Progress on Helping the Homeless
I have made some progress on helping the man that I wrote about on Sunday. We believe that we have a place for him to live, although there are a few more small hoops to jump through. My friend has identified a vacant rental that can be availed to this man for a few weeks. Hopefully that is long enough to sort out some of the other issues.
Through Emmaus House, I got connected to a group that helps the homeless, The Empowerment Center. I forwarded my post to him to give him the low down, but I suspect that he read a good deal more on the site, as he seemed a bit tentative to engage me in conversation when we spoke on the phone…
Anyway, the Empowerment Center should be able to help with the ID issues. Several people have sent me offers of food, clothing, and camping supplies. One person even helped with winter weather camping tips that I plan to pass along and assist in purchase, if the housing falls through. I also have a few people looking for work for him.
Unfortunately, my friend tried to find the guy twice yesterday, but he wasn’t there. I think he was either at his friends home or with his girlfriend. I am going to drop by today to see if I can pass along the info that we have gathered. Thanks for all of the help and support so far.
Tags: Delaware, homelessness, New Castle County
forwarded my post to him to give him the low down, but I suspect that he read a good deal more on the site, as he seemed a bit tentative to engage me in conversation when we spoke on the phone…
Really? I’m shocked that there is shenanigans going on here.
I read your post Sunday carefully and with interest. I live in Newark and continue to think of ways to assist. I do have a question though. Is there some reason he isn’t living with his girlfriend? He watches the weather there (TV or internet). You suspect he has been there yesterday. He won’t move to Wilmington because he wants to be in close proximately. Any idea?
I have been in situations like this before (trying to lend a hand to someone who is down on their luck). A few times it has proven to be quite difficult because the person has certain “restrictions” or unshakeable ideas about what type of assistance will be accepted. Hey he’s a human being and can decide for himself. But it seems that a majority of reasonable people would seek shelter in Wilmington rather than live in the woods in Newark. What am I missing here?
Ah “confined” to a medical facility. Got it.
Well, once you figure out what will work best for this guy, if you need a few bucks to assist with a move or get the ball rolling have DV give you my mobile number.
lg, DG’s # is
1-800-ima-putz
I once met an gentleman at an AA meeting. It was about this time of year and quite cold. He was living on the streets. When he spoke, all I could think about was my dad and as I listened to him I made it a point in my mind that I would reach out to him. When the meeting ended, I approached him and we talked at great length. I offered to buy him lunch and he declined but said he could use ‘a couple of bucks’. I reached into my pocket and gave him $10.
The next day, I had a coat in the car to give him, and some food (which he declined) so I gave him a few more dollars. Thanksgiving was approaching that week so I invited him to join us for my most cherished holiday. I made arrangements to pick him up and bring him to the house. As the family gathered (about 15 people), he seemed to fit right in. He participated in the conversation. By the close of the day, a family member had committed to provide a place for my friend to live, rent free. So, we loaded the car with leftovers and sundries and headed to a vacant apartment in New Castle. There was some furniture and a bed already there and we took a TV. The only condition placed on my friend was that he not use the phone to make long distance phone calls but that he use it to call us when he needed food or a ride some place.
It seemed to working out well. He would call and ask if we were going to be in the area and if we could spare a couple of bucks. He was going to occasional AA meetings when he could catch a ride or had bus fare.
As Christmas approached, I got a call from him. He wanted to visit his daughter in NJ but needed bus fare. Naturally, I wanted to accomodate him. I picked him up, drove him to the bus station and gave him money for the bus and enough ‘to buy a little something for his daughter’.
After Christmas, I started calling him to see how the holiday went for him but he was never in. So, worried for his health, we drove to the apartment to check to be sure he was okay. The apartment was empty…no clothes, no furniture, no TV….NOTHING!
A couple days later we got a call from the family member who provided the respite from the cold telling us a phone bill had arrived for the apartment phone. The bill was more than $300 for one month!
