SAD BUT UNTRUE TALE

Local man Jim Trevarthen was once a surf instructor on Hawaii's renowned Waikiki Beach but now he is one of the many homeless people who are being moved away from Hawaii's renowned tourist areas. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2751058/Honolulu-bans-sitting-lying-sidewalks-Waikiki-drive-homeless-tourist-hubs.html#ixzz3D1w7aoYg
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Was gobsmacked to see the photo of this man in article in Daily Mail.  This homeless man is well known to the old geezer.

One might almost blame Jim for being the reason the new laws were passed.  Allow me to enlighten the reader.

Daily I would go for a long walk on the beach in Waikiki.  There was a space containing some benches near the road and upon one would sit Jim.  Long before you came right up on, you could smell the foul odor that came from the bench that Jim sat upon.  It was a mixture of filth and urin and booze.  Right nasty it was.

Being the sort of person who chats with folks, it came to pass that I would strike up a conversation with Jim.  Jim can be personable when he wants something, and Jim saw me as a new victim to get cash from to supply his need for Alcohol.  That did not happen, although I did buy him a sandwich.

Days became weeks that became months and Jim never left his place on the bench.  He had got so good at working the system that social workers would come and deliver his medications, along with toilet articles and fresh clothes from time to time.

It got so bad that I could no longer contain meself.  I walked up one day and asked why he did not seek help, stop drinking or at least give his body a much needed cleaning.  He became angry and told me that I was dressing him and he did not want to hear 'negative' comments on his behaviour.

Jim is well known to police.  Hell, he is well know to all social agencies in Honolulu.

Jim begs for spare change.  Jim is very clever at getting large amounts from tourists, with the promise that will use the cash to better self.  Right, when Jim gets a good score, he gets folks to go to store and buy him the alcohol.  Drinks himself silly.  Mind, he uses the grass to pee and has been know to do the 'poo' there as well.  The smells do not seem to bother him.

There have been several times that Jim's condition became so severe that he had to be taken to hospital.  They would dry him out and at least twice placed him in a 'home' that was off the street, was clean and safe.  That never lasted too long.  Too far from the tourists to beg from.

One would be shocked at the enormous pile of cash that has been spent on 'helping' Jim.  Nothing works as Jim likes the lifestyle.

Waikiki is a dream vacation for many and having to deal with harden homeless alcoholics like Jim ruin the 'trip of a lifetime'.  No local or tourist should have to deal with the likes of Jim.  It is about time that measures were taken to drive Jim and his sort off the street and into programmes suited for turning lives round.

What bothers me most is there are folks who buy into the tales of woe that Jim and other homeless folks tell.  A little checking with local police or social agencies would lay waste the lie.

Truth be told, the article should have given Jim credit for getting the new laws passed.  He is the perfect 'poster child' for the the law.

GAY MAN RAKES IN THE CASH

20-year-old who was kicked out by his religious parents after he came out as gay has received almost $50,000 in donations to help him start a new life.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2737624/Your-courage-inspiring-Man-kicked-parents-came-gay-able-start-new-life-website-raises-50-000-help-him.html#ixzz3BpZHJXIK
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http://www.gofundme.com/dnoqgg 

The above link takes you to the site that the boyfriend of the young man set up.  When last looked, over $93,000.00  has been contributed to the young man.

Who knew that being 'gay' could be worth so much....

I have a real problem with the fact the the young man secretly filmed his coming out to his parents.  On some level he must have know that his coming out would not be well received.  Why film the chat with his mother?

I rather think that there was an agenda to the whole filmed bit.  That part really bothers me.  Seems so underhanded.

Then there is the whole business of the boyfriend putting up an advert to beg for donations.  Rather slick if you ask me.

One thing is for certain, however 'gay' the young man and his boyfriend may be, there are clever by half...

Homeless veteran USAF colonel now lives in his car because he can't find a job

A U.S. veteran who has experienced combat all over the world and was once a special aide to military top brass has been reduced to living in his van as he can't find a job. But it's not for a lack of trying.

Homeless Robert Freniere, 59, told his story to Philly.com, and explained how he has been rejected for dozens of jobs he has applied for from public libraries, despite having excellent references and three graduate degrees.

When people ask why don't you get a job as a janitor, Freniere replies: 'Well, I've tried that.' He lives out of his blue minivan in King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2536060/Homeless-veteran-Air-Force-colonel-lives-minivan-job-despite-three-graduate-degrees-experience-militarys-brass.html#ixzz2po4gL5Fi
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I always knew that my friend James, a retired Master Sgt., was not unique.

I wonder why folks can not feel for men such as these and realize that their plight is as sad as the vets who abuse drugs and alcohol and find themselves homeless.  Why can we not find a better way of reaching out to all who are having problems?

Wonder if the non profits sleep well knowing that they short change the needs of many due to their not fitting the accepted image of 'homeless vet'.

HOMELESS VET DESERVES BETTER

Whatever the reason that retired MSG James Finney is homeless does not negate the fact that we as a society should owe him a debt that can not be paid.

Retired MSG James Finney gave 20 years honorable service to this country.

There is no doubt that there are issues at play that gave cause to retired MSG Finney finding himself living on the street and sleeping on a bus stop bench.

Retired MSG James Finney is neither an alcoholic or drug addict. Retired MSG James Finney has lived in Waikiki most of his time in Hawaii, and that period goes back some 25 years. Why is it that housing, with a little help and understanding, can not be found for retired MSG Finney in the community he feels a part of? Why is the only option to bunk down in a programme loaded with ex-servicemen who are unable to deal with life without drugs or alcohol. OR, to sleep in a homeless shelter totally unsuited to his needs.

Having come to know retired MSG James Finney, I know that he is not looking for a free ride, just a little help in getting into an affordable housing situation that he can cope with due to his medical proplems.

A LITTLE HELP AND UNDERSTANDING. Not $30,000.00.

I have no doubt that IHS and USVETS do some good in helping the homeless. The homeless that who get all of the attention.

Retired MSG James Finney gave much to this country. We, each and everyone of us, owe him help and support, in his hour of need.

