Tent Cities, America’s Alternative Affordable Housing
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on March 8, 2010
Tent cities have long been an answer for our nation’s lack of affordable housing. The ongoing recession has brought to life new tent cities that can be found in both urban and rural settings. Men, women, and children are being forced into this alternative housing because waiting lists are too long, rent is too high, and in some cases affordable housing simply isn’t available. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, “about 200,000 rental housing units are destroyed annually.”
These tent cities often serve as a safer alternative than attempting survival in isolation, although their location is an important factor in determining the level of safety. Most rural camps will be established out of the line of sight. A remote location is essential to stay hidden from local authorities. A better alternative to this rogue lifestyle can be found in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Sacramento, among others; where an encampment is recognized by the local city and the inhabitants aren’t constantly harassed and run off. A recent study conducted by the National Coalition for the Homeless highlighted some of these Pacific Coast tent cities. I would encourage all of our readers to take a look at their report.
Some of the tent cities covered in the Coalition’s report have existed for quite some time and are located in areas you would expect; however, rural camps across the US, which logistically couldn’t receive the same coverage, are multiplying. The notion of tent cities in Martinsburg, WV, was a shock to many local residents. Contrary to what some might think, diminishing the visibility of the homeless camps does not help to resolve this issue. It is essential to acknowledge that homelessness is a problem in said town before the problem can be addressed. If no one knows of the homeless existence, then undoubtedly, nothing will be done. For this reason, we must bring attention to this issue. There are homeless individuals and families living all around us. If you open your eyes to this situation, your heart will most certainly follow.
In closing, I will leave you with a quote from Neil Donovan, Executive Director for the National Coalition for the Homeless:
“Tent Cities are American’s de facto waiting room for affordable and
accessible housing. The idea of someone living in a tent (or other
encampment) in this country says little about the decisions made by
those who dwell within and so much more about our nation’s inability
to adequately respond to those in need.”
3.8.10
R. Hardy
Land of Liberty Facebook Page
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on March 4, 2010
Visit the Land of Liberty Facebook page and become a fan. We need your help to spread the word about this film. We plan on posting some exclusive photos on the Facebook page, as well as some video clips in the very near future.
3.4.10
R. Hardy
The Changing Face of Homelessness
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on February 25, 2010
Kanani Kekahaua’s five kids are like most kids…they’re trying to ride into a bright future. But they’re also unlike most other kids, because they were homeless. Kanani explains how it happened. “I lost my job and it snowballed from there. You never think it will happen to you. I don’t drink, I don’t use drugs, and it’s just unfortunate it happened to me and my five children.”
Across the US the face of homelessness is changing daily. Children and families are joining the ranks of the substance abusers and mentally disordered. A place in society that was reserved for those who “deserved” their unfortunate position is becoming less black and white. While we have certainly made clear that all homeless individuals, regardless of circumstance, deserve a helping hand; this is a point of contention for some. It seems to muster more support for the homeless, one must share the stories of the individuals without “flaws” who find themselves in a tough spot. Perhaps then, something positive can come out of the recent change in the homeless population.
In the article previously linked, Pam Ducket, the program director of the Faith Program run by the Salvation Army, stated:
“80% of all homeless in Sarasota County are children and families. They are the hidden face of homeless.”
While Sarasota County, Florida, certainly holds a higher percentage of homeless children and families than the national average, families with children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. According to a 2007 survey conducted by the National Coalition for the Homeless, homeless families with children make up approximately 23% of the homeless population. In 3 years time those numbers are undoubtedly on the rise.
Whether you can identify personally with the man, woman, or child on the street is not important. Whether you can acknowledge that a fellow human being is in need is important. Regardless of what pulls at the collective heart-strings of the American people, it is long past time that we stand up and help our fellow man.
2/25/2010
R. Hardy
Support Circles
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on February 23, 2010
When I met with Michael Stoops of The National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington DC, he asked me to inform him of any successful program I found as I traveled across the United States for this film. I think I may have found it. Roberta Macauley is the Program Coordinator for Support Circles in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Support Circles is made up of city and county government, protest and catholic churches and volunteers. City and county government, foundations, grants, individuals and the church fund it. Hurricane Katrina forced many families from their homes and some of them landed in Raleigh NC. So many that on any given night over 1,000 people was homeless. The city realized that they could not handle this by themselves. They needed the faith-based community. Catholic Charities and Lutheran Family Services joined together and formed a multi-agency, multi-faith homeless coalition. It started with a round table. It was their goal to be seen as a partner not a competitor. Once the homeless coalition reported their findings on a status of the homeless in the local area, the government had to act.
