need to add title here

Growing up homeless

July 29, 2012 12:20 PM

Arielle and Austin Metzger say homelessness has forced them to grow up fast, an experience Arielle wouldn't wish on other kids.

Hard Times Generation: Families living in cars
Add a Comment See all 18 Comments
by MomsHugs July 30, 2012 11:59 PM EDT
10 years ago a group of citizens in one Midwestern city took action to by raise awareness & support needed for the homeless in their county. It was called "Community Circle of Care" and has been successful in practical ways that can be replicated by communities across the country. It wasn't that difficult to find caring people willing to volunteer their time, talent & skills with NO administrative expenses. People also donated time, hygiene products, blankets & bedding, etc. in direct-effect projects as well. People want to help - they just need direction & leaders. Look up this website & begin a "circle of care" in your own communities: www.circleofcare.net
Reply to this comment
by Cudahy1234 July 29, 2012 11:58 PM EDT
I found tonight's airing of this story disturbing as this is OLD news, yet was being portrayed as if it were happening today. There was NO date line beneath the filming, leaving those watching to believe this is happening today. I personally know of no one unemployed right now unless they choose to be. Our economy is coming back, and stories such as these just let everyone retired to believe it is not. Shame on you 60 Minutes. By the way, my family was one of those very close to living in my car.
Reply to this comment
by scout1881 March 22, 2012 6:19 PM EDT
I saw this on 60 Minutes and found it moving and a sad reflection of the world we live in today. I've included a link to this broadcast on my blog. http://scout1881.blogspot.com/ because it is still an issue that people just dont seem to want to see.
Reply to this comment
by sweetchuckd December 14, 2011 7:30 PM EST
Has anyone every seen this video?

http://vimeo.com/7258531

Homelessness has been a problem in Central Florida for years. It's great that there is some recent attention to it, but hopefully we will all continue to help these families.
Reply to this comment
by StetsonUniversity December 1, 2011 11:16 AM EST
Many people in the Stetson University community reacted when they noticed that Arielle was wearing a Stetson T-shirt in the '60 Minutes' episode 'Hard Times Generation.' The university has reached out to the family with offers of assistance: https://www.stetson.edu/secure/apps/wordpress/?p=17351
Reply to this comment
by mybillz November 28, 2011 9:55 PM EST
It's inspiring to see these two young people being able to continue life with a positive attitude despite the bad times they are experiencing. The Metzger family are to be commended for their positive outlook.

Also, the father should be praised because he shows what a great parent does when the chips are down! By making life as positive as it can be given your situation your whole family is to be admired.

All of the parents in this story should be commended for making the very best of a bad situation. I'm sure many people will be praying for your return to a more normal life. In the meantime remember you've all been doing a wonderful job of hanging on and I pray things get better soon for all of you in this story.
Reply to this comment
by margerydi November 28, 2011 9:08 PM EST
i would like to suggest that 10 people adopt a family...send $100 a month to a family in need administered by the woman social worker in this piece..
i would like to start this...can others join..
and can 60 minutes be the conduit to make this happen...so that ALL the money will go to the families in need
marge thomas mueller
Reply to this comment
by E. Gale November 28, 2011 10:02 AM EST
CBS & Scott Pelley are to be commended for this profoundly moving documentary that dramatizes U.S. fundamental crises in values.

Recommend that the President request a joint session of Congress and show the documentary, followed by significant proposals for:
- Priorities for the 45% of the population who are struggling
- Job creation for the 25 million who are looking for work
- Changing the tax codes,for all corporations to pay taxes (66% don't)
- Penalties for exporting jobs to low-wage nations
- Incentives for creating jobs in the U.S.
- Create jobs through investments in the infrastructure
- Extension of unemployment insurance
- Cut "defense" budgets and end the wars. Honor the troops and their
families - BRING THEM HOME!
Reply to this comment
by melanyrae November 27, 2011 10:36 PM EST
Please tell us how we can help the Metzger family. I was homeless for about 6 months as a kid. I can't tell you how embarrassed I was to have the school bus pick me up from our tent.
Reply to this comment
by goldieg566 November 27, 2011 10:23 PM EST
My grandfather always said charity begins at home. I agree 100% with the previous comment about this country helping ourselves during the Depression of 2011. We should cancel our space problem and the recent launch to find life in space. We have human lives in this country without the basic needs food and shelter. Something is very wrong in this country and WE taxpayers MUST take hold of this country once again. If we are fortunate enough to have jobs, we are the taxpayers and must see our hard earned dollars to take care of our OWN for a change. Our politiciansare too busy in disagreement about anything of value for us Americans. We the people must change things.
Reply to this comment
See all 18 Comments
Recent Segments

60MinutesOverTime

60 Minutes Overtime is a weekly web show that begins where the weekly television broadcast ends

  • 48 Hours iPad App

    Big changes for the 2012-2013 season! Watch the current week's episode for FREE up to a week after it airs or subscribe for access to all shows, classic episodes and more!