Helping Our Veterans At Home
by Kym Valadez
Daily media attention paid to the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan makes it easy for Americans to acknowledge the sacrifices our veterans are making. More insidious, and harder to see however, are the hidden costs of war; the mental anguish of PTSD, substance abuse, unemployment, families torn apart, and homelessness, a part of every war era. From WWII, Korea and Vietnam, to the current wars, we have service members who came back from distant countries, but never really came home, spending their lives sleeping in shelters, streets, and parks.
Ask Robert B., an 86 year old Sonoma County WWII veteran, who fought in the infamous Leyte Island Operation of the Philippine Liberation Campaign in November of l944. Married at age 20, drafted at 21, his wife wrote him every single day, never knowing where he was. A member of the “Lost Battalion”, he endured days without food, weeks of continuous combat, fighting the enemy with knives and bayonets. His unit was cited for ‘conspicuous gallantry’ by the President. Like so many veterans before and after him, he survived bouts of Malaria, Dengue fever, and jungle rot. And, like many veterans, he was expected to ‘get on with his life’, after it was over.
He couldn’t. He drank heavily, couldn’t keep jobs; would disappear from his wife and children without warning. He spent time in psychiatric wards and hospitals, and was discharged to the streets in San Francisco 35 years ago. He was homeless, without money, estranged from his family. Fortunately, he entered a rehab program in Santa Rosa, and there continued to work until he was 70 years old, devoting his life to helping others with their struggles for a better life.
Now retired, Robert hesitates when trying to find the words to articulate what happened to him. He does not look at himself as a victim, but knows the human costs of war often are not evident in loss of limbs and visible scars, and that wounds last far beyond the battlefield. He states, clearly and simply, that veterans coming home today ‘need therapy, they need help, so they don’t end up on the streets.’
The 2005 Department of Veterans Affairs’ CHALENG Report* estimates that ‘nearly 400,000 veterans experience homelessness at some time each year.’ We know nationwide, veterans make up 23% of the homeless population, a number that has remained static for nearly 15 years. Sonoma County has identified a high percentage of veterans in the 2005 and 2007 ‘Homeless Counts’, and has prioritized veterans in it’s ‘10 Year Homelessness Action Plan’. The VA clinic in Santa Rosa is reaching out to homeless veterans so they receive the health care and benefits for which they are eligible.
If you know a veteran who needs assistance, please refer him or her to the Santa Rosa VA Clinic, at 570-3855; or the SF VA’s combat veteran coordinator, at 415-221-4810, ext 4405. *(CHALENG =Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups)
The Dialogue section is devoted to items submitted by readers. We particularly invite personal experiences, ideas, suggestions, and responses from homeless people, pro gram staff, volunteers, and the community. Please see Editorial Guidelines below for how you can contribute your thoughts.
Dear Editor: This is a profile of a classic situation with a client and our inability to get mental health services. Recently a young pregnant woman in Women’s Recovery Services (WRS) residential substance abuse program came with a diagnosed but currently untreated mental illness. Even with structure she de-compensated. Previously she had been seen by the Mental Health Resource Team, with less than optimal results, as she had been non compliant with medication and appointments due to her continued addiction to drugs/alcohol. This is the nature of mental illness/ addiction. The Resource Team refused to take her back as a client even with our guarantee that she would keep every appointment, stay sober and be compliant with their prescribed medications. We were repeatedly told, “She wasn’t compliant, so we can’t take her back”.
As a reaction to another client calling her “crazy” she broke a window. Our nurse treated her superficial cuts and police were called to transport her to Psych Emergency Services. While awaiting the police we assured her that by so doing she would be able to get psych treatment/ medications. In this calm and accepting state she went with the police who were clearly told that she needed psych services only. We explained to her that her cooperation would be helpful for her. Police asked her if she was in danger of hurting herself or others, and in this calm state, she replied “no”, so they made the choice to take her to Sutter Emergency to treat her already treated and bandaged cuts. She returned to WRS later that night on her own.
