September 2004 The Megaphone Page 6
by Julie (Stout) Crim
Hello
All,
I lived in Klamath Falls, Oregon, for about 25 years, working at the local
hospital 15 of those years. At first there was 4 years as an obstetrical tech.
Next came 11 years in the Admitting office.
Klamath Falls, Klamath County and the state of Oregon was like the rest of the
country and I suppose had/has their share of homeless people. I've talked to
many of them, actually dozens. I can't help but wonder, how many of you who are
so free with your opinions have really know, from the inside out, the homeless.
Let's talk about a few.
"The Great American Adventure" beckons some. They hit the road and
ride on their thumb with a sleeping bag on their back and a few dollars in their
pocket. At first it's fun but all too soon the money's gone and they're
"down on their luck." They hit the missions of America for their first
free meal and are embarrassed to eat it. They apply for a job, bagging
groceries, washing dishes or emptying garbage, anything they can get. Would you
hire them? There is no permanent address. A few do get hired. Once they get what
they feel is enough money they're gone, resuming their adventurous journey. The
employer will think twice before hiring another person from the mission. Our
fellow will again run out of money. More often than not he won't call his family
for help. When he gets to another town the first thing he finds is the homeless
mission. On and on this goes until he either does give up and calls his family
or previous friends for help and a ticket home . . . or he simply gives up
completely and learns how the homeless live and drifts. Rejection, the death of
boyhood dreams and a lack of self worth. Which way should he go? What should he
do? When you're hungry is it all right to steal money for food? Help, help, help
. . . silently screamed . . . and so it goes for our man.
Alcohol and drugs beckon some to a lifestyle that would have shocked them beyond
measure only a short time ago. The government won't send unemployment checks,
Social security or Welfare checks to someone without a real address. So
sometimes, although
he may qualify, he can't get the financial help he really needs.
Trains are still another mode of travel for those out for the experience and for
the homeless. And yes, they still ride the rails. Most boxcars are kept locked,
empty or not but a clever rail rider knows how to manipulate the lock and slide
inside for a free and comfortable ride. As the train approaches its destination
the plan is to jump off before they get to the station and stop. Life is much
easier if they don't get caught. More than a few times some jumped, landing on
another track, twist an ankle, break a foot or leg or fell into the path of
another train.
That's when I met them. 911 is called and they end up in the hospital and guess
who pays for their care...??? Of course, we do!
When I was new in the Registration office I admitted a rail rider one evening.
After surgery I needed his signature so his nurse called and asked if I'd stop
by the emergency room on my way and pick up his personal things including
clothes. Wanting to do a good job I did just that. There was a plastic bag with
his name on it but no shoes. When I asked an ER personnel they said to go into
the room he had been in and get them. Sounded simple enough and so in I went.
Unknown to me it was a set up and all were watching naive little me to see what
I would do. I opened the door, saw only one boot and walked over to get it when
all at once I saw that the man's foot was still in the boot!!! About then I
heard roars of laughter. I swore to myself that I'd never do that to anyone, was
not funny in any way!
Some men or women are shocked to fine themselves divorced and flounder, unable
to fend for themselves. They loose their jobs and soon their homes. They may
live in their cars, until they lose them too. They think they deserve a drink .
. . and so it goes. The police pick them up and take them to jail or a shelter.
The Anderson IN Mission is on Main Street, right across from Harter House, where
I worked in 2001 and 2002. Some were hired to work there. I got to know them, usually
for a short while as most couldn't sustain a normal lifestyle for a long period.
I lived at Beverly Terrace, an apartment building owned and operated by United
Faith Housing, the owners of Harter House. Eventually I worked there. Our
maintenance man had been there two years and I was surprised one day to learn he
had come from the mission. Homeless and destitute as he was, they found him a
job with U.F.H. He moved into Beverly Terrace and enjoyed his job. The residents
adored him. As the maintenance man he would change their light bulbs and
batteries in smoke detectors, repair their small appliances and occasionally
pick someone up off the floor. He enjoyed visiting with the lonely and became a
good friend to all.
I knew he was a controlled alcoholic and greatly admired his strength in
overcoming a huge obstacle. At 57 he was saving money to return to Montana and
buy five acres for a homestead. One day he didn't come to work or call in. The
next day he was back with no explanation. This happened again and again and
finally got out of hand. No only did he loose a job but lost his home as well,
ending up homeless and once again starting over.
Another man lost his son and the will to live.
Bad things happen to good people and we all handle them differently. My advice,
should you ask, give to your local shelters of your time and money. Elwood at
present has no shelter? Phooey, doesn't matter, Madison County does in Anderson.
Help serve a holiday meal, help cook or just give a little money. Donate to
their thrift shop and shop there as well.
Occasionally, some will make it back to the acceptable world, our world and with
greater understanding. As God said, "The greatest of all commandments is to
love one another." Do you qualify?
In the title you saw the initials H.U.M. That's Marvin and me. We're HUMs. Never
heard of that you say? Well then, I'll just tell you . . . Homeless, Unemployed
and Money-less . . . H.U.M.s -- an RV full timer's joke about their living
conditions.
Homelessness is no laughing matter though. It's not only their problem but ours
as well. How can you help?
The plight of homeless women and children is another chapter left for another
time.
JJ
aka Julie (Stout) Crim '57
Klamath Falls, Oregon
to Page 7