Mayor finds awareness that people become homeless by circumstances
Most of us think of homeless as people sleeping on that park bench or on top of grates for heat in the big cities. Do we have homeless in our town as the general public thinks of it? I do not think so. There is the perception that some people chose to be homeless rather than looking for help through programs to improve themselves. There are many programs to help the needy. Now there is another of type of homelessness – homeless not by choice. That awareness is what we were trying to achieve on the chilly night of Nov. 20.
It started one bright September day when Jill Rush of Community Action, a young lady full of enthusiasm and energy came to visit me as the mayor of Brownsville. During our conversation, Jill asked if I would be willing to partner with Community Action’s effort to support Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week.
I confess that I was quick to express my views that quite often homeless is by choice. Jill in her quiet pleasant manner began explaining the many programs that are available to help those who are homeless not by choice.
With just a couple examples, she explained that there are elderly individuals who lose their mates and need some help to make decisions, such as downsizing to smaller living quarters, assisted living, nursing home. Also abused wives or husbands (with or without children) face the need for a change and are not sure what to do or how to begin facing that difficult transition.
There are programs that provide assistance (not always financial assistance) but advice about alternative measures they can seek. We live in a wonderful nation that cares about people. The shortfall in many programs is that often those in need do not know about them. The other side of the coin is that some who know about the programs abuse them. Nevertheless the misconception of the word ‘homeless’ gave me the impetuous to help get this message to the public.
After agreeing to be a part of the crusade of Homeless and Hunger Awareness, I attended a meeting at Community Action in Uniontown and my conviction grew stronger.
In talking about this adventure with friends, I had to explain that I was not going to be sleeping on the street, but stay awake for awareness and offer information. As expected, some just shook their heads and warned me of dangers out on the street. Some thought this is just another out-of-the-ordinary trait of this mayor. But as time moved on, more citizens joined in the understanding of this need, offered to help and spend a few hours during the night, but only Russ McMaster, active community supporter, agreed to stay all night.
Ideas and advice began to flow and through brainstorming the plan was unde r way. The first need was to select a site and thinking that in front of the borough building or at the wharf would be appropriate was wrong.
Awareness must be visible. So with the approval of the North Side firemen, the site was in front of their fire hall right on the main artery in Brownsville, the National Road. Many generous offers followed, including listing the event on the firehall marquee, donations of Toasti Toes and Hot Hands to avoid frost bite, a burn barrel with lots of logs to keep us quite warm through the night, even though we had to do the rotisserie turn to be comfortable. Another great idea from a friend was to mark this event with music. God bless friends and their willingness to donate time and talent such as Darrell Smith, Frank Melega, and Oliver Stockdale who provided amplified campfire banjo, guitar entertainment for two hours to kick off the evening. This truly provided awareness in the neighborhood and of those driving by.
A part of the evening that was not planned, but happened, was a visit from an area resident who offered testimony that led to his homelessness. A heart-warming outpouring of concern, provisions and offers of jobs to this person, as well as some lodging in exchange for labor, took place that evening. This exemplary model of caring people proves the quality of citizens who live in this area. Now the crucial issue is will he make a concerted effort to use the programs available to improve his life or is homelessness the choice he has taken? Prayer may be the answer to this situation.
The flow of people throughout the night giving support and bearing gifts was tremendous, including the loan of a spotlight for the marquee, hot coffee, distilled water, food, homemade fudge, use of a key from the firemen to use their toilet facilities through the night. This support was remarkable. Donations of clothing, non-perishable food and money for the needy were given to the soup kitchen and the Travel with Jesus site.
What an interesting time spent outdoors on Nov. 20 from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m.. Did we make a difference? I hope we were able to provide a greater awareness to the public that help is available in times of need for those who become homeless not by choice.
For further information, please contact Community Action of Uniontown at 724-437-6050. How blessed we are to live in this wonderful nation that cares about our people.
Norma Ryan is the mayor of Brownsville.