The following day we spoke with the Judicial System who agreed to accept her into custody so that she could receive psychiatric services. Upon her return five weeks later --- she was still had NOT received any psychiatric care. At this point, probably 7 -8 weeks after the first request was made, she was accepted, with the help of her primary care physician, by Dr. Kozart at the Santa Rosa Free Clinc. Once started on medication she improved markedly and has done quite well, with the continued support of WRS. Her psychiatric history is making it extremely difficult to secure approved transitional housing with agencies that normally accept our clients upon referral. She may have to go to a homeless shelter if housing does not become available.
This is the stigma attached to those with mental/psychiatric disorders. If one seeks treatment they are labeled as “difficult” and if they don’t seek treatment they are labeled as “difficult”. It seems to be a downward spiral into a bottomless pit. Would you want this young mother and her beautiful two-month old son to be limited to living in a homeless shelter because she has had the courage to seek treatment for her mental disorder?
Cheryle Stanley Executive Director Women’s Recovery Services “mothers and children breaking the cycle”
Dear Editor: I found your Summer 2007 Reporter to be especially informative. The investment of work, time and expertise on the Court Homeless Protocol Project was long and laborious and is now coming to fruition. How glad I was to share the information about the HCA Fund with the employees at Women’s Recovery Services. The women with children who have successfully completed our substance dependence program have been the benefactors of Mr. Aguirre’s goodwill for many years. Now we are able to share in acknowledging his generosity. You do a great job. Thank you.
Cheryle J. Stanley Executive Director Women’s Recovery Services “mothers and children breaking the cycle”
Dear Editor:
Quite Un-Acceptable
Although there are countless accounts of good deeds throughout the ages, the atrocities and tragedies of this world seem to outweigh the good. Perhaps we hear about the bad more because it sells. I am troubled by the injustices that occur every day, and angered by their general acceptance. One could find an explanation or minimize the problem, but there is no valid reason why issues such as homelessness are even permitted to exist, despite some who are doing a great job to bring positive change.
There are monumental numbers of people who don’t have homes in the U.S. due to incidents beyond their control, through unwise choices, or via disability, substance abuse and/or mental illness. Numbers are rising given increased foreclosures. Sadly, the cost of living is higher than the average wage here in Sonoma County. Funding cuts have caused the closure of essential services such as the award-winning Project Hope in the mental health system. However I question why funding is not available. There is plenty of money out there.
I ask: Why not set aside a trillion dollars earmarked for war, and make war on homelessness? Why not house, feed and provide health care to America now? Why not rebuild New Orleans? Politics, red tape, and bureaucracy should not be roadblocks. It has appeared to slip the minds of lawmakers that there is a terrible imbalance in our midst. People are afraid, angry, confused, sick, desperate and hungry. People’s needs should take precedence over power or station. If the private sector — corporations and foundations — and especially government came forward in a bigger way to give time, talent and money to improve how we live and care for each other, the scales of justice would be as our forefathers dreamed and our creator intended.
Society stereotypes those who have lost their homes, saying “those people choose to live that way, therefore it is not my concern”. Yet, it is everyone’s concern and responsibility. We live in an interconnected web. These are not just drunks, bums, derelicts and transients, but mothers with babies, veterans, the elderly, family, friends, and neighbors. Yes, some continue to make choices that cause hardship to themselves and the community, but nobody deserves to live in the street. The world has mostly turned a blind eye, perhaps out of fear, guilt or shame. Extreme poverty right in our backyard is quite un-acceptable. Everything affects us on some level.
Yet even the smallest person can change the course of the future. One may ask, “But what can I do”? First, educate yourself and others. Break down the ignorance that allows such suffering. Education can bring knowledge, understanding, inspiration and compassion. Another invitation is to put your energy and attention toward solutions. It is said that one can attract that on which one focuses. Don’t wait for a disaster to inspire you. Up-level your time, attention and gifts. You may even save a life.
