The winter shelter is noisy tonight: snoring (more of an abundance of it than usual), coughing, rustling ... But the noise that concerns me most is the elderly white-haired lady on the cot next to me.
I've been watching her health worsen daily for four to five days now. You may recall, reading a short blurb about her in another post.
Three of us shelterees are very worried about her. She was laying down in the bushes on the side of the building breathing very raggedly as we were queuing up for entry. Rumor had it she had been there all day.
I was concerned enough that I asked the person I know who has the experience and passion to handle this kind of matter to go out and take a look at her, since the other shelteree and I couldn't get her up to get her inside.
As luck would have it, he was outside searching and she wandered in and got the cot next to me while my head was turned.
Do you want drama?
This woman stands a good chance of dying. Soon.
If she doesn't luck into a benefactor who has the compassion, wherewithal, and consistent intent to assist her, I don't give her long for this world. And that's not because she doesn't have spunk, the desire to keep going, and a tenacious grasp.
Her breathing for the last two hours has been bubbly with a sigh-groan and a rasp every few moments. She is tossing and turning trying to find a position she can sleep in.
One of the shelterees, (a woman a few years my senior) planning on hitch-hiking back to Texas after being turned down at a 60-day shelter yesterday -- spent the entire evening hovering over our white-haired friend to try and get her comfortable.
Another shelteree loaned a second blanket to provide the white-haired woman with more warmth.
I'm bad with ages, never could guess anyone's for-love-nor-money. However, I place this woman to be about 20 years older than I. That easily puts her at 76.
Six day old babies and women in their 70's -- these are the faces of homelessness.
Do you want drama?
The white-haired woman needs help. And not just being plunked into an ER room and given meds only to be tossed back out onto the street with 2 bus tokens to wend her way back to winter shelter with.
No, I don't know her other issues. I don't know if she is a substance abuser, mentally challenged, or has any other socially unacceptable symptoms that grow so abundantly in civilized society.
She has spent a life-time on this earth and as a human-being deserves so much more than being in this winter-shelter struggling for her every breath.
I have no one else to turn to but you few who read my tweets and this blog.
The white-haired woman on the cot next to me is one woman of many. We on the streets with her are doing what we can for her.
My challenge to you -- what is there in the world immediately around you that you can apply your passion, awareness, time, and energy to?
Whatever it is, do it now.
Do you want drama? Look around you ... be aware. I guarantee that within 50-feet on the road you are walking you will find drama.
If you truly don't think you will find anything of a dramatic nature -- from pollution to relations -- hire me. I'll gladly point out things to be aware of and donate a portion of what you pay me to the folks I believe are spear-heading viable, compassionate, spirited resolutions.
Good night, mes amis. I am going to try and get a bit more sleep before lights on.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Rant, plain and simple.
In response to the We Are Visible question of Has everyone seen the Homelessness in U.S. Report - C-SPAN Video Library on the We Are Visible Facebook page:
Jack Reed spoke cogently, and with heart.
I'm very glad Ebony has found permanent housing and income. I note she did not mention the word "home".
If the issue is homelessness then the resolution is being homed. If the issue is housing then the resolution is housing.
It may seem petty to you, nitpicking a word or phrase. However, look at it from this perspective: Resolving an issue rests in defining it.
That bears repeating: Resolving an issue rests in defining it.
Homelessness is of epidemic proportions. The positive "it could be worse than this spin" I perceive being presented does a dis-service both to those working hard on the issue and those living the issue. As well as those about to join the ranks of "living the issue". More and more folks are becoming homeless daily. Look at those who are using your libraries, your bus systems, those walking your streets.
Would you have read that any differently if I had used the words: "our libraries, our bus systems, those walking our streets"? Do you see me -- a homeless person as part of your "you"? Or am I somehow separate ... different? Less than?
Dare I ask you to use your own eyes, rather than the eyes of those who are trying to collect and report to you on the numbers? Yes, I dare.
No two agencies seem to agree on what homelessness is, much less what causes it. Even as they try to assist we who are without homes (or housing -- as you will) they wind up in conflict with each other.
The accurate or inaccurate count of us is not what is going to resolve the issue of homelessness.
Yes, it will gain monies for the systems that are trying to stem the tide ... and that is a needed bandaid.
However, those systems have not prevailed in the past, nor are they going to prevail in the future without a paradigm shift. It reminds me of the definition of insanity -- doing the same thing over and over, while expecting different results.
You can skew data anyway you want to. I've worked in data information long enough to understand you take a set of numbers, apply the spin or counter-spin you want to it, and voila you have a platform for presenting your agenda.
The implication that things could be better if we have more accurate numbers, bothers the hell out of me. It's a playout of "If only we had _________, we could ___________" Any decent therapist will tell you that's an excuse for not taking action. You work with what you have and make change.
The reason I am being assisted right now is not because of the agencies, it's because one person has introduced me to other people and these individuals have either gotten to know me or see me as a productive person. They, personally, are working their hind ends off to get things done for me, whereas the agencies have been forestalled at every vantage point.
