Homeless and Heartstruck

“We build our temples, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves” – Langston Hughes.

On December 18th, 2012 my life changed forever, and for the better.

As a resident manager for a lodging facility in central New Hampshire, I found myself suddenly without a job or living quarters. The owners of the property were undergoing some tough financial times, having attempted to sell, without success, for a decade. When a potential buyer came to call, they felt inclined to have me removed quickly to maintain an illusory assessment of the property’s value without my interference. I was removed by the police on trespassing charges, as was the owner’s contention, and given five minutes to vacate.

Since I was in a small town with no resources, it behooved me to re-locate to the nearest city capable of dealing with my situation. You may ask, why not stay with family, or friends? Even close family and friends have troubles they hesitate to share. This was my burden to bear, and placing it on the shoulders of ones I loved was not an option.

The most valuable tools at my disposal were a clear head, and a positive attitude. This journey can be quite devastating if not emotionally and mentally prepared. I thought of it as an adventure, a challenge brought to me in my quest to transition from a life of self service, to one of service to others.

Assistance available to the homeless is quite remarkable in Concord. There are two cold weather shelters. First Congregational, administered with great patience by directors Terry Blake and Donn Belair, provides for intoxicated individuals, or those battling substance abuse. Since these were not issues with which I had to contend, I chose to stay at South Church, which maintains a zero tolerance policy, and is compassionately run by director Bill Watson and an able and willing staff of church volunteers. Both churches provide a safe haven from catastrophe, and having a warm safe environment to sleep was essential to maintaining focus on the task ahead.

For a couple of weeks, I resided at the McKenna House, run by the Salvation Army Corps, but found the level of operational dysfunction to be a hindrance. You are given a choice of paying $10 a day, or volunteering 20 hours of community service a week in exchange for a dorm bed, and use of the shared facilities. One also must complete a chore each day, which may take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. I was pleased to volunteer, but found that even after exceeding my mandatory volunteer commitment, I was handed a bill for monies due each week. The negativity was palpable, and rather than increase my indebtedness, I returned to the cold weather shelter.

The Concord Homeless Resource Center has been an oasis in a storm. Director Marcia Sprague, and a staff of caring volunteers, are always eager to greet and assist newcomers and returning visitors alike, and often work after hours in their dedication to fulfill the needs of the homeless. Being without a vehicle, having a “one stop” resource center was invaluable to me in securing all the info I needed to carry on.

The Friendly Kitchen is run by a small but dedicated staff and a bevy of committed and friendly volunteers. Manager Jennifer Lombardo and tireless homeless advocate Hope Butterworth, have provided (with generous donations by the Concord citizenry) a welcoming meeting and dining facility for the hungry and impoverished. Having little money on hand, and refusing to apply for food stamps or panhandle, this was a perfect solution to my hunger requirements.

My knees sometime ache, and I’ve developed a spur in my heel from all the walkabouts, but currently my needs for temporary shelter, food and clothing are met. I thank you, Concord, for your hospitality, compassion and abundant resources. I look forward to warmer weather, when you may find me busking, ukulele style, at registered downtown locations.

Peace,
AKA Harlan

Walk Tall – Cannonball Adderly Quintet

(Originally submitted to and rejected by The Concord Monitor, and thankfully so, as it became the genesis of this blog adventure!)

Further On Up The Road

sabinewomen

I’ll be on a blog hiatus for an undetermined amount of time, as I tend to other adventures. I’d like to thank all the wonderful folks I’ve met on this journey, with homes and without, who offered up their love and support. Many lessons learned, many more to come, and you can’t believe how grateful I am for all of them, and you. I hope this blog brought greater awareness to the plight of the homeless, and served a greater purpose than merely my own catharsis.

Thanks to all the readers, and fellow writers, especially those who chose to reward me with a comment, or a follow. And please consider making a donation in time or money to the fine volunteer organizations in your area that extend their time and efforts helping those less fortunate than yourself.
Best wishes to all, whatever your journey.

Lovejoy Farm

 

lovejoy

 

“The real focus of the farm is to teach a work ethic – we’re looking to re-instill and re-teach the individual what it looks like to get up five days a week, eight hours a day and go to work,” Moretto said. “This is going to be their job. They basically would be working to pay for their keep until they can find gainful employment that they can learn for themselves.”

“Moretto said residents would wake up before 7 a.m. for breakfast and required prayer or devotional time. They would then work on the farm for the day or go to a different job. The farm and its livestock will provide food for the residents. Evenings will include personal or spiritual growth activities, such as Bible study groups. Residents could also receive transportation to faith-based group sessions to recover from drug or alcohol addictions. Each day will include devotional time, Moretto said, “just to try to hear from God.”

Now, I don’t personally know this man, but having taken advantage of Open Hands hospitality when necessary, I can’t speak against his intent. That said, he’s getting a pretty sweet deal. As many farm workers as he can house, at 40 hours a week. Seems a bit much, especially when they are combined with the strict adherence to a particular religious doctrine.

No man should force another to follow a particular path to God. Believe me when I say….when you’re homeless, you find God all on your own. You may turn your back on him from time to time, but certainly having a home holds no guarantee you won’t.

Forty hours of farm labor, in a remote community, away from resources they’ve grown to depend on. This has the potential to go so wrong…call me cynical.

Concord Monitor Article

Neighborhood Speaks Out

Zoning Denied

Missed Opportunity

State can evict homeless campers in Concord

“Mary Ann Dempsey, senior assistant attorney general, said the state is prepared to help homeless people move from camps into shelters across the state. She said state officials will discuss plans for enforcement soon.”
“We remain firmly committed to addressing issues of homelessness and helping individuals who need emergency shelter,” she said yesterday.

No matter that these folks rely on resources here for survival, near their doctors, and friends. And I’m told there is very little available in the way of shelter vacancies. And if there were, the general state of shelter care is woefully insufficient, usually lacking the resources and compassion necessary to address the psychological trauma experienced by the homeless.

So how terrible is it that we should allow some folks to sleep on some unused land? Concord forbids.