Kate Jenkins Executive Director Friends Outside
October in Paradise 2007
by Belle Cramer
People trickled in to lovely Paradise Ridge Winery, up the long winding road through rolling hills under a soft setting sun. The varied attendees were brought together for one night, connected by shared support of the Task Force, and a commitment to serving our homeless community. October in Paradise is the Task Force for the Homeless’ only fundraiser, and allows us to continue our work.
The crowd grew quickly. Award winning Sauvignon Blanc and tasty red wines were complimented by the soft stylings of the spectacular jazz trio, Brulée. At some point everyone found their way downstairs to the silent auction tables, and over 100 treasures — from framed Marilyn Monroe photos to private air flights, to wine country getaways. Most of us made several trips back to the tables. Gale Brownell, Vice-Chair of the Task Force took the stage to introduce the board members, who lined up sheepishly across the “stage”, then returned to their posts selling raffle tickets, cooking or greeting. Georgia Berland, our Executive Officer, briefly updated the crowd on the mission and projects of the Task Force. As everyone nibbled their Asian-inspired hors d’ouevres, Gale presented the evening’s awards.
Diane Landman, Director of Housing and Family Services at the Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) in Petaluma, received the Spirit of Service Award. Diane was first inspired to become involved when she accompanied her daughter, a volunteer for COTS’ Family Shelter. She admired the inner strength and hope of the homeless families and children. She wanted the children to feel safe, warm, be nurtured, have enough food and a cozy place to sleep- everyday things that we often take for granted. She learned how big a difference one person can make, and has been doing so now for many years. Diane directed the $500 Task Force check for a non-profit activity of the Spirit of Service Awardee’s choice to COTS.
Mayor Gus Wolter, accompanied by City Council and Planning Commission Members, accepted the Marijke Hoenselaars- Byck Spirit of Community Award on behalf of the City of Cloverdale. Cloverdale has adopted policies and programs which preserve existing affordable housing and mandate the development of homes for households with a wide range of incomes, resulting in 301 affordable units since 1999. The City provides incentives for rental housing. It is one of only two cities in Sonoma County to exceed the Housing Goals established for its community by the State.
“Colonel” Ernie Carpenter led the live (and lively) auction. Folks were on the edge of their seats to take away one of the exciting items. I went after the Warriors tickets with gusto until I realized I was in well over my head. Dinner was a choice of lasagnas with fresh green salad. We enjoyed coffee and delicate little cheesecakes after dinner. When the Blue Moon R & B Dance Band took over, the floor was soon full of happy dancers.
As the event wound down and board members and volunteers made their way to the mountain of dishes they would enthusiastically tackle, the silent auction closed. People claimed their prizes and hummed their way out the door. Thanks to our generous Sponsors, Donors, and Raffle, Auction, and Ticket Purchasers, and our wonderful Volunteers, we raised over $40,000, almost half the Task Force budget. The evening was a grand success, filled with do-gooding and good eating- not to mention a heck of a view. Save next October 2nd for a fabulous October in Paradise 2008!
TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates
ADVOCACY AND FUNDING COMMITTEE: The Committee sent letters and e-mails in support of the National Housing Trust, a permanent housing funding program, and of a number of California bills, including reauthorization of AB 2034, known locally as Project Hope. The Governor subsequently red-lined the program which provided housing and treatment for mentally ill people. We also opposed the use of housing funds approved by the voters in Proposition 1C for non-housing related projects. We supported the PROMISE Program that would provide services to mentally ill parolees. We also continued to advocate for affordable housing in the SMART proposal for development of the west side of Santa Rosa’s downtown. Contact Gale Brownell at 823- 8943 or galephil@pacbell.net.
EMERGENCY FOOD & SHELTER PROGRAM (EFSP) FUNDING: The 15 agencies funded through EFSP this year received the second of two payments. $169,000 in FEMA funds is administered through the Task Force. As the Local Board overseeing and distributing these funds we helped resolve a few compliance exceptions levied by the National EFSP Board for agencies funded last year. We anticipate the 2008 funding round will be announced in early January. Current providers of emergency food and/or shelter are eligible to apply. Watch for an announcement mailed to EFSP recipients as well as sent through the Continuum of Care list serve. Contact gberland@aol.com