Call me stupid but if we can not help a valued retired MSG, who can we help.

Retired MSG James Finney reminds me that he is not 'homeless', just housless. This is due to his belief that 'home' is where the 'heart' is. Retired MSG James Finney has a great heart, witnessed by his 20 years of honorable service to this country.

WE CAN NOT LET JAMES DIE

After weeks in hospital with a painfully swollen leg, my friend James is once again back out on the street, in a wheelchair and a whole lot worse for wear.

Loaded up with pain killers, medicine to fight infection and his blood pressure medication, James is finding it more and more difficult to get around and to find a comfortable spot on the bus stop bench to try and rest.  Truth be told, James is looking more fragile than ever.

The old geezer spent hours on Saturday trying to convince James that he needs to get into some sort of programme and end his life on the street.  He is now more at risk than ever before.  My fear is that James will die on that bench and no one will discover him until he has grown cold.

Whatever the mental condition of James, he is not an alcoholic or a drug abuser.  James' biggest problem is that he believes that he needs to care for another homeless person and if he leves the street, this homeless person will do himself in.  Fact of the matter is, this younger homeless person has tried to kill himself before, latest time was before Christmas last, almost did it, but lived and spent 40 days in hospital coming back from the grave.

James needs help now.  James is 70 years old and quickly sliding deeper and deeper into a high risk situation that could cause him to die.  The swollen leg is not improving.

This day, the old geezer stripped off the old bandage and applied lotion to the leg.  Peeled off lots of dead skin and re-applied a bandage to the leg.  Got James to take all of his medicine and made sure he had water and something to eat.

James promised that he would get to a store and purchase some socks for his feet, get some sort of footwear and other items he needs to cover some of his medical problems.  Like adult diapers.  James can not always get to a toilet and the diapers help him cope.

James is in need of some sort of respite, he can not continue to do without sleep and proper care.  James knows that my good friend Marc Alexander, with IHS, is aware of his condition and willing to work with him to get him some sort of help.  James is also aware that I have made Care-A-Van aware of his condition.  James is leary of authority, afraid to be placed in a situation where is is unable to get about.  However strong his dislike of authority, James is also aware that he can not continue as he is.  That the situation of his caring for another homeless person is not healthy for him.

If I have learned anything in doing good deeds, it is that you can not help everyone.  Some homeless are not reachable.  You have to try with the ones you feel can still be reached.  I believe James is still reachable, it will not be easy, but it can still be possible for James to become more safe than he is at present.

I am going to forward this post to Marc Alexander at IHS.  I am going to forward this post to Care-A-Van.  I will also forward this post to any number of other folks who do outreach to the homeless.  I will be padantic with members of the local newspaper and the mayor and a state senator.  This post will find its way to two sites that deal with the homeless condition.

I can not save the world.  I can stop and take the time to help one person, hoping that one person will find relief from suffering.  James is my friend.  James is also my responsibility as a member of society, the same society I am a part of.  His life matters.

WHY PANDER TO HOMELESS WHO DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE

No matter how clever the signs may be, giving cash to homeless beggars is just plain stupid.  Truth be told, the same applies to non-profits giving endless amounts of outreach to drug addicts, alcoholics and lazy people who take whatever is offered without any desire to better their situation.

There are any number of places that feed the homeless.  Noble idea, but how many of these homeless are truly 'hungry?  Does 'hunger' apply to individuals who get 318.00 in food stamps?  EBT receivers who sell their food stamps to buy alcohol, drugs or tobacco products?  How many starving people does one really see in the food lines?

Many of the homeless receive government benefits.  Cash.  Every month.  Is one really homeless if one makes the choice to not pay rent and use the cash received for drugs, alcohol or tobacco?

There are any number of non-profits in Hawaii who receive public monies to service the homeless.  The same pool of homeless are provided an endless stream of outreach effort by one non-profit organization after another.  Yet the number of homeless in Waikiki, Chinatown and Hawaii continues to grow.

The 'bright young things' in non-profits now want the public to believe that you can give housing to homeless folks without requiring any effort on the part of the receiver of such housing to change the behaviours that might place them in homelessness in the first place.

Call me cruel but I find it very hard to feel any sympathy for drug addicts or alcoholics who do not want to stop drinking or abusing drugs.  Better to do outreach to folks who really want to change their condition.

If it be true that most of the homeless are folks with mental problems, would we not be better served in providing better programmes to deal with mental illness?

Homelessness is not unique to Hawaii.  The homeless are to be found everywhere.   Truth be told there will always be homelessness.  Having a clever slogan that promises to end homelessness in ten years is not going to change that and is an out and out lie.

Mind, there are lots of 'bright young things' toiling away at a non-profit that need to fill out a resume or just make a living, and the public monies to be had seem to never end.  Guilt is a good way to keep the monies flowing.

CARE-A-VAN REPLIES

I want to reassure you that we do provide outreach every other week in Waikiki to our clients and all homeless we see while doing outreach. We also do night outreach once every two weeks in Waikiki. During outreach, we provide social services and referrals to different service agencies. We also inform them of the shelters that are available and pass out hygiene and snacks. We let new clients know about our services in our drop-in center and at our other locations. Many of the homeless in Waikiki are familiar clients to us. Our services are for all homeless, regardless of mental state or addiction as we aim to service all homeless that we encounter.

All of our services are free and voluntary. We can provide and inform individuals of our services, however, if they take our services is up to them.

Please, let me know if you have any other questions.

MICHELLE IP

Homeless Adult Coordinator

The Waikiki Health Center is responsible for operating an outreach programme to the homeless.  That programme is Care-A-Van.  I rather think that the reply received was from that part of their operation.

Waikiki Health Center is a wonderful resource for poor people to us to gain access to medical attention and on-going care with their health problems, physical or mental.  I have no argument with that.  

I wonder about the outreach programme to the homeless.  Does it really solve problems or does it pander to the homeless?

The reply received is so very "PC".  Does it really answer any questions?