They came up with a plan. It takes about two months for a volunteer to be trained. Then they are sent out as a six to ten person team, always working in pairs. Each team is assigned a homeless family. Every team stays with a family for twelve to eighteen months. During that time they establish and maintain goals, learn and prepare a budget and fix problems that lead them into homelessness.
When asked if volunteers burnout, Macauley stated “No, no they have really stuck with the family.” She operates on a budget of about $200,000 a year and currently is serving thirty families. There is a staff of two with three hundred and thirty volunteers.
This program has been monitored closely and changes are made quickly when needed. “I ask the volunteers what are some of the challenges they see as they walk through this with their families,” she said. One thing that came back was the need for housing close to a bus line. For families that have lost their cars the need for public transportation is great.
Other needs were identified and filled. A dentist stepped up and offered free services to some of the families. As needs became apparent, the sheer volume of volunteers gets the word out quickly to their churches or workplaces and solutions are developed in short order.
A big need is affordable housing. Many single moms with children can’t afford the three or four bedrooms that are needed for their family. Under this program she only has to pay thirty percent. The program through foundations, churches, and rent vouchers pay the balance.
Churches stepped up and agreed to support the program with yearly financial contributions. The city pays about $200,000 in rent vouchers. The county pays $75,000 for rent vouchers and a grant from the county funds Macauley’s payroll with a contract.
Forty-one families and over eighty-six children have been served. Only three families have exited out. One of the three families left because they received a $400,000 settlement and didn’t need the program anymore.
Asked if she would consider this a wrap around program, “I certainly would,” Macauley answered. Is the program a success? The Arnold Andrews Award for Collaborative Excellence and Home for Every American Award proves that it is – and the families that are now tax paying, mortgage holding citizens.
2.23.10
DJ McCoy
An Anonymous Call
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on February 16, 2010
The call first came into the West Virginia Department of Highways. A homeless person was trapped or lost off a busy entrance ramp on I-81. The Department of Highways forwarded the information to the Berkeley County Sheriffs Department. State Senator John Unger became aware of the problem, and called me seeking information about a camp in or around that area that I had filmed in. He advised me to call the sheriff and find out what the current situation was.
After calling the Sheriff’s Department and finding out the location that was in question, I went into the woods after dark. I felt that if anyone was trapped out there, their chance of survival would be very slim. After a few feet of snow, freezing temperatures, and drifting winds it would be tough.
Since the call came in to the Department of Highways, and was anonymous, there was little concrete information to go on. Without finding any tracks or signs, I called off the search until daylight. In the morning, after loading up with food, sleeping bags, and other supplies I went back out.
I knew of a small camper that was on the property. During the dark hours of the day before, I had talked with a lady that lived in it. When I arrived there in the morning, I found her and the man she shares the camper with. They were tired, out of water, and low on food. They had even run out of matches to light their heater. Once it burned out the heat would be gone. She cried as I unloaded water, can food, hot food, clothing, and two lighters.
Then I realized that maybe the anonymous caller was just a concerned citizen who knew they lived back there and would be trapped without the road being cleared. The Department of Highways could not clear the gravel road because it was on private property and they had no idea where it was located.
Senator Unger’s personal involvement in this matter forced it to a happy conclusion and just in the nick of time. Dave Starliper, a local volunteer, offered to assist in a complete grid search if needed. Once again it just goes to show what a concerned person can do to help and what an impact that help can have.
2.16.10
DJ McCoy
IT’S A GIRL!
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on February 10, 2010
Remember Ashley and Andy? They had a four-pound, twelve-ounce baby girl at 5:50 p.m. Ashley was taken by ambulance to the Martinsburg City Hospital earlier today. The ambulance didn’t have room for Andy so he walked until Pastor Bryan saw him and gave him a ride. Outside it is snowing on top of the few feet of snow already on the ground.
Ashley has been very stressed lately. As we previously reported, she and Andy were evicted and have to be out of their attic room by this Friday. As she was in her hospital bed, in labor, she called me and said, “I know I shouldn’t be stressin’ but we only have until Friday to be moved.” Most soon-to-be mothers are worried about the pain, the baby, the father, and all the concerns that a new mom would have. She has all of that plus knowing that when she is discharged, she will walk out of the hospital, into a snowstorm, with a new baby in her arms, and nowhere to go.
This is their first baby. “Now I’m just kinda tired,” she said after the delivery. The baby will be taken to the nursery for four hours of observation. Ashley said she would get to hold her before then. It must be very hard and confusing to have your first baby and be homeless at the same time.
If anyone has any ideas of where this new family can go please contact us at admin@oceangateetnertainment.com and we will forward that information to them. Or if you would like to call and leave an encouraging message for them you can do so by dialing the City Hospital at 304-263-1000. They do not have family to celebrate this time with. They only have each other….and a new baby girl.
