The Mirage of Help: Chasing Services That Don’t Exist

Shortly after being told to leave the police station tonight, another man approached me, introducing himself as a social worker. He told me that Lifelong Health would be stationed outside the Civic Center giving out tents. Desperate for shelter, I went there—but staff confirmed they don’t distribute tents at all.

This isn’t the first time I’ve been sent chasing services that don’t exist. Again and again, people—even those in helping professions—spread false information about resources as if they’re real. This creates a cruel cycle of hope and disappointment, wasting time and energy that unhoused and vulnerable people don’t have.

We need services that actually exist—and honest communication about what’s truly available, and what isn't. Anything less is abuse by another name.

---

I want to hear from you.

Have you ever been given false information about help or services you needed? How did it affect you? Please share your experiences in the comments—your stories can help expose this dangerous pattern.