It still bothers me that an outreach worker from Care-A-Van, visited a 'client' on the street and rang up an ambulance for the individual.  The 'client' may well have been feeling poorly, but he had a wheelchair, probably a bus pass, and could have got to hospital on his own.  I know of another homeless man who had a severely swollen leg, infected, and barely able to walk, and he was able to get self to hospital.  It did not cost hundreds of dollars to do that.

Makes one think that the 'bright young things' that do outreach, are pandering to the homeless and not mindful of the cost of rides in ambulances for individuals who might not require.  Mind, it is only 'public monies' and there is an endless stream of that...

The homeless in Waikiki are a clever lot.  Do you not think they already know where there can go?  They know and pick and choose what they want.  Mail service, EBT, free clothes.  The good stuff to be had with no strings attached.

MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL

For many months last year I walked past a man who was camped out on a bench in Waikiki.  Had the very best spot on Waikiki Beach, just across the road from ABC stores and right in the middle of the beach where all of the tourists walk past.

This homeless person was a real piece of work.  He did not bathe, change clothes or even bother with using the toilet, he just went into his trousers.  To say that the homeless man stank would be an understand.  He was so disgustingly foul that he was a bio-hazard unto himself.

I spent many a morning chatting with this homeless, wanting desperately to understand why such a condition was to be found in Waikiki.  I learned that the homeless man was a raging alcoholic and that he was not interested in going to a shelter.  I learned that Waikiki Health Centre visited him on his bench and even brought his medicines to him.  When I asked the homeless man why he thought he should sit on the bench and make it foul for all, he told me it was his god given right to do that.  I learned that there was no shame to the man.  The homeless man even went so far to tell me that I was ruining his day by calling attention to his condition.

I asked many questions of folks who deal with homelessness in Waikiki.  I really wanted to know why nothing could be done for this man.

Time past and it came to pass that this homeless man was given a safe clean place to live.  The homeless man was removed from his bench on Waikiki.  From time to time I would see the man in Waikiki, still drinking heavily and slowly starting to show the signs of one yearning to return to the street.

Some time back the raging alcoholic showed up at a bus stop, right in from of a very busy ABC store on Kuhio.  He replaced his living situation yet again.

This homeless man is very comfortable living on the street.  He knows that his appearance makes folks feel sorry for.  He has quite the gift of chat, and is very clever in letting folks know that for a few dollars he might be able to get to hospital or get a meal.  He never tells the poor tourists that every dollar received is going to be spent on alcohol.

This morning I passed this homeless man on my walk.  I wondered how long he would be in this location.  I was in for a shock when I returned from my walk.

The homeless man was sitting in his wheel chair with a young chap providing his with assistance.  Turns out the young chap is with Waikiki Health Centre.  The homeless man is known to, and he was ringing up an ambulance to take the man to hospital.

Gobsmacked I was.  Not oft one sees one of the out reach workers for the homeless.  How strange that the homeless man was receiving even more help.  He must be one of the lucky 100 that are getting all of the attention these days.  WHY?  What good will come out of all the out reach.  This man has a serious alcohol problem and nothing is going to change that condition if the homeless man does not wish it.  This homeless man knows that money is to be had by being on the street, why go into housing where there is no cash to feed his lust for alcohol.

Waikiki Health Centre is reaching out to the homeless.  Might well be the wrong sort.  OR, it might be that the 'bright young things' doing out reach are not capable of understanding the nature of the condition.

I just know it is wrong to throw good money after bad.  VERY WRONG.

WAIKIKI OR CHINATOWN - HOMELESS IS STILL HOMELESS

A recent trip to K-Mart gave the old geezer the opportunity to check out who was hanging about IHS.  The shelter run by IHS is just across the road from K-Mart.

As luck would have it, the old geezer spied someone known to, sitting on the car park wall.  Justin is employed by IHS to do outreach to the homeless.  His main area of interest is Chinatown.  I admire Justin, he is one of the folks who really feels for the people who are in need of help.

Justin and the old geezer do not see eye to eye about the homeless or the role that IHS plays in dealing with the homeless problem.   Truth be told, Justin feels that the old geezer is not fair in his views about IHS.  Justin believes that IHS is responsible for Chinatown and Waikiki Health Centre, which operates Care-A-Van, is responsible for Waikiki.  After all, Justin says that there are more homeless people in Chinatown than in Waikiki.

Last time looked, the homeless travel.  Many of the homeless that are in Chinatown have been known to be in Waikiki, and the same holds true for homeless in Waikiki.  One of the main draws of Chinatown is the feeding programmes available.  The homeless can catch a meal at River of Life or IHS.  Just like Waikiki Health Centre, IHS is a mail drop point for the homeless.

In chatting to Justin, it is learned that not all of the space for the homeless is filled.  There is always a mat available.  Justin says that IHS can not force the homeless to stay in the shelter.  True.

The photo of the sign used in this post was found on the INTERNET.  Google says it is from Hawaii.  It could be from anywhere.  It could be from Chinatown or it could be from Waikiki.  The message says it all.

IHS came about due to the compassion an episcopal priest had for his fellow man.  They used to call it "The Peanut Butter and Jelly" outreach.  The good father wanted to draw attention to the horrid condition of the homeless and to offer some comfort.  IHS is much bigger than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich these days.  One wonders just how true IHS is to the original mission of the good father.

There is no doubt that IHS helps people.  IHS is not 'one size fits all' solution.  Mind, you might have better luch with IHS if you happen to find self homeless in Chinatown...

YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER BUT YOU CAN NOT FORCE IT TO DRINK

James

James could be a poster child for Hawaii's Chronic Homeless.  James says he has been living rough for the past 6 years.  From living in a van to sleeping on a bench at The Bus Stop.

Tuesday last, James made his way to hospital to get some treatment for his leg.  James had waited until he could not walk and the pain was too much to bear.  To his credit, James made his way painfully to Queen's Medical Center.  The leg was so swollen and infected, it required cutting his trouser leg to get to.

Seeing this as a golden opportunity to get some sort of housing for James, I rang up Marc Alexander, IHS bigwig, to see if he might be able to do something to help James.  Mr. Alexander did not hesitate to provide some help.  It was set up for James to chat with a person who deals with folks in crisis.