I don’t tell this story to dissuade anyone from charitable giving. I still give. I tell the story so people’s charitable hearts will not be broken as mine was when this man I so wanted to ‘make a difference’ to made a mockery of our collective generosity. One thing I learned from this experience is that if you offer food and someone declines in favor of cash, most likely the money will go to whatever addiction put that person in the circumstance they are in. I would guess that at least 70%, if not greater, of persons in these situations have some form of addictive behavior that has pushed them to their depth of despair. Call me cynical, but I am a long time recovering person who has walked in their footsteps and been where they are. I could spin tales with the best of them! And, I could make you believe anything if I thought I could get you to pull a nickle out of your pocket.
On the other hand, some people genuinely do want the job and are sincere about climbing out of the hell they’ve made for themselves. All I’m saying here is that bleeding hearts should cry with their eyes wide open.
Anon – Thanks. I am keeping my eyes open and will keep your story in mind.
LG- kudos to you for stepping up to help–too often we are consumed by our own lives to step up. Hopefully he is receptive to you efforts and kindness!
If no other message is conveyed by the stories I have written and will write about this, the message that the homeless are everywhere (not just in big cities) is the one to take away.
Geek, You’re doing yeoman’s work here. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. When you reach out in charity, and it sometimes gets abused due to addiction or dishonesty, you’re not a fool – you’re an angel.
Stay focused on the liberal sensibilities that brought you to this point in your life and don’t worry, be happy.
7 liberalgeek // Dec 9, 2008 at 11:26 am
“Anon – Thanks. I am keeping my eyes open and will keep your story in mind.”
I hope your guy proves me wrong. I have not always been disappointed by good will and certainly have not stopped caring or giving. I just do so now with a different frame of mind.
It is of course a great thing to try to help all people down on their luck. Problem is you help one and 15 pop up. We need to work on long term solutions to help a majority rather than an individual.
There are hundreds of ex felons walking around this state. They are let out of prison at 12:00am, no money, the clothes on their back. They try to get to the city (or wherever family are) but are usually turned away by their families. They show up at “agencies” for help but these “agencies” have no intake services during the night, and are nothing but “referral services”. So they stay on the streets and soup kitchens and sleep where they can.
These so called “faith based” organizations are not geared up nor do they understand the complex needs of these guys. None are offering a full array of services “nor do they have appropriate staff to truly help. So off they go from agency to agency and none are able to help. They frequent the train station, or stand on corners. No one will hire them, its nothing more than a planned revolving door back to prison, for three hots and a cot.
The only real agency that did a great job was the Blackman’s Development Center run by Jalaal Karim Bey and that was years ago. They had a houses to refurbish, homes to live in , food, clothing and most of all counseling. They ran the operation “military style”. You couldn’t stay if you drank or did drugs. You had to show for the meetings, and your job. You got paid and eventually were able to leave and go on your own. The program was so successful men learned in jail where to go when they go out.
The agency ran for a few years most successfully. They applied for a state grant to provide services to even more men. At the same time, a group called Sodat decided they wanted a piece of the action. They were applying for the same grants that Blackmans was. Dontcha know..Sodat claimed in the Gen. Assy “they had a cure for addiction”, and got the grants. Know what the cure was? Methadone!
And what happened to Blackmans….folded because they didnt have enough cash to remain open. Even Judges at Superior Court knew of the asset they were and called Jalaal about 3 years ago to do a similiar program. We worked for over 2 years to get a plan and support from the Judges. We were pushing for Drug Courts –sentencing to rehab not prison.
The plan was done, the Judges on board and all of a sudden the whole deal fell apart. We don’t know why? The need is still there, it was a proven successful program.
Under the Bush regime’s funding to the “faith based” community, none are monitored, their is no outcome basis for the money! Faith basers get the funds then hire their unskilled, no expertise, cronies and family who havent a clue how to fix the situation.
I would hope we could think about “real solutions for many people” and then all push that agenda.
Liz – given your history of working for options and opportunities for the autistic population, I know that your quest began with advocacy for one small child. Surely you understand that 3 days into this I am not capable of intelligently saying what should or could be done. Just like you were 3 days into an autism diagnosis.