2.10.10
DJ McCoy
State of Emergency
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on February 6, 2010
Governor Joe Manchin (D) of West Virginia has declared a state wide state of emergency for West Virginia due to the snow storm currently burying parts of the state. He contacted state Senator John Unger (D) and asked what more was needed for the eastern panhandle of the state. Unger contacted the Rev. Dr. Edward Grove to check on the status of the local homeless population. He offered to open the Army National Guard building as a temporary shelter if needed.
Ten humvees were dispatched to the Martinsburg City Hospital to transport medical personnel to work. These same vehicles are available to bring any homeless person in from the cold. Many of the local homeless people have moved into buildings in one fashion or another. One living room currently has eight people sleeping on the floor. It appears that a Good Samaritan has allowed them in so they wouldn’t freeze to death.
A telephone check made to a known homeless group has found them short on cigarettes but alive and well.
2.6.10
DJ McCoy
UPDATE ARREST MADE IN McGRAHAM MURDER CASE
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on February 4, 2010
Remember John Robert McGraham? He was the homeless man that was burned to death in Los Angeles. We posted information about this on our blog last year, you can read it by clicking here. LAPD arrested thirty-year-old Benjamin Mathew Martin. “Yeah, we got the right man,” stated Detective Michael Whelan. A $75,000 cash reward was offered for information leading to the apprehension of the murderer of John Robert McGraham, but no one claimed it. Some tips were offered, but after extensive foot work, an arrest was made. Martin is currently being held without bond.
In 2007 Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced the Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Statistics Act (H.R. 2216) and the Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Enforcement Act (H.R. 2217). The following is taken directly from the National Coalition for the Homeless at www.nationalhomeless.org –
Hate crime and violence against people experiencing homelessness has become widespread. In 2006 alone, the number of attacks against homeless people rose by 65 percent over the prior year.
Between 1999 and 2007, over 770 violent acts against homeless individuals were documented by advocacy organizations (despite the absence of uniform law enforcement reporting). These attacks range from beatings with golf clubs to the setting a man on fire while sleeping. Victims have included men and women, veterans, children as young as four, youth, and elders.Between 1999 and 2007, more fatal attacks have been documented against homeless individuals than in all legally recognized hate crime categories combined. There were 85 homicides classified as legally-defined hate crimes. Over that same period there were 217 deaths as a result of violent acts directed at homeless individuals. Current hate crimes laws were passed before the phenomenon of homeless-victim hate crimes was well-documented. Now it is time to improve the tracking and enforcement systems already in place. Homeless status should be added to hate crimes reporting and enforcement statutes so that law enforcement agencies would uniformly and consistently report hate crimes against homeless people and so that preventive and corrective actions could be taken accordingly.
So many crimes against the homeless are committed that they do not always receive national press coverage. “There are enough of them that they don’t always draw national attention,” stated Michael Stoops, Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, referring to crime against the homeless. He has worked hard with congressional leaders to pass a national hate crime bill. Even though this bill has been “pushed back,” he has seen Washington, DC, and Maryland add homeless protection to their hate crime laws.
Visit the National Coalition for the Homeless website at www.nationalhomeless.org to sign a petition to President Obama to end homelessness for all, not just veterans.
2.2.10
DJ McCoy
Homeless Fathers
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on February 2, 2010
His son was playing with the baby carriage and running around. Just like most boys, he was curious and wanted to keep moving; but, unlike most boys, he was homeless. Dad (who will remain nameless in the interest of his protection) was not a drug addict, nor was he an alcoholic. He just had a far-off stare that fall day. He lost everything when his wife developed a drug habit. She was in rehab and he landed on the streets. He had nowhere to turn because of mandatory reporting. If he went in for help, state social workers would be obligated to report that a small child was living in the woods. This dad had just lost a wife. He was trying to keep it together and hope that tomorrow would be a better day. That better day never came.
Several months later, back at the same spot, I found Dad. “How’s it going? How are you and your son doing?” I asked. After a short pause Dad said, “I had to give him up.” It’s wintertime and this young dad had to decide to try to hold on to what was left of his family or give him up to keep him warm.
Ashley and Andy are going to be parents in a few short weeks. Andy is under-employed. She is eight months pregnant. We have reported on them in the past. Andy walks a long distance to work in the snow. His shoes are falling apart and when he arrives he spends his shift with wet feet.
They just got an apartment less than six weeks ago and were evicted today. The landlord claimed that they were behind in the rent. They were actually behind less than one hundred and fifty dollars. The court believed the landlord.