Unfortunately, having told James that someone would ring him, he took to not answering the telephone in his room.  Told me that he could not abandon a friend he helps on the street.  Told me this after his being told by social worker at Queen's that his options upon release from hospital were limited.

James will have his infection treated, his leg will go down in size, and he will return to living uncovered on the streets of Waikiki.  His choice.

It is not my place to question James' sanity.  Mind, readers are ever so clever and you already have put together that James is 'not full quid'.

The local newspaper had another article about homeless in this morning's paper.  Regardless of the numbers, the director of US VETS sees positive things in them.  Thinks the increase may well be due to the counting of the homeless being more accurate.  What a lot of tosh.

James is a member of that 'chronic homeless population' that has yet to get shelter.  His 'friend' is another member of that population.  Between the two, hospital costs increase due to the unhealthy nature of their life style.  This time out it is just a week or so for James.  Last Christmas, James' friend spent 45 days in hospital due to a failed suicide attempt.

The article in the local paper contained quotes from a 32 year old, who is homeless.  "I hate Hawaii" and "I am here because it is a good place to be homeless".  Wonder if we can set up a collection to help the poor bugger return to where ever he came from.

I am not pleased that James will not accept help.  I will continue to chip away at that attitude.  I am proud that I know someone like Marc Alexander.  Am not known for being fond of IHS, but that did not stop the man from offering to help.  I wish the local newspaper would do more than to keep rehashing old news.  Look for information outside of usual sources.

OK, SO I OFFEND

My post about the homeless brought loads of emails.  Not all were kisses, some were bricks.

I am in on the trick, am well aware that my style offends some folks in non-profits and local government.  Even the Fourth Estate...

Lots of folks wanted to know why I was so harsh with IHS and US Vets.

After years of providing help to the homeless, they are no more able to sole homelessness than anyone else.  Truth be told, there is money to be made in collecting an endless stream of cash to provide services.  Directors of the two programmes make a good living doing good.  Regardless of mistakes, they have folks convinced that they are on the cutting edge of helping the homeless.  They have data to back them up.

Folks who are 'au fait' with this blog know quite a bit about the old geezer.  I am at my best when adding personal experience to the story being told.  This story should be no different.

I have dealt with mental illness the whole of my life.  PTSD and Bi-Polar.  Two big issues to deal with.  I have been lucky.  When times were darkest, there were folks who loved me and got me to doctors.  I have been in hospital, done years of treatment and come to accept the reality of taking medication to control my mental illness.  I am honest with myself.  Facing the stigma of mental illness was not easy to come by, but when it was faced, it made living with mental illness more easy to cope with.

Every day I sit and listen to homeless folks talk.  Every day I meet folks who are mentally ill, some more ill than others.  Many of the folks living uncovered are mentally ill.  Many of the homeless do not have the courage to face their illness.  Most do not have anyone left who cares.

Years past, Hawaii had loads of places that helped the mentally ill get help in coping with the struggle of life.  Most of the programmes that helped the mentally ill have had monies taken from and the ability to service this very needy homeless group is under served.  Trained professionals who knew how to reach troubled souls are not so readily available.  Programmes that helped the mentally ill homeless get help getting off the street find funding hard to come by.

Honolulu is trying to find answers to the homeless problem.  The mayor gets loads of advice from folks who say they are able to deal with the problem.  Right, so long as funding comes their way.  IHS is not in the mental health business.  Serving the needs of the mentally ill is not something they do well.  I hear the stories and I have personal experience as to their lack of understanding of how to deal with the mentally ill.  US Vets is capable of helping folks, so long as they can pay their own way, or the government provides a grant to cover the cost.  I doubt that either non-profit really knows how to reach out to the mentally ill homeless.  Mind, they will get it a good try if there is a grant to be had.

It may well be that Honolulu needs to run its own homeless programme.  Stop passing the buck to non-profits that clearly have not had much luck in lowering the number of mentally ill living uncovered.

When the state of Hawaii took funding from mental health programmes, it had to know on some level that the cost to society was going to rise.

There is no easy fix to getting homeless folks in housing.  Offering housing to mentally ill and abusers of drugs and alcohol without conditions is not the answer.  Mind, IHS and US Vet will roll out data that supports this approach.  What a waste of money.

'WHAT A LOT OF TOSH'

Once again, the local newspaper does another front page story on the homeless in Hawaii.  Once again, the headline promises much but the story is lacking.

The Mayor of Honolulu detailed his 'new' plan to deal with the homeless situation.

The shocking news in this latest article is that it requires $30,000.00 per person to help 100 homeless get off the street.  $30,000.00...

Seems right odd to this old geezer that clever folks in local government and working for the local newspaper keep going back to the same sources for information on how to deal with and solve the problem of homelessness in Hawaii.

The cost of providing housing for the homeless is based on another study to come from US Vets, one of the non-profits local that tries to help get folks off the street.  US Vets and IHS, already receive public funds to deal with the problem of homelessness.  Both organizations have been in the business of providing help for the homeless for years.  Both do some good, they have some success,  BUT, they have yet to solve the problem of homelessness in Honolulu.  Can you imagine how much in public funds has already been spent with no solution to the problem found.

The good folks who toil in the fields of homelessness want us to believe that providing 'apartments' with no strings attached to, somehow is going to work better than what has in the past.  What ever happen to 'a room somewhere out of the cold night air', being a good beginning.  Do US Vets and IHS really want the good people of Hawaii to believe that providing 'apartments', fully furnished, to severely troubled folks is going to work.  Do you really believe that a severely mentally ill person, or some one with a severe alcohol or drug problem is going to be morally responsible in dealing with the responsibilities of maintaining an apartment?

Truth be told, so long as local government keeps going back to non-profits for answers, we are going to have continued problems with the problem of homelessness.  I can not believe that it requires so much money to provide help for so few folks.

I do not believe providing apartments with no conditions is going to solve the problem facing homeless folks.

Honolulu has to face the fact that past programmes dealing with mental illness and alcohol and drug abuse, that were cut when cash was tight has made the problem more severe.  There were very good programmes in place that worked.  Problems were solved.  People were helped.