I've been rejected by a womens shelter for temporary housing because of my arm (disabled), my proud admission of seeing the psycho-therapist at a shelter on an on-going basis, and a question of where can I park my tricycle. This rejection stunned even the agency who is doing their best to assist me.
The winter shelter in the local area has accepted me every night with no questions asked, other than to follow their rules while within the confines of the Armory. People facilitating the winter shelter work their fingers to the bone to be humane and helpful.
The reality that brings about change is what works in other venues -- personal interest of each human being involved.
I nearly fell off my chair in disbelief during this report when I found out what is considered severely impacted housing--50% or more of income of low-income households going toward housing expenses.
My goddess! When I was working, I paid 75% to 80% at times of my income toward housing and wondered why I couldn't make it in life. I worked diligently for years, supporting myself now to find out what I thought was normal is looked upon as severely impacted.
This is the first time in my life I've seriously been able to consider spending only 45% of my income for housing. Even finding something at that rate is truly difficult. The going price for a room (not a house or apartment mind you -- but a room) in the city of Los Angeles, California, is $550 and up. A ROOM my friend -- for a single person.
So I ask you, what portion of your income (and I assume many of you have two adult incomes) are you paying for your housing? How long can you go without income before you will lose your housing?
There are many of us - homeless. Many who will not even admit it to themselves at this point, much less to others. The stigma of being homeless is severe. Apparently we are broken. Many of us remain homeless because others see us as broken. We don't fit with someone else's comfortable idea of humanity.
So many are trying to "fix" us.
We are not what is broken.
We (the homeless) are symptoms of what is broken.
I submit this as a rant. I have no resolutions to offer. Rarely do I come from that perspective. However, I guarantee you, I will come up with some creative and efficacious means of resolving how to educate, inform and involve people regarding homelessness
Jack Reed spoke cogently, and with heart.
I'm very glad Ebony has found permanent housing and income. I note she did not mention the word "home".
If the issue is homelessness then the resolution is being homed. If the issue is housing then the resolution is housing.
It may seem petty to you, nitpicking a word or phrase. However, look at it from this perspective: Resolving an issue rests in defining it.
That bears repeating: Resolving an issue rests in defining it.
Homelessness is of epidemic proportions. The positive "it could be worse than this spin" I perceive being presented does a dis-service both to those working hard on the issue and those living the issue. As well as those about to join the ranks of "living the issue". More and more folks are becoming homeless daily. Look at those who are using your libraries, your bus systems, those walking your streets.
Would you have read that any differently if I had used the words: "our libraries, our bus systems, those walking our streets"? Do you see me -- a homeless person as part of your "you"? Or am I somehow separate ... different? Less than?
Dare I ask you to use your own eyes, rather than the eyes of those who are trying to collect and report to you on the numbers? Yes, I dare.
No two agencies seem to agree on what homelessness is, much less what causes it. Even as they try to assist we who are without homes (or housing -- as you will) they wind up in conflict with each other.
The accurate or inaccurate count of us is not what is going to resolve the issue of homelessness.
Yes, it will gain monies for the systems that are trying to stem the tide ... and that is a needed bandaid.
However, those systems have not prevailed in the past, nor are they going to prevail in the future without a paradigm shift. It reminds me of the definition of insanity -- doing the same thing over and over, while expecting different results.
You can skew data anyway you want to. I've worked in data information long enough to understand you take a set of numbers, apply the spin or counter-spin you want to it, and voila you have a platform for presenting your agenda.
The implication that things could be better if we have more accurate numbers, bothers the hell out of me. It's a playout of "If only we had _________, we could ___________" Any decent therapist will tell you that's an excuse for not taking action. You work with what you have and make change.
The reason I am being assisted right now is not because of the agencies, it's because one person has introduced me to other people and these individuals have either gotten to know me or see me as a productive person. They, personally, are working their hind ends off to get things done for me, whereas the agencies have been forestalled at every vantage point.
I've been rejected by a womens shelter for temporary housing because of my arm (disabled), my proud admission of seeing the psycho-therapist at a shelter on an on-going basis, and a question of where can I park my tricycle. This rejection stunned even the agency who is doing their best to assist me.
The winter shelter in the local area has accepted me every night with no questions asked, other than to follow their rules while within the confines of the Armory. People facilitating the winter shelter work their fingers to the bone to be humane and helpful.
The reality that brings about change is what works in other venues -- personal interest of each human being involved.
I nearly fell off my chair in disbelief during this report when I found out what is considered severely impacted housing--50% or more of income of low-income households going toward housing expenses.
My goddess! When I was working, I paid 75% to 80% at times of my income toward housing and wondered why I couldn't make it in life. I worked diligently for years, supporting myself now to find out what I thought was normal is looked upon as severely impacted.
