After leaving the homeless shelter, options have dwindled: move to Jackson shelter or camp in the woods
Editor's note: This is the latest in a series of blog posts that Community Contributor Thomas Bare has been writing about being homeless in Washtenaw County. Click here to read previous stories.
I am not running into a brick wall, I feel like I am running into the Great Wall of China. I have a glimmer of hope that I can get around it, but everything that I do seems to be preventing me from conquering that wall.
I am at a breaking point again but in my heart I know I have to stay strong. I want to have that feeling of opening my own door, walking into the kitchen to throw a pizza in the oven, sitting on my couch and controlling what I want to watch on my own TV after a hard day of work. But will I ever see that? Everything I am trying to do seems to be stopping me from accomplishing that.
I am no longer at the Robert J. Delonis Center. I have been exited from residential services because I was under contract to attend day planner meetings and I missed one.
Now let me explain what these meetings are all about. At 9:30 a.m., we are supposed to meet on the first floor, sign a book and fill out a half sheet of paper saying what we are going to do for the day and what we did the day before. In my mind, I felt like that was a waste of time, but I agreed because it’s required at the shelter.
I agreed to go, but a few times I went and no one was there. Well last Wednesday after I went to the meeting, I went over to the Washtenaw Intergenerational Supportive Housing (WISH) project at the Michigan Ability Partners office to have my weekly meeting with my caseworker. She informed me that she was busy and asked if we could meet Thursday. I said no problem since I was going to be there anyway for the other meeting.
So Thursday comes along and I went out to WISH first thing in the morning. I did not go to the day planner meeting because I assumed that I was supposed to meet with WISH first thing in the morning. Well after a long day at WISH spent between meetings and job hunting, I headed back to the shelter. I was called in by my shelter caseworker and the shelter director.
They informed me that I was exited from residential services because I did not attend the day planner meeting that morning. I tried to explain the situation but they would not budge at all.
So Thursday I was feeling apathetic and didn't care what happened. I scrambled to make phone calls to find out what to do. I finally got a hold of Marti from the Homeless Empowerment Resource Organization and after some discussion she helped me out for the night.
So the next day, Friday, I headed over to WISH to talk to my caseworker Terri and the director of WISH, Jim. I explained the situation and from what they told me, the shelter will not re-consider. I asked about transitional housing or apartments, and they said there is nothing open.
So the end of the day arrived and I was at the cracking level. I was thinking that I needed some help and needed help big time. With conversations between Marti and Adam from Washtenaw County’s Community Crisis Response Team, who I have worked with before, an agreement was made between them where Adam was told that I could get into the transitional housing at the shelter, which is a two-week program that requires an exit strategy of having a job and getting into my own place.
Now let me explain what this program is. It is basically sleeping on the first floor of the shelter, just like the warming center. You get a yoga mat and a couple blankets. Now everyone is aware that I have major back problems and in fact have an appointment today to go to a spine clinic. So Adam agreed to help me out and Marti was going to send him a letter on my behalf.
Well come Saturday morning, I got a call from Adam and he told me that Marti would not be able help me out in regard to employment. I also received an e-mail from her.
Adam then reviewed my final three options with me:
Adam from the crisis team came by to visit me on Sunday and said he talked to Jason from the shelter. They agreed that he would take me over there and put me in touch with some more people who might be able to help. Adam said that if this option does not work out to my benefit, the only thing he can do is to put me on the bus to Jackson.
I do also plan on making one last plea with my team over at WISH and see what other options can be worked on.
As I said in the very beginning, I never, EVER expected to be in the situation that I am. I have very adamantly worked hard to find a job (sent out over 300 resumes and applications) and I have worked hard to keep myself in check and tried to stay strong, but I am calling out for help right now.
I want and need move in a positive direction and stop hitting dead ends. I am willing to work to earn my keep. If anyone has any suggestions, I am open to anything. I am not perfect; no one in this world is perfect. I am who I am and that is a person who does not want to be living day-to-day wondering where I am going to lay my head at night.
Thomas Bare writes about being homeless in Washtenaw County. Contact him at tab72266@yahoo.com.
Comments
vanageorge
Wed, May 5, 2010 : 11:16 a.m.
What are we doing as a community to help Mr. Bare? Is there an organization(s) that could assist him further to get him literally back on his feet? Are we a compassionate community?
Smiley
Sat, May 1, 2010 : 1:07 p.m.