There is a very high price to pay by society for the lack of social services to homeless people with mental illness and abuse problems.  Perhaps it is time to give back the monies to government programmes that worked in the past.  Non-profits, like IHS and US Vets, already get public monies to service their target groups.  They are no more successful in solving homelessness than anyone else.  Anyone can work the data to serve their agenda.  IHS and US Vets are monsters that need to be fed endless amounts of cash to stay in business.  Whatever success is had is not without continued failure to address the real issue of homelessness and how society deals with it.

If the mayor wants to make a difference, let him and the city council look for answers from different quarters and stop going to back to a well that is run dry.

'I AM NOT HOMELESS, JUST HOUSE LESS'

Robert and James Sharing coffee

"I am not homeless, just house less".  In response to the question asked of James, was just one of the many surprises to be revealed by James to the old geezer.

Some nine months ago, I walked up on James sleeping on a bus stop bench, in the wee hours of the morning.  It is my habit to go for a walk and have a cuppa, most times long before the sun rises in the sky.

Getting the courage to approach, armed with a hot cup of coffee, I walked up to James and introduced myself.  I was curious as to why an older man would be in such a situation.

Over time, like peeling back the layers of an onion, I have come to know James rather well.  Truth be told, I consider James my friend, and I look forward to seeing him each morning.

James is 70 years old, has lived in Hawaii for 28 odd years, and until 6 years ago maintained an apartment.  James is retired, gets a social security check, is not a drug addict or alcoholic.  I have learned much of the 'why' as to his present situation, but still do not entirely understand it.  What I have learned, is that being homeless is due to a variety of reasons and there are no easy answers to solving the situation.

James does not beg for cash, buys his own meals, washes his clothes, bathes and deals with the mean attitude of some folks directed at him due to his 'luggage' and weather beaten appearance.  Right clever James is.  He has a membership to a gym, allowing him to clean up, pays for a storage area to store the belongings he can not carry with and has a tarp to cover self when the rain comes.  However clever James tries to be, some aspects of living uncovered can not be solved.

James does not really sleep at night.  He 'rests', to get up when the park is open and try to sleep during the day.  Like many homeless, James feels somewhat 'safe' to be sitting at a bus stop.  If one can really be safe living on the street, dealing with the weird folks who wander the night looking to rob and abuse the weaker homeless.

James is well aware of IHS and the shelter offered. James does not feel comfortable being around the rough characters that seem to populate the shelter.  James is not overly fond of folks who do drugs or are alcoholic.  Being an older gentleman, who walks with the aid of a cane, the ideal of trying to get down on the floor and sleep on a mat is scary.  James is also aware of programmes for former members of the armed services.  James served honorably in the Army.  The idea of living in a shared room with someone addicted to drugs or alcohol, in the middle of nowhere, at a cost of $700.00, is not an option he feels works for him.

There will be folks who feel that James is the creator of his own horrid situation.  He has cash and should be able to get a place and not live on the street.  Like I said in the beginning, there are no easy answers.  James feels that he has as much right as the next person to be able to 'enjoy' some of the delights that Hawaii, or more specific Waikiki, has to offer.  The bright lights and constant action draw his just as easily as the tourist or the local day trippers visiting in Waikiki.

Sitting with James every morning has been a real education.  I have seen folks move away from the area due to his 'homeless' appearance.  I have seen James mistreated in a restaurant.  I have seen James forced to get up from a bench, on 'private' property, due to his 'homeless' appearance, while I am not asked to leave.

I have witnessed tourists and locals alike, come up to James in the early morning, giving small amounts of cash and food.

I do not know why there has to be anyone sleeping on a bench.

IHS, local non-profits, newspaper and local government bang on endlessly about the homeless problem on Oahu.  Many promises are made, but few are kept.  The old guard, IHS springs to mind, collect data, continue to operate redundant shelters, perhaps to collect endless streams of cash to continue programmes that have never solved the homeless problem or properly addressed the needs of folks like James.

James does not have much.  That does not stop him from sharing what little he has with others less fortunate than himself.  Like providing for daily needs of another homeless person who has nothing.  Sharing his cash with others.  Giving to his church that he attends twice a week.

James is my friend.  I worry about him every time it rains all night.  I worry about his lack of proper toilet facilities.  I offer a little 'tea and sympathy' each and every day.  I care.  I just wish there was an easy answer to James' situation.

Truth be told, folks like James are ignored so oft, the very agencies offering help do not see him.  It is so much easier to troll the usual places that draw the homeless, than really look at different sides to the homeless condition in Hawaii.

IHS OUTREACH COULD BE BETTER

After 30 years dealing with the homeless, IHS has name brand recognition, by the community at large and the 'at risk' members of the community served.  Truth be told, most believe that IHS feeds the hungry and provides a mat to sleep on to the homeless.  IHS is trying to be much more than that.

In chatting with Marc Alexander, Director of Community Relations and Development, Mr. Alexander mentioned multiple time how he and IHS was trying to reach out to the community.

The old geezer believes that IHS has made its mission very clear to the community at large.  How brilliant of a job IHS has done in reaching the clients it means to serve is open to discussion.

Did I mention how clean the shelter was?  Mind, the visit could have happened at low tide, but rather think that the on-going effort to make the shelter more user friendly is very real.

Hopelessness is 24/7.  IHS, like any of the other non-profits dealing with the homeless, needs to get out into the field more often, not just 9 to 5.

IHS has an outreach worker, actually two but only one is well know to this old geezer.  We will focus on the one.

Justin has some much compassion that it is plain to see, even for the most hopeless.  Justin collects information, offers help and lends a sympathetic ear to all met.  He has a real passion for the work.  Rather think that the clients he meets know that he has a personal interest in getting them to a safe harbour.  BUT, Justin only works Chinatown and only during certain hours.  There could be more like Justin.  There should be more like Justin.  IHS should try and reach homeless where ever.

The old geezer believes that this turf working is not in the best interest of the homeless.  The homeless move about.  Hence, non-profits need to do more outreach.