This is the first time in my life I've seriously been able to consider spending only 45% of my income for housing. Even finding something at that rate is truly difficult. The going price for a room (not a house or apartment mind you -- but a room) in the city of Los Angeles, California, is $550 and up. A ROOM my friend -- for a single person.
So I ask you, what portion of your income (and I assume many of you have two adult incomes) are you paying for your housing? How long can you go without income before you will lose your housing?
There are many of us - homeless. Many who will not even admit it to themselves at this point, much less to others. The stigma of being homeless is severe. Apparently we are broken. Many of us remain homeless because others see us as broken. We don't fit with someone else's comfortable idea of humanity.
So many are trying to "fix" us.
We are not what is broken.
We (the homeless) are symptoms of what is broken.
I submit this as a rant. I have no resolutions to offer. Rarely do I come from that perspective. However, I guarantee you, I will come up with some creative and efficacious means of resolving how to educate, inform and involve people regarding homelessness
Friday, January 14, 2011
Another Moment in the Life of ....
I'm looking at my hand-written notes and I *know* they were clear to me this morning, yet right now, they look like the ground a sick chicken clawed at. I know it was imperative I write this morning.
I wish I knew what it was that was so imperative to write.
Well, let's see what comes to mind as I translate the notes that make the most sense.
4:15 am
The elderly woman with the white hair on the cot next to me was coughing her lungs out last night -- right now she is sleeping semi-peacefully.
One cot katy-korner to me is another woman, a girl by my estimation, also coughing her lungs out earlier.
No coincidence that I, too, was coughing myself silly in fits during the night. We must have sounded like a right synchronous rasping section.
We were not the only ones, but we did have the corner on coughing in our two rows. There were lots more rows (at least 14 more).
4:30 am
If I don't stop writing now and get my teeth brushed, I'll lose my opportunity to get into the most usable of the 2 women's bathrooms.
Oops. Too late, there's a line now. So, I'm standing in line, writing in the night light.
A woman just walked out of the restroom on the far left. "It's nasty in there, it's wet all over and the other one is full of urine, so be careful."
I nodded.
Chose the wet bathroom (flooded since there's no real drainage in it -- happens all the time) and dragged a folding chair in with me to set my backpack and my toiletries kit down upon.
5:00am and lights are on
Asked myself, "Why haven't I taken a vid with the Flip of the winter shelter yet? I've been given this great means of recording things and I've not been able to get the personal physical energy up to use it."
Answered myself, "Because my comrades in this winter shelter deserve some privacy and if I film without asking that would be rudely intruding on the private moments we allow each other in this one room, holding 150+ of us."
The winter shelter is our bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen and communal area.
I just don't have the energy to ask permission at the moment, all of my energy is going into survival daily, so I forgive myself for not using a great gift (the Flip) yet as I had planned.
Actually, this morning I had a teensy bit of energy and daydreamed about things that could be:
You're housed and feeling under-the-weather. You've wisely chosen to stay home from work and most like you're also spending a lot of time in your bed, shuttling back and forth 'twixt it, the kitchen, and the bathroom.
When a coughing fit comes upon you -- you use the bathroom and wander back to your bed or the couch to lay down.
You utilize the fresh foods you have at your fingertips for appropriate nourishment. You tub soak to get the toxins out of your body through the largest organ you have, your skin, then you shower for as long as you need. Afterwords you step out onto a dry mat, have time to brush your teeth, rinse your mouth and do a bit of energy movement.
In your room, you casually touch base (telephone, e-mail, social media) with whomever you need to let know that you're not at the top of your game so they don't fret and worry.
Abruptly, since I now have to go to the bathroom again, the reverie is broken, and it's back to reality for the moment.
I haven't asked for permission to film anyone in the shelter, however, I can give you a tiny word picture snapshot of it this morning:
A long line to use the womens restrooms and pondering if some folks just grew up in a barn, or where never taught how to clean up after themselves. Plus you carry anything of import with you into the bathroom, even if your cot position is close to the restrooms. There are some less than scrupulous folks here and anything not on your person could disappear if someone isn't watching it.
Rolling up the sheet, pillowcase, blanket, and towel and stuffing them into the plastic bag with my name scrawled on it to turn in at the "Linen Closet" and get back tonight. Putting the pillow in the pillow pile to be handed back out to us tonight.
Breaking down the cot and dragging it over to the palette to be piled on. Yes, I could wait and let someone else do it, but I learn by watching and while I may have a bit of physical difficulty folding the darned little gizmo, I can get it done now -- given time. There is no reason why someone else should have to pick up after me.
Then it's waiting until 7:am, hoping for a bit more warmth as we are all unleashed onto the streets.
I still don't know what I was driven to write this morning, now that I have a moment at my computer, here in the library.
So, I guess this is "Another Moment in the Life of ..." entry. ::grin::
Oh well, so much for literary goals, and I highly recommend to you to smile, you'll never lose the ability even if you are losing teeth like I am. A toothless smile, given freely and with joy is more important than a clenched smile given because it's politically correct.