Thomas, this is what I think, I think Wish, The Delonis Center, and all those other Places that help folk out that have fallen upon hard times, should put all those other folk that need help, just as you, to the side, and focus totally on you! Give you everything you need, you seem far smarter than the average Homeless Person, I think all your needs should be tended to first. Come on all you Non-Profit Groups, what's the hold up, Thomas is waiting for you all to Bail him out.
Thomas Bare
Sat, May 1, 2010 : 9:45 a.m.
SMILEY, if you have something to contribute, just don't make a partial statement, speak your mind.
Smiley
Fri, Apr 30, 2010 : 11:07 p.m.
There is Sooooooo! Much more to this Story, does anyone bother anymore to get all sides to a story before we start printing stuff like it came directly from Gods Mouth.....
Stacey
Thu, Apr 29, 2010 : 8:02 a.m.
I would really like to hear the shelter's side of the story.
Thomas Bare
Wed, Apr 28, 2010 : 1:23 p.m.
OK Like I said no one is perfect, if we all were, then we would not be in situations that we are in now. Yes I have profread my story before posting, but after re-reading it, I did make some mistakes. So before anyone makes comments that I am not capable of life skills, I will address those. Under RUSTY's response, "OF" was suppose to be U of M. Atticus, you'll enjoy this one, jump all over it. "one" is suppose to be own.
Thomas Bare
Wed, Apr 28, 2010 : 1:04 p.m.
WELL GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE. Well I see it has been an active pro and con review of my story. So what I am going to do is respond to everyone and have a final statement at the end. So please be patient. FOR RUSTY: I want to thank you for your support and input. Yes as I have admitted, it was my own fault that I missed "ONE" appointment. They "shelter" knew of what I have been trying to do to look for a job. And to punish me for missing "one" meeting, even though I was under contract, I think they over re-acted. It is like if you get a job as a cashier, that is basically a contract, but say if you have never been short, then one day, you come up $1.00 short, are they going to fire you over that because you have been working hard, NO. Yes I would be happy to meet with anyone and show them both on line and physically what I have been trying to do to find a job. I have had interviews, the biggest and most promising was from Comcast, but it never panned out. I have been denied 3 times for the same custodian job at the Of. Yes I do want and need that cash flow job, but in the long run, I want to be with a company that I can grow with. I will look into that vacuum store, thank you RUSTY. KRC: I would not say I am reporter experience, but I am just speaking what is going on in my life. Yes there has been more of what I have gone through and submitted, but it had to be omitted or edited. I do thank you for your offer if you had a room. J. SORENSEN: I thank you for your support and concern. Yes I have had back problems since 1991 with a major back surgery. I have always fought back because that is who I am, a fighter. I need to do what it takes to live. Now with the recent news as of yesterday when I met with Dr. Huelke from the Spine Program, we sat down in detail and looked at some x-rays, there is a change in my back and she has referred me to go see the Orthopedic Surgeon for another possible surgery. So yes I am concerned. Thank you for your support. FOR BUNNY: Yes there are rules for everything, and rules do get broken, but you got to assess the situation and think of the appropriate action. AS I have admitted, I was wrong, I accept that responsibility, but everything I am trying to do to better myself, I don't think the punishment fit the crime. It is like if someone is caught doing 45 in a 35, are they going to punish you by taking away your car. No. Now with some incidents at that shelter, people do a lot worse things than I have, but they are still living there. So is the system perfect, NO it is not. FOR ATTICUS: I do have the life skills; I have been on my one since I was about 18. Yes I have had my ups and downs. But I always had to do what I had to do to get by. I don't drink, I don't do drugs, and I don't even smoke. Yes I admit I had problems when I was younger, but to be clean of the law for about 20 years except for basic traffic tickets, I think that says a lot. I know how to fill out an application, if you would see my files; you would see how organized I really am. In fact it has been talked about over at MAP that there was a chance for me to help other people out in regards to computer stuff. If I would be enslaved 40/50/60/70 hours a week, at least I would have a roof over my head, cook my own meals and watch what I want on TV. So I don't know your skills or background, but I would like to challenge you to basic stuff, that is if you can comprehend? FOR RYAN: I have my own computer and I do go up to the library a lot to access their wireless. I will look into that freelancing stuff. Like I said, I am not a reporter or have the capabilities like the staff at a2.com, I write because I was approached by them to express what I am going through and open peoples eyes. Thank you Ryan. So Finally I would like to say this and I will state it over and over again, there are people in worse situations then I am in. In fact as the title states, it was to go live at the camp or Jackson Shelter. Well I am glad I did not choose the camp, because along with an anonymous e-mail and the talk at the shelter last night, that camp site is being forced to move in the next couple days. So yes I do feel concern for them and wonder where they are going to go. With all this land here in Ann Arbor, isn't there anyone that has extra property that can help them out. Or why can't Ann Arbor or Washtenaw county or even this country develop and designate property where people that are in situations can legally set up camp. Why not someone try to help those people out. In regards to what I am going through. I never expected to be in this situation as bad as I am. I am walking around for the past few days with a couple of my bags, wondering if I am going to get lucky to be in the warming center. I do hope that a couple people that I have talked to over the past few days can come up with some type of game plan. In my last story about going back to IL, my friend Stacy told me that their company has opened up some positions. Also it is not as bad as it is here in Michigan. Like I said, if I had the resources of getting a moving van, get my stuff out of storage and head back to IL, I would do it in a heartbeat. So for those people that oppose what I am doing on here and expressing what my life is all about, I WOULD BE HAPPY to trade places with you for one week and see if you can handle it. You don't like it; you have a choice, turn it off just like a TV or radio. The only reason that you have these comments, is because maybe deep down you might have a caring bone in your body. For those people that have supported me and said positive stuff. I sincerely thank you, even though I am living hour by hour, I am trying to make it. THANK YOU VEY MUCH and I look forward to this response. Until next week, if youre going to the stadium for graduation, give a shout out to the President and tell him to come and see what it is really like here.