I believe that IHS can solve HOPELESSNESS.  One person at a time.  Give HOPE and you give a person a reason to live.  Give HOPE and a homeless person might take more interest in cleaning his or her body and clothing.  Give HOPE and a homeless person just might want to get help in improving life.

What do I know?  I am just an old man.  Actually, if every person who hears the call for help from IHS, or any other non-profit dealing with the homeless,  there would be buckets and buckets of HOPE.

IHS will never end hunger or homelessness.  It could end HOPELESSNESS.  In doing that, IHS could get many more of the at risk population, into a safer place.

NEW SHERIFF CLEANS UP IHS SHELTER

Marc Alexander - New Sheriff at IHS

Truth be told, Marc Alexander is the new Director of Community Relations and Development at IHS, the largest homeless shelter in Hawaii.  Being a clever old geezer, the above snap was found on the Internet and seemed perfect, to illustrate the new wind blowing through IHS and add a little colour to the personality of Mr. Alexander.

Monday afternoon, the old geezer paid a visit to the homeless shelter, at the personal invitation of the new sheriff.  The invite was made at the Homeless Awareness Conference, but at the time did not feel it was a real one.  Do you not realize that the old geezer can be a bit much at times?

Having paid the $45.00 to attend, the old geezer was hell bent on giving a piece of mind to folks felt to be less than Brilliant.  IHS was high on the list of folks not keen on and wanted to let that be known.  Mind, pedantic, shrill and full of hubris are but a few of the things thought of MOI, am well aware of how caustic folks can find the old geezer at times.  It is also true that the approach, while not met with undiluted pleasure by all, is very effective in getting into the tent to be heard...


It was believed by the old geezer that IHS was still guilty of many sins in dealing with the homeless.  The past was held up as present day status.  It had to be so, many of the homeless met told of how horrid the conditions were and the old geezer bought into the 'urban legend' about IHS.  Completely.

When an email was received from Mr. Alexander, gobsmacked as the old geezer was, it was the perfect opportunity to confirm for myself just how horrid IHS was in dealing with the homeless.  I wrote back to Mr. Alexander and told the gentleman that I would come with an open mind and see what was different.  Is it not true that 'no pancake is so flat that it does not have two sides'?

The old geezer arrived early for the tour with Marc Alexander.  This afforded MOI the opportunity to stand and observe the folks at the homeless shelter and check out the appeal of the courtyard and one of the common rooms.

In the past, the smell of urine, sweat, filthy clothes, caked on dirt was ripe.  To enter the courtyard was to reel back in shock at the smell that hung in the air.  Not just the courtyard but the entire building had a stale odor.

The courtyard was clean, very clean.  The clients sitting on the benches seemed to be clean and there was no one dressed in rags or urine soaked clothing.  The same applied to the common room entered.  The floor shined, furniture was clean and well maintained.  The loo, while old, was clean and there was no odor clinging to the walls.  Much impressed the old geezer was, not at all as it was.

In the car park, the clients seemed to be on best behaviour and did not give the impression of a dangerous place to catch a quick ciggie before the tour.

Mr. Alexander was prompt and the tour of the facilities went as scheduled.

There was no attempt to hide anything.  The sleeping areas were seen and the loos peeked into.  Information was free flowing.  IHS has new sleeping mats, not all but a goodly amount.  There were multiple bottles of cleaning solution available to the clients to make the mats safe to sleep on.  There were lockers a plenty for folks to safeguard valuables.

Mr. Alexander told of linen being available for the bunk beds.  Of clothing available for clients to change into after a refreshing shower.

The old geezer stands corrected.  IHS is not the "Black Hole of Calcutta".

After the tour, the old geezer sat down with the Sheriff of IHS and had a right good chin wag.

It is clear that IHS is trying to reach out and touch folks.  Truth be told, there never was any doubt that IHS is well known to the community.  Am not sure that the message is out there to many of the homeless in need of a safe harbour to re-build lives.  Too many bad stories are out there.

IHS does outreach in the Chinatown area, as well as the North Shore.  Waikiki seems to be the reserve of CareAVan, an outreach programme run by Waikiki Health Centre.  There in lies one of the biggest problems in reaching the homeless folks in need of the services of IHS.

Rightly so, Mr. Alexander points out the limits of cash available to do many things.  The old geezer mentioned to Mr. Alexander that the homeless are a group that moves about the island.  Sooner or later, many of the homeless will land in Waikiki.  Many of the most at risk.  Mentally ill men and women, Seniors, youths.  Clients with severe drug and alcohol problems will plague the beaches and neighbourhoods that cater to the visitors to our island.

They come to Waikiki to beg.  They are drawn to the bright lights and assumed 'safety' in sleeping at a bus stop or on a park bench.

Mr. Alexander agrees that outreach needs to be improved.  That homeless folks need to know that there is a safe place to go.  That there is a place dealing in HOPE.

To my mind, that is what IHS is all about.  HOPE.  Regardless of who does it, each and every person doing outreach to the homeless should be dealing in HOPE.  IHS is perfectly situated to get folks on the road to a new life.  They see the homeless first and can get the homeless connected to any other agency that can improve the chances of homeless men and women getting hopeful about the rest of their lives.

The old geezer offered to help in any way, to get more homeless aware of positive changes at IHS, to educate other concern individuals about positive contributions they can make as members of the community.  One does not need a title, or membership in a non-profit, to help a neighbour in need of help.

The old geezer is old fashioned.  I hardly know Mr. Alexander and did not want to use Marc in telling this tale.  So 'au fait' I am not with Mr. Alexander.

Being in a position of authority, Mr. Alexander and his massive sandbox are primed to get folks moving in the same direction as IHS.  It is not about turf, it is about 'what can I do to help YOU (the homeless), in so many words Mr. Alexander seems to get that.

The old geezer listened to what Mr. Alexander had to say.  Being able to read faces, the old geezer is of the opinion that Mr. Alexander listened as well.  He certainly took copious note of the chat...

I offered to help, one can do no more than that.

IHS should not have a single empty bed, More's the pity if it does.

A WOMAN NAMED 'SUE'

In the center of the above snap you will see a homeless woman, a regular sight to behold in Waikiki.