Go with peace and joy mes amis! And share those smiles!
I wish I knew what it was that was so imperative to write.
Well, let's see what comes to mind as I translate the notes that make the most sense.
4:15 am
The elderly woman with the white hair on the cot next to me was coughing her lungs out last night -- right now she is sleeping semi-peacefully.
One cot katy-korner to me is another woman, a girl by my estimation, also coughing her lungs out earlier.
No coincidence that I, too, was coughing myself silly in fits during the night. We must have sounded like a right synchronous rasping section.
We were not the only ones, but we did have the corner on coughing in our two rows. There were lots more rows (at least 14 more).
4:30 am
If I don't stop writing now and get my teeth brushed, I'll lose my opportunity to get into the most usable of the 2 women's bathrooms.
Oops. Too late, there's a line now. So, I'm standing in line, writing in the night light.
A woman just walked out of the restroom on the far left. "It's nasty in there, it's wet all over and the other one is full of urine, so be careful."
I nodded.
Chose the wet bathroom (flooded since there's no real drainage in it -- happens all the time) and dragged a folding chair in with me to set my backpack and my toiletries kit down upon.
5:00am and lights are on
Asked myself, "Why haven't I taken a vid with the Flip of the winter shelter yet? I've been given this great means of recording things and I've not been able to get the personal physical energy up to use it."
Answered myself, "Because my comrades in this winter shelter deserve some privacy and if I film without asking that would be rudely intruding on the private moments we allow each other in this one room, holding 150+ of us."
The winter shelter is our bedroom, living room, bathroom, kitchen and communal area.
I just don't have the energy to ask permission at the moment, all of my energy is going into survival daily, so I forgive myself for not using a great gift (the Flip) yet as I had planned.
Actually, this morning I had a teensy bit of energy and daydreamed about things that could be:
You're housed and feeling under-the-weather. You've wisely chosen to stay home from work and most like you're also spending a lot of time in your bed, shuttling back and forth 'twixt it, the kitchen, and the bathroom.
When a coughing fit comes upon you -- you use the bathroom and wander back to your bed or the couch to lay down.
You utilize the fresh foods you have at your fingertips for appropriate nourishment. You tub soak to get the toxins out of your body through the largest organ you have, your skin, then you shower for as long as you need. Afterwords you step out onto a dry mat, have time to brush your teeth, rinse your mouth and do a bit of energy movement.
In your room, you casually touch base (telephone, e-mail, social media) with whomever you need to let know that you're not at the top of your game so they don't fret and worry.
Abruptly, since I now have to go to the bathroom again, the reverie is broken, and it's back to reality for the moment.
I haven't asked for permission to film anyone in the shelter, however, I can give you a tiny word picture snapshot of it this morning:
A long line to use the womens restrooms and pondering if some folks just grew up in a barn, or where never taught how to clean up after themselves. Plus you carry anything of import with you into the bathroom, even if your cot position is close to the restrooms. There are some less than scrupulous folks here and anything not on your person could disappear if someone isn't watching it.
Rolling up the sheet, pillowcase, blanket, and towel and stuffing them into the plastic bag with my name scrawled on it to turn in at the "Linen Closet" and get back tonight. Putting the pillow in the pillow pile to be handed back out to us tonight.
Breaking down the cot and dragging it over to the palette to be piled on. Yes, I could wait and let someone else do it, but I learn by watching and while I may have a bit of physical difficulty folding the darned little gizmo, I can get it done now -- given time. There is no reason why someone else should have to pick up after me.
Then it's waiting until 7:am, hoping for a bit more warmth as we are all unleashed onto the streets.
I still don't know what I was driven to write this morning, now that I have a moment at my computer, here in the library.
So, I guess this is "Another Moment in the Life of ..." entry. ::grin::
Oh well, so much for literary goals, and I highly recommend to you to smile, you'll never lose the ability even if you are losing teeth like I am. A toothless smile, given freely and with joy is more important than a clenched smile given because it's politically correct.
Go with peace and joy mes amis! And share those smiles!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Congratulations!
It's the first day of January, 2011 on the Pacific Coast. The weather at this moment is clear with some clouds expected today and cold.
A lot of folks spend time right about now making resolutions. For me resolutions tend to emphasize what was or is wrong. Nothing inherently unbalanced with that. However, as I've done it every year since I knew of the tradition, I'm thinking ... why not try something new?
For 2011, I prefer to use a technique I've learned in group Stress Management sessions on Wellness Wednesdays at the shelter.
"What can I congratulate myself on?"
And while I'm doing that, I invite you to do it for yourself, in addition to whatever tradition you delight in for January 1, 2011.
I have gone from giving away everything (except for my puppets--which a friend still holds for me; and my dearly beloved Champion Juicer--which another friend still holds for me); being homeless, on GR & Food Stamps, and without enough cash to provide anything for myself ...
to ...
...being homeless with SSDI & enough cash to make small provisions for myself.
I congratulate myself for that.
