12/04/98

Homelessness

... in response to "The Homeless" (11/13/98) -- Part 2

Many SNET readers have written to me about the volunteer work they do for churches and other agencies that serve the needs of the homeless, not only during special holidays but year-round. I received the following letter from a woman who needed such help during a rough period in her life.

She described her situation as follows: "For the past 30 years or so, most people have had to work from paycheck to paycheck. Insurance coverage has decreased, paying less for medical care than it did years ago and deducting more of the costs of medical coverage from employee salaries. Most rents require the greater part of two weeks pay for the average employee. Living on just one paycheck can land a person in trouble and cause them to lose their hold on finances.

"27 years ago, I was homeless. It wasn't as prevalent a problem then as it is today; nor was it so openly discussed. It was shameful and hidden. People rewarded us with a candy bar or couple of cigarettes if we won a bingo game at the shelter (called a poor house then).

"Not that I didn't have skills. I was a trained secretary, in shorthand, high typing speed and good communication skills. But credit wasn't granted to women. I couldn't get an apartment on my own without a husband "to shovel the snow" or some such excuse. I only needed one month's security and one month's rent, but I didn't even have that. So my toddler and I stayed at the poor house until I was hired as a live-in mother's helper where my child was also welcome. From there I saved enough money to get an apartment of my own.

"Many people don't realize that people on the skids often have many good skills. Some have a drinking problem, too, but they can recover from that. Sometimes a recovering alcoholic is a better worker than average, because he or she has a heightened sense of duty and responsibility.

"Everyone has value; and everyone has skills. Even simple skills like bussing dishes or cleaning yards. It may be a menial job, but if a person wants to work, why do employers turn them away because they don't have a permanent address?

"Now, 27 years later, I am keenly aware that the slightest tip of the financial apple cart can cause the same situation again. I've kept my skills razor sharp and kept up with changing technologies. But there is always that nagging ghost, the memories of past prospective employers turning me away because I was homeless.

"Employers need to look beyond the non-address. And homeless people need to go to the thrift shops or agencies that help dress them for success, so they arrive at the interview looking clean and ready to work. One employer once advanced me my pay to improve my wardrobe, so I could compete for a promotion! That was a rare gem of an employer, indeed!

"If people give people a chance and honor their dignity, surprising results can follow!"

Author's note: Thank you to the many people who wrote to me about programs for the homeless. Many of you asked for information about where and how to volunteer your time to donate money, goods or services to help others. Local charities, churches and other civic organizations can guide you to the programs that need what you are willing to offer. Most charitable organizations need volunteers and appreciate any support you can provide.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.