krc
Wed, Apr 28, 2010 : 8:20 a.m.
Mr. Bare, from what I've read of your story, you seem to be a pretty good writer and I agree with Ryan that you should look into the freelance writing sites. You've already proved that you can eloquently express yourself here at A2.com. If my situation were different, I'd rent you a room.
J. Sorensen
Wed, Apr 28, 2010 : 4:22 a.m.
I am saddened by the negative tone of so many commenters here. As someone, with a disk injury in my back, and unemployed for a long time til just recently, I know the struggle. I was fortunate enough to recieve unemployment, but it only paid 3/4 of my bills and my savings was being depleted fast. As someone with strong office skills, I found myself applying for any and every type of job out there and it was months before I even got an interview. And for every interview there were 100 other people being considered. I got lucky that I got a job, I had one week unemployment left and probably would have met Mr. Bare at the homeless shelter shortly thereafter. I wish him the best of luck and would never stoop to telling him McDonalds will support you, when realistically it can't. Have a little sympathy people. You never know how close you are to being homeless til it happens to you! Good luck Tom.
braggslaw
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 5:03 p.m.
I ate potatoes and ground turkey for four years and lived on the porch of a house. I worked and went to school. My point is that there is always a way. It might not be easy. If you only get one shift at Mcd's get another shift at Wendy's work nights as a janitor. etc.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 4:48 p.m.
@atticus, "Typical agry puritian mindset... The same sort of mentality that is constantly trying to assign blame and to others and looking to dole out punishment, instead of finding solutions." um, there were solutions weren't there, don't do the bad stuff you don't get arrested...ok, now 20 years later, go to a class to stay at the homeless shelter or you won't be able to stay there, seems simple. so even the "solutions" (a homeless shelter) has rules. so aside from any mental problems finding solutions is limited to following societies rules of not committing crimes or following the house rules of the shelter. Both of which seem to be within reason. solutions will only work if those they are meant to help are part of the solution, that is do there part, not doing it and then saying that we as a society are not doing enough to help him is BS
Jay Thomas
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 4:40 p.m.
Lets see... the OP is posting this in the hope someone will invite him in. (Surprisingly AnnArbor.com is fine with that... it's "news" after all that he is homeless). Atticus F. believes every problem has a solution and that housing should be a right. But he is disturbed at the thought of working people only just getting by. So Atticus... when should Mr. Bare present himself on your door step? And what's for dinner?
Atticus F.
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 4:13 p.m.
some people simply dont have the life skills to function in the society we've created. Humans were not born in a suit and tie, knowing how to properly fill out a job application. It sounds like some of the posters here are more concerned with punishing people who they precieve to be irresponsible, as apposed to finding solutions for people who cant function in our society. Typical agry puritian mindset... The same sort of mentality that is constantly trying to assign blame and to others and looking to dole out punishment, instead of finding solutions. I'm sure you folks would love to see Mr. Bare spend 40/week working, so he can be enslaved to his landlord/DTE/Michcon/AT&T for every penny he makes...maybe that would make you people feel better?
ryan444123
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 4:03 p.m.