Andy walks to every shift that he is offered. A year ago he was making fifteen hundred dollars a week on an oil-drilling rig. Now he works part-time at a restaurant for near minimum wage. All he wants is to provide for his family.
Many fathers today are leaving their families behind and starting new ones. Some never look back at whom they left behind. Many of these children fall into a lifelong cycle of welfare. Here we have two dads that want to do the right thing and can’t get ahead. One couldn’t because of mandatory reporting rules, and the other couldn’t because a landlord didn’t live up to his agreement.
They both were doing the best they could, but things beyond their control put them on a path that most people couldn’t even imagine. This is the plight, today, for the homeless in the USA.
2.01.10
DJ McCoy
Rice to Feed the Hungry
Posted by Administrator in Land of Liberty on February 1, 2010
Gobert Townsend was under the gun. Already behind schedule, he needed to be on the road to Florida. Big Boy Trucking LLC, the company he works for, operates on a timely manner. Most truck drivers are use to some delays, but he wasn’t held up at a dock or behind a traffic accident. He delivered his load on time to a company in Frederick, Maryland, but they had refused two pallets of the rice that he hauled in from Arkansas. It appeared that the cardboard box holding over a ton of ten-pound bags of rice had broken. The rice was good and still in its individual bags, but they refused it.
Townsend called Riceland Foods, the company that shipped it, and was authorized to throw it or give it away. Most drivers would have dumped it and moved on. He spent the entire day trying to find someone to give it to. When asked why he didn’t throw it away and get back on the road, he replied: “God wouldn’t have appreciated that.”
He called Catholic Charities in Martinsburg, WV, and asked the same question he had been asking all day. Would they be interested in taking over a ton of free rice? “I had plenty of places to send it,” stated Chrissa Cunningham, Regional Director for Catholic Charities. After organizing a group of volunteers and having members of the local Knights of Columbus descend on a parking lot in town, the driver brought the load over. He fought through downtown traffic and put the trailer in a tight spot that was needed for easy unloading. He seemed relaxed for a man that just lost a day of work.
The doors were opened and a line formed to start passing the bags to waiting vehicles. No forklift, just volunteers. This could take awhile. He still remained calm and patient, happy in the fact that people would be fed and the food wouldn’t end up in a dumpster.
“I gave one hundred bags of rice to Sister Mary Ann and one hundred bags to C-Cap, which means two hundred bags of rice went right into the hands of people that needed it,” Cunningham stated. (C-CAP is an organization that assists with emergency relief and also houses Loaves and Fishes which is a food bank.)
“We gave it away to people who come to the parish that Sister Judith knows are in need,” Sister Mary Ann from Catholic Charities in the Rural Outreach and Immigration Program said, when asked what she did with her allotment. This happens once in a while but “not on a regular basis” she noted.
Some bags of rice went to Ray Winiarski, the chef at the Trinity 6:34 program, a place for the homeless, the poor, and anyone else who gather for a free, hot meal every Monday. This program feeds over one hundred people on some Mondays, usually for a cost under ninety cents a plate, but always offered free to those who attend. “I will be making turkey rice casserole, stuffed cabbage, meatloaf with rice, and rice soup, at least one thousand dinners,” he said. When asked who exactly will benefit, he said: “The homeless, the poor, and the elderly will be served a community dinner. Some are families trying to stretch their food budget.” A common theme it seems.
Melanie Files, Director of Loaves and Fishes, stated that over forty-seven percent of the children in the Berkeley County School System are eligible for free or reduced price meals. One teacher in Preston County, West Virginia, noted a young student who was somewhat disappointed about Thanksgiving break. When he asked the student what was wrong, he was told: “Well the only time I get to eat is when I come to school.” Maybe that’s why she shared some with the Boys and Girls Club who feed school children every day after school and at times when school is not in session.
Files went on to say: “I’m sure some adults are cutting back to two meals a day.” As she arrived at the scene where the truck was unloaded, she thought there were only a couple of bags. “I looked at it and Oh my God!” she reacted. What did she do with the rest of her allotment of rice? She offered it to five / six families (that’s C-CAP/Loaves and Fishes lingo for families with five or more people in the house); she shared some with the Meals On Wheels, as well as Berkeley Senior Services.
Just like other nonprofit organizations, Files has seen a growing demand on her services. She sees an average of twenty families a day in need of food. She had 171 additional families in crises in 2009 over 2008.
Cunningham stated that if other drivers or companies are faced with the same situation, even if they can’t deliver it to the office door, “We’ll take it – it doesn’t matter, we’ll find a way.”
One act of kindness from a tired truck driver, running behind schedule, has provided food for hundreds of people. This is charity in its finest form.
2.01.10
DJ McCoy