So ubiquitous has she become to the landscape of Waikiki Beach, that you will note that the chap on the bicycle hardly pays her any mind.

Truth be told, countless numbers of folks pass this woman daily, and one wonders how many take note of her.

Every day, the old geezer goes for his walk.  Every day the homeless woman is seen, and every day the question come to mind, "how can this be"...

Being the sort who can not look away, there have been multiple times, the walk was postponed a bit, to stop and chap with the homeless lady.  Today was no exception.

The homeless woman has a name.  Her name is Sue.  I know that because I took the time to find out.  I know a great deal more about the homeless woman than her name.

Sue is very bright.  Very aware.  Sue follows events in the newspapers.  Sue told MOI that she thought it odd that they were thinking of preventing smoking on the beach.  Sue was also aware of the Homeless Awareness Conference, that was held at the Pacific Beach Hotel.

Sue told the old geezer that she kept looking for some of the attendees to come out of the hotel and see what homelessness might be right outside of the door of the hotel.  Sue says that she saw one person with a name tag on, but that person never stopped to chat with her.

Sue asked if the old geezer had gone to the conference.  Wanted to know what was said and what solutions were found.  I had to tell true that not much new was found out and that the lovely folks from the non-profits still did not have a clue.

Sue is an interesting study.  No doubt that the rags adorning her body are filthy, and she could use a bath and some grooming of her nails.  No doubt, there is some sort of mental condition going on.

Today, I asked Sue what I could do to help her.  She asked if I had a place she could go to and take a bath.  I had to tell her that I could not do that.  I offered to ring someone up and get her some help.  Sue is afraid of social services and equally afraid of homeless shelters.

I asked Sue if she would like someone to help her get a room somewhere.  Was gobsmacked when Sue told MOI that a room somewhere with no money would be like a prison.  Like I said, Sue is not stupid.

Sue needs help.  Sue also has the right to refuse help.

As a society, should we not try to reach her?  No matter how difficult it might be to win her trust?

I made myself a promise today that each and every day I go out for a walk I am going to try and acknowledge her as a person of worth.  Sue is a human being and as such deserves to be reached out to.

One wonders why the non-profits are not trying harder to reach Sue.  Might well be that Sue is a hard case, and the non-profits do not want to take the time.

TRUTH BE TOLD...

The featured filmed clip is from Matt Glickstein - Songs For A Better World.  It is well worth giving a look and just might make you think a little about homelessness.

Let's start this post with some simple truths.  'THERE IS NO AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HAWAII'.  There has not been for some time and housing is hard to come by for even the folks who work long and hard.  'THE POOR WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US'.  It is just the way of it, there will always be folks who do not have cash, or so little of it, that life is an endless grind.  'THERE WILL ALWAYS BE HOMELESSNESS'.  Charles Dickens told stories of the plight of the homeless in London in the 1800's, while getting some things changed, homelessness is not one of them.  There are folks still living uncovered in London, as there are all over the world.  Hawaii is not unique.

Regardless of the efforts of well meaning individuals toiling in non-profits, regardless the massive sums we give non-profits to deal with the homeless problem, there will always be members of the community living in horrid conditions.

Non-profits in Hawaii get tens of millions of dollars to deal with the homeless situation.  There is some change, but the problem still remains.  No doubt the programs that deal with women and children who are homeless, and programs dealing with families without shelter meet with better results.  Truth be told, the plight of women and children living on the road is one that touches society deeply and great effort is made to protect this vulnerable segment of society.  Single men facing horrid conditions is not treated with the same level of compassion.

The old geezer tossed and turned all night and sleep was most troubled.  The events of the day were to blame.  Not to mention some of the comments heard.

'YOU HAVE NOT WALKED THE WALK', was the comment most haunted by in sleep.  It was hurled at MOI by one of the 'bright young things' connect with IHS.

There is ample proof to be had that this old geezer has indeed 'walked the walk'.  Has for many more years than the gentleman who works at IHS.  I may not be a 'paid professional' but have always tried to make a difference in any community a part of.  This old geezer does not walk through life with blinkers on and has tried always, to stop to offer a hand to someone less fortunate.  Daily, the horrid conditions of the homeless are observed in Waikiki and other parts of Honolulu.

I have always been curious, and that desire to learn more has made MOI stop and try to hear the stories of folks in trouble.  One comes away with an entirely different attitude about homelessness, when you learn how or way, one is sleeping on a bench, or begging on the pavement.

Not all who are homeless want help.  Quite a few of the homeless have found a way to live rent free and with responsibility.  Many get a government check and food stamps and like the idea of not paying for anything.  They like not taking responsibility for their anti-social behaviour.  That is the way of it.  They have the right to refuse help to change.  So, one moves on.

It is a whole different story to get into the mentally ill, the alcoholics and the drug addicts.  One could go on and on.  Best to leave that for a different post.

The second thing heard yesterday, that made sleep hard to come, was one made by Colin Kippen.

In his remarks to the attendees of yesterday's conference, he made strong reference to bringing all members of the community together to deal with the homeless problem.  He talked movingly about Aloha and Ohana.

In my darkest hour, it was members of the community, my 'family', that provided me with the courage to carry.  NOT a non-profit.

When the courage was found to make the call to a long time friend, it was met with the disbelief that the old geezer would not believe that some cared about and wanted to.  See how spot on Colin is in his belief that Aloha and Ohana of the community is valid and necessary to solve homelessness.

The worst 17 days of me life were spent at IHS.  Mind, over the years stories had been heard of the horrid place that it is.  At least the men's shelter.  Street wise professional homeless seem to thrive there.  They know how to work the system.  IHS is not the place the weak, old or different go to.  The battle to keep from being abused or robbed is too hard to fight.  Truth be told, it was not the correct place for young men with AIDS to go either, in years past.  Stories make the rounds among the homeless of a fate worse than death in going into the shelter.

COMMUNITY.  Ordinary folks doing extraordinaire things to help fellow members of society who need a bit of help and compassion.  Like my good friend.  A simple man who tries to help homeless in Waikiki.  Having jobs performed by homeless, to give a little cash to for food and toiletries ad clothes washing.