Thomas, Not sure how close you are to the public library or access to a computer for more than a short period of time. However, there are sites that offer some money for freelance writing. While I do not know your typing speed or computer skills your profile seemed to make this an opportunity. Textbroker dot com and Associatedcontent dot com both have freelance writing jobs available. While they may not pay for everything they would at least allow you to build up funds in your spare time.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 3:08 p.m.
"that what I did in the past might of been a mistake, but it was about 20 years ago when it all happened. And it was minor stupid stuff." see the wording I would expect would have been "what I did in the past WAS a mistake" but thats being picky, but "minor stupid stuff", while it was 20 years ago or not effected you then and still "haunts" you today. also, it didn't go unnoticed that you said in your article that your family disowned you, obviously they felt compelled to cut their losses in regards to you, they probably got sick of a situation/behavior/what have you. basically I see that this additionally to you not fulfilling your end of the deal to stay at the shelter are all examples of you reap what you sow. and no, I wouldn't open my door to someone that has a (whatever it is) criminal history. additionally, your "20 years ago" history wasn't mentioned in your article, so don't expect everyone to feel sorry for for not getting a job based on your wonderful work ethic, organization skills, etc, it's just only that you have a bad back and are homeless, but yet didn't fully disclose to the readers any other red flags there might be on your resume.
Thomas Bare
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 3 p.m.
So this is to Mrs. Bunny and you have opened that door on your comment. So how kind are you my dear stranger, are you willing to open your door??? Are you willing to help me out??? In the past I have worked hard to keep a roof over my head, and I am pretty sure once I get a job, I would do everything in my power not to be put in this situation EVER again. In regards to my jobs abilities, like I said, I cannot post a resume on here, but if you click on my name, you can see my bio and all my other stories. I do a/r office work for a living. Yes I have worked in fast food previously and I have no problems along that aspect. Yes I do check off the boxes in regards to my past, but I also carry around my background report with me when I go on interviews and explain that what I did in the past might of been a mistake, but it was about 20 years ago when it all happened. And it was minor stupid stuff.
ShadowManager
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 2:45 p.m.
It sounds to me like alot of this situation came to a crisis because the writer of the article didn't meet his responsibilities...Example: "... I am no longer at the Robert J. Delonis Center. I have been exited from residential services because I was under contract to attend day planner meetings and I missed some." We have good resources for homeless and almost homeless people in Washtenaw County, and seems, especially, that the writer of this article has utilized almost all of them, mentions most of them in the articles, and is aware of their existence. It sounds like most have made earnest attempts to assist him. What more can the system and these agencies do if he won't meet his end of the bargain by attending programming and meeting the modest goals they set for him?
bunnyabbot
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 2:29 p.m.
housing is a right? really atticus? While I would rather people were not homeless saying housing is a right I do not agree with, hard work brings a roof over your head (or the kindness of strangers or extended family etc) so sure, this man can say that him and his family disowned each other long ago, but that is a major reason why he is homeless now, had they been in one anothers good graces he might not be in this situation. Also, he was at the homeless shelter and his right to be there was cut short b/c of his admitted (confusion in) missed classes, so even to be there is a "right" only so far. But that doesn't really matter. B/C of the back issue I would think any job that requires lifting, bending, cleaning would be unsuccessful, which limits him greatly. Also, no one wants to hire someone that is "transiant" that would be working with money, which makes sense, so Id on't see him working as a cashier. also I was more wondering if there were any checking of the box on applications in regards to "convicted of any crimes"
Becky T.
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 2:25 p.m.
For anyone experiencing housing-related crisis (eviction, utility shutoff, etc.) I would like to encourage you to go to the SOS Community Services Housing Crisis Center at 114 N. River in Ypsilanti. The Crisis Center's phone number is 734.484.4300 and Website (with hours listed) is http://soscs.org/cs.html.
Thomas Bare
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 1:54 p.m.
To Atticus. Thank you. Yes I am organized, in fact from what I have been told maybe to organized, I think that is why the shelter "targeted" me. Like I said before, yes there are people in worse situations than me and I wish I can help them out, but I really have to worry about my situation RIGHT now. Yes needing that job would get me into an apartment, but also needing stable housing would work on continuing to look for that work. Also to add to an e-mail that I have responded to and I believe I mentioned it in one of my other posts. I am signed up with 5 temp agencies, which I get the same story everyday, nothing going on. I am signed up with UofM, EMU, WCC, St. Joes, MI Works. I would be just sending out general e-mails to random companies. It is not a market that is going to get better anytime soon. I walk around here downtown, and with college ending and students leaving, not many places have signs out to replace those people. In regards to my health, yes I have filed for SSI and state disability but as previously, I will probably be denied.
Atticus F.