I congratulate myself on having found the best therapist I've ever dealt with (I've dealt with many over my lifetime!) and going every Wednesday to be part of her 2 facilitated groups along with my individual session.
I congratulate myself on being social enough to have found a number of great communities on Twitter and FB.
I congratulate myself on opening my mouth and speaking, even if others don't want to hear what I have to say, or find what I have to say uncomfortable.
I congratulate myself on being self-response-able.
I congratulate myself on protecting myself emotionally, mentally, physically and in spirit.
I congratulate myself for getting up every morning and making it the best day ever, no matter my circumstances.
I congratulate myself for not being perfect.
::grin:: Now it's your turn ... what do you congratulate yourself for? Leave a comment, I want to know! ::large smile::
Happy 2011.
A lot of folks spend time right about now making resolutions. For me resolutions tend to emphasize what was or is wrong. Nothing inherently unbalanced with that. However, as I've done it every year since I knew of the tradition, I'm thinking ... why not try something new?
For 2011, I prefer to use a technique I've learned in group Stress Management sessions on Wellness Wednesdays at the shelter.
"What can I congratulate myself on?"
And while I'm doing that, I invite you to do it for yourself, in addition to whatever tradition you delight in for January 1, 2011.
I have gone from giving away everything (except for my puppets--which a friend still holds for me; and my dearly beloved Champion Juicer--which another friend still holds for me); being homeless, on GR & Food Stamps, and without enough cash to provide anything for myself ...
to ...
...being homeless with SSDI & enough cash to make small provisions for myself.
I congratulate myself for that.
I congratulate myself on having found the best therapist I've ever dealt with (I've dealt with many over my lifetime!) and going every Wednesday to be part of her 2 facilitated groups along with my individual session.
I congratulate myself on being social enough to have found a number of great communities on Twitter and FB.
I congratulate myself on opening my mouth and speaking, even if others don't want to hear what I have to say, or find what I have to say uncomfortable.
I congratulate myself on being self-response-able.
I congratulate myself on protecting myself emotionally, mentally, physically and in spirit.
I congratulate myself for getting up every morning and making it the best day ever, no matter my circumstances.
I congratulate myself for not being perfect.
::grin:: Now it's your turn ... what do you congratulate yourself for? Leave a comment, I want to know! ::large smile::
Happy 2011.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
A Day in the Life ....
Is the place you sleep at night physiologically safe? Pyschologically safe? Emotionally safe?
My wish for you: May it be so.
One of the circumstances that occurs for those of us without homes is having a place to sleep during the pm hours; and wandering the streets during the am hours.
That's not a diss. It's merely a statement of fact.
I am very grateful to the shelters (temporary winter shelters, daily one-night line up shelters, emergency short-term shelters and the other shelters that exist) for their offerings of sleeping facilities.
Most days, you'll see many of us (us = myself and others like me without homes) on the streets, in places where there are a lot of people to blend in with (like Hollywood Blvd), on public transportation, at libraries, in malls, in parks ... or wherever it is you see us.
Yesterday (December 25, 2010) was an exceptional day of the year as many places I go for safety, warmth, and electrical plug-ins were closed.
My feets are tired! ::grin::
It was also an exceptional day, as I had the opportunity to take some photos and movies of where I was on the iPod I was given by www.invisiblepeople.tv / wearevisible.com / @hardlynormal. Therefore today is an exceptional day for you because you get to see the photos (naw, don't go looking for professional shots -- I can barely hold the equipment still!)
The day started out by locking my trusty steed D'Artagnan (a glorious tricycle I use to get me to metro.net rail stations) at a bike rack big enough to hold it safely all day. Nope, no shots of D'Artagnan at this time!
Traveling the rails to a well-used bus-stop, Gilda Radner's *fixed* Hollywood star jumped out at me! How wonderful to see it fixed (shots of what it used to look like a few months ago are on my posterous page--you'll have to scroll down that page to see the original shot).
Imagine my surprise of getting on a random bus (I was heading to 3rd & Fairfax to see what was up in that area) only to find myself face-to-face with an astounding gentleman without a home (David), whom I had met at a Winter Shelter only days before! I had gone to the Winter Shelter to participate in a memorial ritual for the homeless who have died on the streets in the year 2010.
During the short conversation another gentleman, with a gorgeous eagle bolo tie, on the bus introduced himself to me. It wasn't hard to ascertain I am homeless as David (my friend using the Winter Shelter) asked me loudly on the bus if I was homeless.
The eagle bolo tie gentleman (whose name I forgot to ask) pointed the way to a place that was offering free Christmas day dinners to the populace of the area. I have a new-found respect for the Laugh Factory, in Hollywood. I mean, I knew they had supreme talent there-- I'm new enough to the streets, this time around, that I didn't know they served a meal. In fact, as the gentleman pointed out to me they served multiple times during the day. At 1:pm, 3:pm, 5:pm and I think he said 7:pm -- but I could be mistaken on that.
