Afraid someone might steal my stuff

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Im going to be in a group home someday. But Im afraid Ill get my stuff stollen. I can lock my room in the boarding house Im in now. Theres hardship everywhere I go.

Anyone in a group home ever have the problem of people stealing your stuff? Or could you lock your door?

You can lock your door in the group home, too.

While your out of it?

That's a rational fear. When I used to stay in hostels when I vacationed (4-12 people to a room) I used to sleep hugging all my valuables or having them stuffed into the inside of my pants.

In the past people didn't have much worth stealing. These days, unfortunately, regular items are worth stealing. Cell phones, credit cards, etc. It's a pain. I would advise you to do all you can to avoid living in group situations.

I would suggest trying to rent a room from someone, live with someone or live on your own. Group situations are difficult because there are so many people there it's hard to hold anyone accountable when something gets stolen.

There's always the chance of that happening but when I was in a special home I got on o.k with everyone , a few girls wanted to befriend me I think but I was too shy and bad at making friends. Nobody ever stole my stuff so hopefully when the day comes for you to go into a similar place you'll get on o.k

How long were you in the special home?

Yep. When you go out.

Get a Master lock or, if you could, a Segal or Medeco lock.

I believe the federal standards for group homes is that they must provide you with security for your bedroom if you request it. Your room can be locked when you are in it and when you leave. However, you are likely to have a roommate, who would also have a key. And group home staff would have a key. This last seems invasive, but it is really a safety issue. I do know someone who died choking in his room and no one could get in to help him.

Before you go to a group home, make sure you know their policy on residents being allowed to have locked doors. Because even though it is a right, many homes disregard it.

There may be some better options than a group home, depending on what state you are in. Some people live in supported living situations with live-in or daily help in the home. These provide safety and assistance without so much restriction on your own personal preferences and lifestyle.

Sarah lives in Nova Scotia, Canada.

It’s a real fear. You’re not alone. People will take you for everything you have. My advice, lock everything.

I once lived in upstate NY. Kingston, to be exact. Before I could get a job I went on welfare. They placed me in a group home which was ran, of all people, by a progeny from Hitler. Needless to say, I didn't last too long there and was back to being my usual homeless self. I had one roommate but we didn't have locks for our door; they never had any. It would've been forbidden to put a lock in.