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 1:45 p.m.
On a side note, I think housing should be a right in this country. Even if you're a drug addict or alcoholic, you should have somewhere you can lay your head. Mr Bare seems to have some organizational/social skills, and he is obviously struggling...I can only imagine how hard it is for someone who doesn't have ANY life skills or support structure who is homeless.
Atticus F.
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.
I think another problem Thomas is having, is that he has back problems. Unfortunately, he might be extremely limited by what he can and can not do, but at the same time not eligible for SSI. Another problem, is the people who are in charge of hireing will often not hire someone simply because they dont like the way that person looks. It's an unfortunate truth, but if you're pretty it's alot easier to get a job.
Thomas Bare
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.
First of all I want to thank everyone so far for their comments and concerns. I have personally e-mailed some of you back, but there is one comment that I would like to respond on here, actually there are 2, but the one part I wanted to talk about in my original post, they would not let it in. So to Bunnyabbot, yes I sent you an e-mail back, but I would like to say, I do have a strong resume and I cannot post it on here. Yes I have had some job gaps in the past, but majority of it is because of my medical issues. Mostly my back. In fact just to give you an update, I did go see the doctor this morning and it has been talked about that I might need another back surgery. I was referred to an Orthopedic Surgeon. As a lot of people are saying, it is Ann Arbor and Michigan. In fact there was a story on here a couple weeks ago in regards to the President and his appearance here this weekend, half of the graduating class will be leaving Michigan and probably not come back. So what do I do? And no I am not looking for a pity party, yes as I have said in my first few blogs there are people in worse situations than me and vice a versa. But I am trying to do what I have to do in order to get back on track, and if it is expressing my concerns here, than I am sorry for the people thinking that this is wrong. At least those people have a place to lay there head, a nice hot shower, and real food to eat. Me, and like a lot of other people facing the crisis here, we are not as fortunate.
MyOpinion
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 1:28 p.m.
Braggslaw you are like GHW Bush not knowing what a scanner was at a grocery store. As several others have posted, minimum wage jobs are usually minimum hour jobs as well so that no benefits have to be provided. Also, a minor point, but relevant when you have no money, is that you don't get paid immediately. Oh, and many apartments ask for first/last month rent. And for bunnyabot who wondered what could be in his history that keeps people from hiring him. Well, we're in the midst of a pretty long recession. It is a buyer's market for employers. So, he will be less desirable than lots of folks - recent graduates, recently laid off folks, people who come in to the interview in clean clothes and with a crisp resume, etc. While many homeless folks don't always make wise decisions, it isn't quite the piece of cake you all imagine it to be.
ladydi
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 1:26 p.m.
The Staples in Westgate Shopping Mall is hiring cashiers.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 1:12 p.m.
and I am curious as to why he has sent out tons of job applications and not gotten a job. Besides the homeless issue are there other things on his application that would be a red flag to someone hiring?
goblue18
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.
I have to agree with ILJ. I have a friend who thought she'd get at least 20 hrs/week at the McD's on Zeeb and is lucky to get FOUR HOURS in a two week period. McD's hires a bunch of folks with the idea that some percentage of them will quit pretty quickly. Then, especially right now, the people don't quit, so the store ends up having to spread the available hours over a much larger-than-anticipated staff. McD's may be a start, but it's no shot at a living right now.
ILJ
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.
I'm not sure it's fair to assume he could get a 40-hour-a-week job at McDonalds. Many of the low-paying, low-skill jobs in fast food and retail are not 40 hours a week. Those places typically hire a bunch of part-time workers so they have maximum flexibility with scheduling and no obligation to pay health benefits.
braggslaw
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 11 a.m.
Minimum wage in Michigan is $7.40 an hour. 300 bucks a week. 15000 a year. Your tax rate would be almost nothing so most of that money could be pocketed. A room rental in Ann Arbor is from $200-500 dollars/a month depending on the area (and how many room-mates you would have). With national health care coming you would not have to worry about insurance premiums. You could bike or take the bus to work. A simple bike would run around $50.00 I worked the reg and quarter grill and fries at Mcdonalds when I was 16. It was good and honest work. I ended up going to college but there was opportunity to move up in the Mcdonalds organization.
braggslaw
Tue, Apr 27, 2010 : 10:52 a.m.
I am pretty sure the Mcdonalds off of State Street had a sign for new hires. With the new minimum wage (7 bucks an hour?) and 40 hours a week, it would give you enough to rent a room (200-300 a month) in a communal housing setup. You could work your way off the grill to cashier and then possibly to store manager. It would be a decent life.