By Mark David Blum, Esq.
At the invitation of the Rescue Mission, I was escorted today and shown their entire operation in Downtown Syracuse. To say that the employees and volunteers who give so much of themselves down at the mission are society’s ‘angels’ is wholly an understatement. I met former homeless, former deputy sheriffs, nurses, doctors, and counselors offering their time and resources to stand the wall and be the last line of defense for the weakest among us. It was indeed a humbling experience.
Of course I pick the one cold blustery day this winter to plan a schedule that set me about a walking tour of downtown with a series of meetings and ending up down at the Rescue Mission. By the time I arrived, I was tired, freezing, craving a cup of something warm, and had a splitting headache. It took less than a moment for me to set aside my own petty complaints when put in context. I was cold and tired from walking around downtown for just a few hours. I had gloves, a hat, and a warm coat. How can I whine about the cold and discomfort when folks in my community have to do this every day of their lives; sans coat, jacket, and gloves. At least I had a destination and my plight was temporary.
Within moments I was warmly welcomed and greeted with adoration and love. My ‘Eulogy for George Ruggaber’ had been the subject of discussion down at the Mission the day the article ran. We all shared our glee at how the newspapers, television, and radio had picked up the story. Apparently, I picked a scab and I say “good”. Sean Kirst made reference to two of my writings though he refused to give credit. Dick Case embarrassed himself this morning. Only WTVH 5 and WSYR Radio took the time to even meet with folks at the Mission. Nobody there had seen this much attention since a man was thrown over the bridge a handful of years ago. Unfortunately, we all acknowledged that once the story is no longer chic the issue will once again disappear. Lovie Winslow is hell bent on infringing on the liberties of adults; notwithstanding the same $40,000.00 she wants to spend banning the sale of cigarettes could have a lifelong positive impact on some desperate fellow citizens. Shame on her.
Boots on the Ground:
The single most startling image that caught and held my attention, to the distraction of folks trying to talk to me, was a pair of boots atop a bookcase. Words will forever fail me here but to see these boots makes you understand the entire problem. The photographer who captures these boots will win a prize. Carolyn should never give them up. She tells of their history as being recently surrendered by a member of the ‘community’ in exchange for new shoes. To see these boots instantly tells you the miles they walked and with every step, you can only wonder what keep them moving forward. Life is harsh; moreso for some than others. If you get a chance, have Carolyn show you the boots. You will never forget them.
In one section and while meeting with on-the-spot caregivers, I did as I always do and asked, “what do you need?” No, I am not Cinderella or a Fairy Godmother (rumors to the contrary notwithstanding) but if I should hear of something, hey ya never know. The bottom line was “shoes”. They need shoes … men’s shoes. People come walking in the door with no bottoms on their shoes, feet frozen, socks if any are torn to shreds, and there are no shoes available. Some of these guys are picky and might want a pair of cowboy boots, but even that is doable.
Shining Stars:
Onondaga County is one of the shining stars in New York State when it comes to care for the homeless and substance dependant. To my dismay, there are no facilities anywhere down state or in New Jersey that provide mental health and substance abuse help and recovery for the mentally ill and indigent. I have no idea if this true, but if so then the Pataki Administration has a lot for which they must answer and Governor Spitzer has an issue requiring immediate attention. I am confident and confirmed that locally there aren’t enough psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, housing, vocational and educational support systems, and help for the families. The system needs everything. There is a 4 year wait for a subsidized housing waiver, a 6 month wait for a psychiatrist, or a 6 month wait for a supported apartment. None of this is of value when someone is desperate for help now.
It was pointed out that numbers of both residents and “community” users of services have been increasing. The State’s Division of Parole, the County Department of Probation, and the lack of downstate resources are driving people to Onondaga County for services. People are people and always deserve human compassion and treatment; regardless of their geographic origin. These agencies make it a requirement that recently released stay at the Mission. I heard of one tale of a burly strong man recently released from a 25 year hitch in State Prison and was moreso afraid like a young boy of what life in the shelter would be like. Is this deliberate placement of prisoners a fundraising scheme by the County, an unfunded mandate by the State, or serendipity?
As my escorts moved us from building to building, program to program, I was impressed with the large numbers of volunteers and resources. Great attention is paid to security, cleanliness, neatness, and screening for medical and psychiatric issues. Verizon has donated a near dozen computers. Residents have access to the internet, resume assistance, voicemail, clothes, language and job coaching, and other assistance. Loretto apparently promised to make a few hires. No other employers are willing to step up. I hear Bob Congel will be hiring dozens in the near future. Doctors and college professors volunteer their time. I even traced down the name of one lawyer who comes around once in a while.
Pie in the Sky:
Of course no discussion with me ever goes without me challenging some issues that I find troubling. I repeated the allegations in the newspapers that one reason some people choose not to seek help is the demand for sobriety and the proselytizing. Also, I noticed to the surprise of my escort, that a couple of police detectives were meandering about and when I inquired, I was told that police are routinely granted entry to scan the residents to see who is wanted. I told them that absent a search warrant, police have no right to entry, that the shelter is seen as a residence, and that such a policy may keep desperate people from seeking help.
I fully understand the difficulty in dealing with intoxicated persons and how they can pose a great threat to the larger community. As I was told “you cant talk to a drunk who aint listening.” Persons interviewed by the media all said they preferred Liberty to the demands for sobriety and Jesus. I was assured that the proselytizing was kept at a minimum; but it is everywhere. When I was told that it takes a while for some folks to realize they are not alone in the world and have to accept their higher power, I mentioned that probably makes folks feel uncomfortable – like Jews. Also they were taken aback to learn that the success rate for AA is the same for those who quit on their own … 5%.
Police apparently lied when they said that homeless folks are not dying frozen on the benches from exposure but instead due to drug or alcohol problems. ‘Cause and effect’; which is causing which? There are many resources in the community including at least five shelters for women and parents with children can find escape from being homeless. Men get two choices: the Mission or the Oxford Inn. The Inn, by all accounts, is a dangerous, violent, miserable experience. When community leaders speak of multiple locations; short of the Justice Center, the homeless man faces the choice of God or a shiv. I can understand the option chosen by many to encamp under a highway overpass. The taste of liberty and comfort of freedom are perhaps the only part of a person’s dignity that remains. Sacrificing that for some shelter or a chance sometimes comes at too high a price. But then again, “pride” does not fill an empty stomach.
“Hope” Springs Eternal:
The one item in abundance was “hope”. The people who work there are a bottomless source of hope. I told one young lady that while I can understand how well she sleeps at night, I could not understand from where she draws the energy to get up in the morning to come into work. On one hand, I am sure she knows that the day holds forth the hope of doing the Lord’s work and how she might salvage one of those for whom she toils. There also can be no doubt that the work these angels do is a constant reminder that life can be a whole lot worse. It helps keep things in perspective.
Jesus said the poor and meek shall inherit the earth. Gandhi and Mother Theresa washed the feet of the poor. Jews are required to give up substantial portions of their lot to the poor. Upon the backs of the poor many a politician has stood his campaign.
The gentleman quoted in Dick Case’s column said it best. He opined that tomorrow he has to get up and do something. That, is the point: If you are going to anticipate waking up tomorrow and the day after that, how can you be so absolutely without hope.
I have no money to give, no big name to lend to raise funds, and have in recent times been half a step away from a resident myself at the Mission. I have washed dishes, served food, and cleaned the kitchen there. Hopefully in the near future, I can go along on a ride-a-long with the night van and see the rest of the story.
Until then, remember they need two things at the Mission to serve the people. Shoes, and Hope. May they be blessed with both.