Be patient.
No act of kindness is wasted, just well intended.
Geek: you are absolutely correct. I applaud any and all you do. Yes, I started 42 years ago with my son, we now have the Autistic Program, a school and Over 21 services. That took 40 years or more. If you understand the fight we had with our legislators, the knock down blood letting that occured, perhaps you can begin to understand the frustration and cynical attitude I have with these dimwit legislators.
I put up my story with the felons to show those who do care how huge this effort is and how we must work on many fronts to accomplish the goal.
We have huge drug/alcohol addiction problems going untreated. Homelessness is full blown as more people loose their jobs. Many agencies are overwhelmed.
I believe we need a Citizen Task Force who will commit time/energy and develop a plan to deal with all these issues. Look, we have huge brownfields that need cleanup, our streets are filthy. Why can’t there be a mechanism between city and state to put some funds into hiring these homeless folks to do that work. But first they have to be clean. This is why we push so hard for Single Payer Health care which would provide the funds to treat these people and all Delawareans. Domestic violence is another huge issue unaddressed. Small agencies do their best, but in hard economic times, people are fighting because they have no money, it becomes a personal blame game and families are falling apart.
The other issue which drives me wild is the Peoples Settlement. That wonderful facility is sitting vacant with no programs to deal with these issues. While the rogue board continues to deny there are problems with the Ex. Director the agency is sitting dark.
Geek again I applaud everything you are trying to do and hope that other liberals on this blog will join the effort. We need to put our petty grievances aside and build a group with some momentum to address these problems.
Liz,
Check out the Delaware Teen Challenge program in Seaford. It’s not a program for teens (th ename is a misnomer) but a faith-based program – pretty strict – for adult men dealing with addictions. The NJ did an article a few weeks ago. They’re looking to have some sort of an office in Wilmington, as I recall.
liz-don’t know if this is you and yours or not. But kudos to efforts of legislating the mercury free vaccinations…it was flagship legislation right here in lil ol’ Delaware. Last year I had the smug pleasure of having high powered Harvard PhD couple (yup, both of ’em), bemoan the fact of having to move to Delaware, and they would not have their child vaccinated, because of personal decision to be mercury-free. Grandstanding aside, what a dart to say it’s a non-issue here. Yup, just a hayseed exit we are.
Yes it is a non issue here, cuz some idiot told some in the legislature that it was a hoax. Ask parents with autistic kids around the country what they think. My son was perfectly normal until 8 months when he got the 3 in l shot. He screamed for 3 days non stop, his arm swelled, he wouldnt eat and he lost all the words he was just beginning to speak. Mama, da-da, car, cookie…he would stare into the ceiling as if he was able to “look through you”. He was never the same after that. When he reached 18 months it was absolutely unbearable. He never slept, he screamed, wouldnt play with toys, he spun everything he touched…like a top. He could spin a dime on the edge of the dining room table, none of us could do it. He was a beautiful child with a head full of curls and big brown eyes.
He became self abusive, would bang his knee against his nose, broke his nose I forget how many times. After we got him in the Del. Autistic Program it was obviously too late. The behavior modifications was working on the other children but didnt with him. He became even more out of control. Couldnt leave him unattended for a second. So they drugged him up with some of the worst pschcotropic drugs that he was a vegetable in the corner, drooling.
At 12 so drugged up he fell through the glass window at the nurses office and had a scare on his arm about 12″ long. That was enough. We fought the state and got him sent out of state. I chose a program in Rhode Island that was highly controversial, who took the “basketcases” that other programs couldnt deal with. He was there from 12 to 23. He was a different person. They took him off all the drugs, taught him sign language. Brought him back to Delaware cuz the State wouldn’t pay anymore. Since back he hasnt had an easy life. Has lost all his sign lang. but as he has grown older he appears to have adapted somewhat. He is now 6’7.
My children refused to give my grandchildren these shots, we requested the doctor give the 3 in 1, individually. I don’t blame the parents…they obviously are educated on the topic. Its too bad our legislators are so dimwitted and never do research before they make these matter of fact “life and death” decisions. In California and Mass parents are putting up a fight.