However, it must be well-known to the locals, because that line you see forming (look closely) is at 10:30am and the first dinner was not due to be served until 1:pm.
What a tremendous thing!
The day doesn't end there, however. I had much more time to wander, until dark-thirty became a reality!
Next was a trip to downtown Los Angeles, to find a public restroom I could use. So it was off to Patsaouras Transit Plaza, and one of the grandest moments of my day, the fish! If you look carefully, you'll see the shadow of the child in the reflection of the tank glass. He was rushing up to get a look at the fish, and his head actually pops into one of the frames for a brief moment.
Pausing to sit down for a bit, I found out about the event taking place in Pasadena ... so it was onto the Goldline and over to Central Park. Wow! What a scene! It was HUGE! The park was overflowing with people, volunteers and attendees. I like it!
Union Station Homeless Services was producing their Dinner in the Park. Not only were they serving "wonderful and nutritious holiday meals to those in-need in the community" they were providing a Santa's Village for children to get gifts; resounding music throughout the area; and an unplanned play area for LeafBall throwing.
Now, being the intrepid reporter-on-the-streets ( ::rofl -- I've always wanted to use that phrase, however, I don't think I wanted so much emphasis of "on-the-streets" ::giggle:: ) I needed to stop, rest my feet and sit-a-spell. The Coffee Bean close to the park did the trick. However, trying to get my laptop to function was a half-hour ordeal, and the bless'd little thing apparently was having battery problems as well. I gave up and moved onto my next destination.
Taking a slow moving bus (as opposed to the faster moving Goldline to the Redline) I dwaddled my way over to Hollywood/Highland again. This time to meditate with the dragon. Yes, it is possible to meditate surrounded by myriad folks ... just harder for me than being at Zuma beach at sunrise!
The number of people on the Blvd. area was astounding! It must have been 4:pm-ish and the sidewalks were jam-packed! But I did wander into Grauman's Chinese Center Court to a spot where no people were so I could take my last shots for the day. I adore this dragon.
It grew darker, much colder and it was time to return to the location where I'm sleeping on the floor; giving me the ability to recharge my valiant laptop and put up this diary entry for you to browse through.
May your days be merry and bright ... and may all your dreams come true, each night.
A pleasure to be with you mes amis!
My wish for you: May it be so.
One of the circumstances that occurs for those of us without homes is having a place to sleep during the pm hours; and wandering the streets during the am hours.
That's not a diss. It's merely a statement of fact.
I am very grateful to the shelters (temporary winter shelters, daily one-night line up shelters, emergency short-term shelters and the other shelters that exist) for their offerings of sleeping facilities.
Most days, you'll see many of us (us = myself and others like me without homes) on the streets, in places where there are a lot of people to blend in with (like Hollywood Blvd), on public transportation, at libraries, in malls, in parks ... or wherever it is you see us.
Yesterday (December 25, 2010) was an exceptional day of the year as many places I go for safety, warmth, and electrical plug-ins were closed.
My feets are tired! ::grin::
It was also an exceptional day, as I had the opportunity to take some photos and movies of where I was on the iPod I was given by www.invisiblepeople.tv / wearevisible.com / @hardlynormal. Therefore today is an exceptional day for you because you get to see the photos (naw, don't go looking for professional shots -- I can barely hold the equipment still!)The day started out by locking my trusty steed D'Artagnan (a glorious tricycle I use to get me to metro.net rail stations) at a bike rack big enough to hold it safely all day. Nope, no shots of D'Artagnan at this time!
Traveling the rails to a well-used bus-stop, Gilda Radner's *fixed* Hollywood star jumped out at me! How wonderful to see it fixed (shots of what it used to look like a few months ago are on my posterous page--you'll have to scroll down that page to see the original shot).
Imagine my surprise of getting on a random bus (I was heading to 3rd & Fairfax to see what was up in that area) only to find myself face-to-face with an astounding gentleman without a home (David), whom I had met at a Winter Shelter only days before! I had gone to the Winter Shelter to participate in a memorial ritual for the homeless who have died on the streets in the year 2010.
During the short conversation another gentleman, with a gorgeous eagle bolo tie, on the bus introduced himself to me. It wasn't hard to ascertain I am homeless as David (my friend using the Winter Shelter) asked me loudly on the bus if I was homeless.
However, it must be well-known to the locals, because that line you see forming (look closely) is at 10:30am and the first dinner was not due to be served until 1:pm.
What a tremendous thing!
The day doesn't end there, however. I had much more time to wander, until dark-thirty became a reality!
Next was a trip to downtown Los Angeles, to find a public restroom I could use. So it was off to Patsaouras Transit Plaza, and one of the grandest moments of my day, the fish! If you look carefully, you'll see the shadow of the child in the reflection of the tank glass. He was rushing up to get a look at the fish, and his head actually pops into one of the frames for a brief moment.
