Homeless, etc.
I was recently evicted from the house I was living in for non-payment of rent. I have been working with the local mental health association to help me find work, but nothing has come through. So the landlord had to do what they had to do, and took me to court. I was given seven days to move; fortunately the mental health association was also willing to pay for a storage locker so I could keep some of my things. The rest of my things went to the curb.
And on January 14th I officially became a statistic- I joined the ranks of the homeless.
When I drove away from my house I had no guarantee that I would be able to find someplace to sleep that night. I made a call to an emergency placement number, who took the pertinent information and then told me they would be sending my information around to shelters to see who had open beds. At that point it became a waiting game. I walked through the mall with the rest of the mall-walkers. I spent time at the public library. I wept. Finally I received a call- there was a bed available at a shelter in Lorain. Here's the address. Good luck.
I arrived at the shelter, suitcase in tow, and after copious amounts of paperwork I found myself sharing a room with five other men of various ages. One of them introduced himself and began to show me the ropes. Here's what to do. Here's what not to do. Dorm rooms close between 9AM and 5PM, but you don't have to leave the building. Bedcheck at 10PM. If you aren't there and haven't made prior arrangements with the staff they give you a check mark, which could work against you if you get too many. You'll get daily chores. It's noisy. You'll get used to it.
If you are looking to serve your community in some way, the homeless are in need. Food, clothing, toiletries, socks (oh Lord do I need socks), haircuts (oh Lord do I also need a haircut), baby items…. We do get donations but could always use more. I am thankful for the churches and individuals who have given items to the shelter.
Over the course of the two weeks I have been here I have heard several stories. One person had been in jail. More than one person lost their job and their home. Several people have jobs but can't afford housing. Men, women, boys and girls all reside there. Two women just had babies. Two are pregnant.
All deserve love and dignity.
If you are interested in donating please contact the Haven Center in Lorain at 1536 E. 30th St. Phone number (440) 277-
For my first blog entry in a year this one is kind of short and not as flashy as some I've written in the past. No theology, no song lyrics, no fancy word play. Just a need.
And on January 14th I officially became a statistic- I joined the ranks of the homeless.
When I drove away from my house I had no guarantee that I would be able to find someplace to sleep that night. I made a call to an emergency placement number, who took the pertinent information and then told me they would be sending my information around to shelters to see who had open beds. At that point it became a waiting game. I walked through the mall with the rest of the mall-walkers. I spent time at the public library. I wept. Finally I received a call- there was a bed available at a shelter in Lorain. Here's the address. Good luck.
I arrived at the shelter, suitcase in tow, and after copious amounts of paperwork I found myself sharing a room with five other men of various ages. One of them introduced himself and began to show me the ropes. Here's what to do. Here's what not to do. Dorm rooms close between 9AM and 5PM, but you don't have to leave the building. Bedcheck at 10PM. If you aren't there and haven't made prior arrangements with the staff they give you a check mark, which could work against you if you get too many. You'll get daily chores. It's noisy. You'll get used to it.
If you are looking to serve your community in some way, the homeless are in need. Food, clothing, toiletries, socks (oh Lord do I need socks), haircuts (oh Lord do I also need a haircut), baby items…. We do get donations but could always use more. I am thankful for the churches and individuals who have given items to the shelter.
Over the course of the two weeks I have been here I have heard several stories. One person had been in jail. More than one person lost their job and their home. Several people have jobs but can't afford housing. Men, women, boys and girls all reside there. Two women just had babies. Two are pregnant.
All deserve love and dignity.
If you are interested in donating please contact the Haven Center in Lorain at 1536 E. 30th St. Phone number (440) 277-
For my first blog entry in a year this one is kind of short and not as flashy as some I've written in the past. No theology, no song lyrics, no fancy word play. Just a need.
posted by The Man at 2:00 PM
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