If you get the impression that no love is to be had for IHS, you would be correct.  Pray, let me explain my reasons.

Whatever IHS was in the past, is a far cry from what it is today.  Millions and millions of dollars pour into the coffers of IHS.  So completely have they convinced the powers to be that they deserve as much as they ask for.  Duplication of effort and bad mistakes seems to matter little and IHS has the 'data' to prove how brilliant they are.  More's the pity that IHS does not admit that they are no more capable in ending homelessness than any other organization.

I came away from the homeless conference, more convinced than ever, that while some do wondrous things to help disadvantaged members of the community, there are non-profits who receive far more than they should.  That turf defending is alive and well among the non-profits.  That IHS, regardless of how well and slick they self promote, do not have all of the answers.  That duplication of services offered is expensive and may well be best done by not placing all of the eggs in one basket.

Lastly, it would be so very wrong to allow the voice of a former priest of the Catholic Church, to drown out other voices.  Regardless of his connection with IHS, he is but one member of the community and when last looked does not walk on water.

HOMELESS CONFERENCE BLUES

My dears, if it was felt that the old geezer would stop sharing thoughts, this post will let all who are 'au fait' with, know that my ability to tell a story is still very much alive.  Truth be told, it took a day that was most interesting to shake MOI up and share with you.

There was a 'Homeless Awareness Conference' held in Waikiki today.  Having been engaged in the fight to enlighten folks to the social injustices that plague society, this seemed like the right point to pick up pen and share with all of the lovely folks known to or folks one wants to reach out to.

When first read in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser of the coming conference, I rang up one of the folks listed as an organizer of the event.  I told of my interest to share facts about the homeless in Waikiki.  I learned that it was going to cost $45.00 to attend the conference and was a bit put off by that.  Friends told MOI that some needed to go and tell the non-profits and other gathered interested parties that the general public might not share their view that the job being done was brilliant.  I emailed the organizer and told I would attend, even if my views were not ones the gathered good folks wanted to hear.

Early this AM, the old geezer went to the posh hotel to sign in and to try and meet folks.  I had told the organizer of the conference that it was my belief that many if not most of the attendees would be 'choir singing to the choir'.  As the ballroom filled, it was quite clear that this was indeed the case.  Not so much a conference but an opportunity for 'bright young things' to network.

Being extremely hearing impaired, the old geezer has to re lie on device in ear, lip reading and face reading.  All of my skills were in use and helped to know fairly early on, who wanted to hear what an outsider had to say about the homeless problem.  What was learned today was most illuminating and want so much to share it with you.

Many of the attendees were not interested in chatting with anyone who was not working for a non-profit, or connected to a government agency dealing with the homeless problem.  Most of the attendees felt that they and the organization they worked for were working miracles in getting folks off the street and into shelters or in a direction to get help with issues causing homelessness

There were some rather interesting exceptions.

Colin Kippen, State Homeless Coordinator for the Governor, was one of the first speakers.  Colin spoke from the heart and urged all the attendees to double their effort to try and engage 'the community' in the fight to end homelessness in Hawaii.  Only in getting all of the community involved would make the battle winnable.  He made no false promise and in some ways may well have said things many of the attendees did not want to hear.

I had a long chin wag with Colin and came away with the feeling that this was a man who could make a difference.  Colin knows full well that he has his work cut out for him and that there will be folks out to get him.  I rather think that Mr. Kippen is prepared to rattle a few cages to get things done.

Darryl Vincent was another person met who made an impression on.  Wrongly, the old geezer believed him to be another that works in the non-profit he is with.  I did not like that person two year ago and was prepared to fire me guns in anger about my feelings towards.  It takes a big person to stand ground and correct a wrong impression.  Mind, Darryl has a massive toothy grin and the personality of a slick used car salesman and loves to 'close the deal'.  Darryl may not have shared many of my beliefs about the failure of non-profits to deliver change, but he heard me out, which was more that many were prepared to do.  I still believe that his organization could do more, but he made me believe he is at least willing to listen to a different view.

State Senator Josh Green,MD, from West Hawaii, was another presenter who spoke true to the attendees about Healthcare for the homeless.

Dear reader, you who have followed this blog for some time know that the old geezer share his life with the world at large.  You, who are 'au fait' know that I have shared my mental illness, my fight to save what little hearing is left, my battle with food, my stroke and the brief period hope was lost and I was homeless.  You know of my community activism.  When it comes to the problems of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, troubled mentally ill folks and 'professional homeless'  the old geezer is no dilettante.  I may not be a member of a non-profit', but I have tried to make a difference in the world I live in.

It came as a shock to hear so many folks today tell that I did not know what I was talking about, 'you never have walked the walk', the old geezer was told.  What I had to say about failings on the part of some non-profits was completely antedated and of no value.

One of the individuals in an exalted position at IHS, was one of the least approachable folks at the conference.  Mind, his real value is in his being very politically connected and unless you have value to IHS, he really doe not have to listen to what you say, regardless of how you say it.

Throughout the day folks at the conference used 'data' and 'numbers' to support how brilliant of a job they are doing.

Data can be wrong and numbers can be played different ways.  A report in the newspaper today used numbers and data to tell of changes in the homeless problem.  Have no doubt that the attendees used them to show how the fight is being won by their efforts.  How interesting.  Like Colin said of the data, it depends on how you look at the glass, half full or half empty.

If you have come to think that the old geezer sees this day as a bust, you would be wrong.  The opportunity was had to tell folks in positions to help homeless folks, that not all felt that they were doing the best job possible to end homelessness in Hawaii.

The conference opened with a presentation by Matt Glickstein.  It was a musical video of a song sung by students from a local school.  "Dream What Could Be Done" is the name of the song and it can be found on YOUTUBE.  You need to watch it.  The children of this world are our hope, and this video makes one believe that the children just may get it right.

The snap used to start this post is not meant to demean anyone.  It does serve to show that not all of the folks who are homeless want to be saved.  Personally, the joke is on them.

The old geezer is back...