Pausing to sit down for a bit, I found out about the event taking place in Pasadena ... so it was onto the Goldline and over to Central Park. Wow! What a scene! It was HUGE! The park was overflowing with people, volunteers and attendees. I like it!
Union Station Homeless Services was producing their Dinner in the Park. Not only were they serving "wonderful and nutritious holiday meals to those in-need in the community" they were providing a Santa's Village for children to get gifts; resounding music throughout the area; and an unplanned play area for LeafBall throwing.
Now, being the intrepid reporter-on-the-streets ( ::rofl -- I've always wanted to use that phrase, however, I don't think I wanted so much emphasis of "on-the-streets" ::giggle:: ) I needed to stop, rest my feet and sit-a-spell. The Coffee Bean close to the park did the trick. However, trying to get my laptop to function was a half-hour ordeal, and the bless'd little thing apparently was having battery problems as well. I gave up and moved onto my next destination.
Taking a slow moving bus (as opposed to the faster moving Goldline to the Redline) I dwaddled my way over to Hollywood/Highland again. This time to meditate with the dragon. Yes, it is possible to meditate surrounded by myriad folks ... just harder for me than being at Zuma beach at sunrise!
The number of people on the Blvd. area was astounding! It must have been 4:pm-ish and the sidewalks were jam-packed! But I did wander into Grauman's Chinese Center Court to a spot where no people were so I could take my last shots for the day. I adore this dragon.It grew darker, much colder and it was time to return to the location where I'm sleeping on the floor; giving me the ability to recharge my valiant laptop and put up this diary entry for you to browse through.
May your days be merry and bright ... and may all your dreams come true, each night.
A pleasure to be with you mes amis!
Friday, December 24, 2010
People to Know About in the Homeless Community
I have never listened to Sirius radio. There are two reasons for that: 1) When I listen to something I devote my full attention to it, or should I say it takes my full attention. Radio, TV, a movie-- if it's not the only thing I'm doing at the time, it's like the static of white noise to me and I have no conscious awareness of it. I'm a firm believer that the multi-tasking craze that has run rampant in our society for decades is detrimental. 2) Sirius costs, and it's not something I have the coin for.
However, thanks to a free week trial download, I was able to participate as a listener; and as a tweeter annoying the heck out of those that follow me by tweeting my enthusiasm for a few of the important conversations that went down on Zo Williams' "The Voice of Reason" broadcast with The Foxxhole.
The show "Homeless for Christmas" broadcast live from The Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles. Those whom I share the streets with went in to eat and got to see the broadcast as it was taking place. Now that's class. We may be the people of the streets because we have no homes, however, that doesn't make us second-, third-, or fourth-rate citizens.
In order of appearance, Zo Williams; Andy Bales; Joel Blau; Mark Horvath; Tony Rock; Jessica Page Morrell; Jeremiah Johnson; Andrea Richardson; Anthony Ortega; A.J. and Mary Goode; Kevin Sessions; Shareema Williams, and a special mention to Kitty Davis-Walker.
Apologies in advance to anyone's name I didn't spell correctly. ::grin:: It's not intentional. Between my dyslexia, hearing and the rapid flow of information on the show, I may have caught your name incorrectly. Please let me know the correct spelling of any names! (and links for ya!)
Of the myriad topics covered, here are some of the things that stayed with me longest (paraphrased):
If I could give you all what I consider to be one of the most important gifts of any season, it would be the gift of active listening. You can give the gift to yourself. Listening is not agreeing. It is hearing and acknowledging.
Listen to yourself. Listen to those around you. Listen.
And acknowledge those who listen to you, they are giving you a true gift of love.
However, thanks to a free week trial download, I was able to participate as a listener; and as a tweeter annoying the heck out of those that follow me by tweeting my enthusiasm for a few of the important conversations that went down on Zo Williams' "The Voice of Reason" broadcast with The Foxxhole.
The show "Homeless for Christmas" broadcast live from The Union Rescue Mission in downtown Los Angeles. Those whom I share the streets with went in to eat and got to see the broadcast as it was taking place. Now that's class. We may be the people of the streets because we have no homes, however, that doesn't make us second-, third-, or fourth-rate citizens.
In order of appearance, Zo Williams; Andy Bales; Joel Blau; Mark Horvath; Tony Rock; Jessica Page Morrell; Jeremiah Johnson; Andrea Richardson; Anthony Ortega; A.J. and Mary Goode; Kevin Sessions; Shareema Williams, and a special mention to Kitty Davis-Walker.
Apologies in advance to anyone's name I didn't spell correctly. ::grin:: It's not intentional. Between my dyslexia, hearing and the rapid flow of information on the show, I may have caught your name incorrectly. Please let me know the correct spelling of any names! (and links for ya!)
Of the myriad topics covered, here are some of the things that stayed with me longest (paraphrased):
What are some of the things that can effect change?
- heart change
- get rid of the stereotypical myths
- regionalize the solutions (housing, bad weather shelters; transitional housing)
- facilitate life transformation
The impact on individuals and society?
