While I grew up with the experience of poverty, I have never been homeless. I do remember being hungry and wishing I could have a treat now and again. There is something that happens at the psychological level when you are treated as a person through recognition that you deserve relief.
I am sorry for your and your father's experiences. I'm grateful I can see past the media barrage and am always grateful to learn about others' experiences with homelessness.
Its legit. I will probably make a ppst in the near future about it.