got a job and paid for his own home when he got out of the service.

What a wonderful accomplished life your father made for himself, and you be grudge this 60 year old homeless vet with a possible learning disability because why? Take your anger out on those who have benefited by learning how to work the system, mainly our legislators. The legislators who have not made any headway in clearing up the backlog in disability payments to vets, the legislators who vote salary increases of 18% to themselves yet leave our vets homeless, legislatures who at 60 will never have to worry where their next meal is coming from. Don't take your anger out on a homeless vet who, due to circumstance of life, has been unable to provide for himself. You should be ashamed of yourself, it is dishonorable to your father to not remember "before the grace of God go I".

[Milly in Long Beach]

I can't be in Ron Skaggs head, to even try to fully understand what he personally went thru when his Mom passed away. But to him, it was a very traumatic experience, as we can see by what happened to him. People are different in the way they cope with tragic situations in their lives. When my Mom and Dad passed away, it was very hard to go thru their loss, and the only thing that saved me from utter despair, was my faith and trust in God. I am alone now, but having God in my life has brought me the peace I need to cope with tragic events that come into all our lives. I pray for Ron, and everyone who has lost a loved one. I miss my loved ones very much, but I know God gives us the strength to go on, and in Him we have peace. overall.