- The trauma of dealing with homelessness
- Stats are overwhelming! Single women and families –> homeless numbers are escalating
If I could give you all what I consider to be one of the most important gifts of any season, it would be the gift of active listening. You can give the gift to yourself. Listening is not agreeing. It is hearing and acknowledging.
Listen to yourself. Listen to those around you. Listen.
And acknowledge those who listen to you, they are giving you a true gift of love.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Glendale Homeless Connect Day 2010
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| Photo from Homeless in LA blog -- if you don't read the Homeless in LA blog you should. |
Let's leave the can of worms of “what is normal” at the door. We hereby agree to let the definition of “normal” sit in the wings for now, we can attend to it later.
“The mass of men lead quiet lives of desperation.” – Henry David Thoreau
Overwhelm. What happens when you are feeling overwhelmed? What happens when others are feeling overwhelmed?
Why should you care? For your health, wealth, and well-being; and for the health, wealth, and well-being of those you choose to care about.
Are you in crisis?
No, it's not a stupid question.
Some people can't tell if they are in a personal crisis.
Go ahead, laugh. Yuk it up. I'll laugh with you, because I've been one of those people who could not verbalize or identify a personal crisis; and most folks who have association with me recognize I am astute and reasonably intelligent.
The inability to define a personal crisis situation can arise from myriad circumstances.
I was responsible in nearly all of my jobs (almost half a decade's worth of work) for identifying and resolving other peoples crises: I did it well. I've always done things for others well.
The inability to define a personal crisis situation can arise from myriad circumstances.
I was responsible in nearly all of my jobs (almost half a decade's worth of work) for identifying and resolving other peoples crises: I did it well. I've always done things for others well.
Thanks to a supremely talented therapist, utilizing EMDR techniques, along with a panoply of eclectic tools, I'm coming to a point where I can recognize when I'm in personal crisis, and find a model of reasonable action (for me) to handle it.
For the therapist alone, I can highly recommend PATHAchieve as a resource for the homeless – once a week they have a therapist come in offering a Stress Management group session, a Parenting group session and individual appointments during the rest of the day.
This has been my saving grace. I would not have found this therapist (and I've been in therapy since I was a tween) if I hadn't become homeless at this moment in time.
That PATHAchieve has one of the preeminent advocates for the homeless on their staff, Mark Horvath (the founder of both WeAreVisible and InvisiblePeopleTV) is the second greatest thing about their crisis services to the homeless.
All you need to do to find out more about them is read through their website. I highly advise you contribute to them – inkind, $$, time, decent wearable clothing, toilet paper, shampoo, socks … whatever you are comfortable affording.
Crisis ranges from personal to cosmic.
It helps for you to know how much you can handle; what your methods for coping with crisis are; your awareness of when you are in crisis; your awareness of when others are in crisis; and your awareness of what you can do, including finding/recommending other resources.
The tools you use to handle a crisis can be assistive or detrimental.
If your particular crisis is homelessness (or someone you know – spread the word), and you are in the Los Angeles County area – do yourself a favor and attend the Glendale Homeless Connect Day 2010.
Yes, I'm homeless. Yes, I'll be there as a person looking at all the services and accepting help from those I connect with.
Yes, I want to see you there and connect with you.
Monday, November 15, 2010
November 15 -- Choice and Awareness
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| Dreamcatcher by Dino Manes David |
We always have at least one choice -- "what attitude we want to face our current circumstances with." A second choice we always have is to view each moment in our lives with the perspective of "How do these circumstances help me accomplish my goals?" A third choice is "to live in the moment".
I can hear you grumbling ... but those are not the choices I want. I want love, happiness, health, wealth, good teeth, the purple cloak rather than the beige one, to go to Disneyland, to go to school, to get *this* job, to be healthy ....
Crud happens. The bottom line is:
You are always going to have *something* going on in your life. It may not be something you want. Or, it may be something you want passionately.
*The something* may not be an occasion where you can control the outcome.
Controlling a specific outcome and choice are not the same thing.
Yet, in any instance ... you make choices that affect your life, and in tandem with a ripple effect the lives of all those around you.
Truly heinous episodes can be jarring, emotionally laden, and stultifying.
Is it possible to release the learning we have accrued in viewing a crisis, or being thwarted to being frozen or curtailment? Instead can we use the exigency as a bridge to where we want to be?
By choosing to live in the moment with awareness, yes.
Since this is my birthday, and in the face of all the circumstances I currently have going on (from homelessness, to disability, to general health, on the stultifying side -- to having wonderful mentors and food to eat and the opportunity to write, and a brilliant EMDR therapist, on the joyous side) I choose to use all these things to manifest my goals.
Happy birthday to me and my explorations of what can be. Here at Lost Awareness, I am channeling my focus on Homeless Advocacy. At studio rd I am channeling my focus on what I do well and can do in other areas of advocacy, in providing myself with sources of income, and most importantly, play.
And to you I wish the best of all worlds.
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