Researchers I work with in California say they believe autism is caused by environmental pollutions. Some childrens brains react differently and if you look at the most poluted areas of the country you will find the highest incidences of autism. Delaware’s numbers are huge in comparison to the population. We believe they are so large that doctors are not giving proper diagnosis to hide the actual number and the education dept. doesnt have to pay for their education. Diagnosis such as “developmentally delayed” and “he will grow out of it”. Of course they don’t but if the diagnosis is not autism you probably will never get the treatment and programs/services the child needs. Most young parents are naive and really don’t want to hear the truth.
Liz, why don’t you come over to the annual Frances Stafford Holiday dinner at People’s Settlement this Saturday (12- 5PM) and help feed the community. We expect 600-700 people throughout the day.
The Board will be there to help serve the food along with staff and community leadership who actually are doing something constructive on the east side. Maybe you can even bring a turkey or something for the poor. By the way, Jalaal Karim Bey called us the other day and mentioned that he told you that he is standing with PSA.
Your false statements may stop once you interact with some facts. Please come to PSA on Saturday and help instead of running your mouth. Find out what is really going on.
Any of the other freaks on the subject, like Mike Matthews or Dave Burris, may want to come over as well and take stock of what this community center is actually doing.
liz-I am so sorry to have instigated your reliving or retelling any of the torturous navigation of “just raising a child”. Obviously, we now stand on your shoulders to get to the next level. I’m sorry it had to be so personal, to be pro-active in provision.
Nancy: I await the date and time when you and Lake are expelled from PSA.
Joanne: Thanks for your nice words. But we are at the next level. As we speak Minner has asked every agency head to cut cost from 13-15% across the Board. Providers are terrified as they have had no cost of living increase in 3-4 years.
Now cut to bare bones, if they are forced to reduce further…it means cutting staff. We went through this in 1994, and abuse and neglect was rampant. The problem in Delaware is this legislature have never taken advantage of the federal grants they can receive if they match the fund 50%. New Jersey provides dental care to its disabled population, Delaware never has.
I will be at the Markell meeting to encourage him not to cut human services not even 1%, we cant take any cuts. We have children exiting education and ready to go into Post 21 programs…the State has opted not to take those children. This economic downturn is going to affect every service provider from foster care, juvenile detention centers, group homes for the disabled, Del. Pschc Center etc.
While we need more funding for homeless and the most vulnerable in our State, cutting funds is the most inhumane decision they can make.
We will be insisting Jack hire someone at DHSS to replace Vince Merconi who already knows the rules/regulations of the feds/state. Merconi never did, which is why DPC is constantly in the news. We don’t need another “no nothing” about the federal guidelines/mandates. If they do cut these agencies, we will be seeking legal help outside Delaware to file a class action suit. We just formed a new group this one national. Family Alliance for Disabled of the US. Thus far, Delaware, New Jersey and NY parents/families are signed on. We are contacting other national agencies to join us, to stop these cuts happening in every state. Geraldo Riveria will be discussing these issues on a Jan 6 show, the anniverary of story he broke on Willowbrook. The horror has left the institutions and is now live and well in group homes. Casemanagers are so overloaded they cannot visit all these homes.
Dennis Williams, Charles Potter, Jr. Jea Street, Stephanie Bolden, Shabazz et all….are standing firm. We know the truth and no amount of donated turkeys will overcome the fact that you and that rogue board have violated the ByLaws, held secret meetings, and protected a man even the Auditor has already stated is incompentent and monies are missing. You can hide behind a holiday turkey, but the facts remain the same. It will come down to the Auditors final report and the AG’s report. Friends of PSA remain solidly together. Potter just saw Jalaal at Home Depot, and Jalaal told him, “he too is firmly on board with the community”. You must be mixed up or just making up stories…again.
PS I have delivered turkey ham and all the trimmings but chose an agency that actually operates daily programs for the needy. My sister and her 8 children, me and my children do it every year…but thanks for asking.