Looking Past Homelessness

By Dr. Chad Audi

Isn’t it interesting how some people can leave a lasting impression on so many others? Two recent stories remind me that regardless of a person’s social background or economic standing, it’s the human spirit inside that truly makes a difference.

Guy Myers of Sunnyvale, California was better known as “Guitar Man.” He was homeless, yet he always found a place in his heart to help others. Even more than he helped himself. According to his son, Myers battled an alcohol addiction for several years. He slept in the bushes off a major highway and was a fixture at several Sunnyvale locations where he would strum his guitar and sing for passersby. Tragically, the 58-year-old Myers was fatally struck by a car last month. The community has reacted with an outpouring of support. A shrine was erected outside a 7-Eleven store where Myers often hung out, and he was remembered in several online messages. A retired school employee wrote a poem about Myers called, “Ramblin’ Guitar Man.”

Here in Detroit, regular visitors to our popular Greektown neighborhood — a dining and shopping destination — became very familiar with an elderly woman known as “Greektown Stella.” Stella Paris was believed to be in her mid-90s when she died last month at a Detroit nursing home. For nearly three decades, she lived on the streets of Greektown, frequently screaming in Greek at passersby. The feisty, eccentric woman suffered from schizophrenia. She was loved by family and strangers, but her mental illness often made life difficult. The police allowed Greektown Stella to sleep and wash her clothes at the nearby headquarters and kept a watchful eye on her safety. Despite her quirky and combative personality, Stella was a beloved fixture in Greektown.

Both are examples of individuals who were homeless, but who touched numerous lives. In Myers’ case, he seemed to care more about other people than he cared about himself. He just wanted to make people happy with his music. Stella Paris provided a colorful part of Greektown’s history and will be missed by many. In their own unique ways, they created lasting memories for many.

Haiti’s Homeless

By Dr. Chad Audi

The deadly earthquake that devastated Haiti has left more than one million people homeless. As the people of Haiti try to cope with the massive loss of life, they must also struggle with the fact that so many of them have no where to live. Makeshift homes and refugee camps can be found throughout the capital of Port-Au-Prince. The Haitian government has just announced plans to set up tent cities in order to house more than 400,000 people in a safer, cleaner environment outside Port-Au-Prince. And Habitat for Humanity International is planning to erect thousands of expandable and quake-resistant one-room homes to shelter the homeless.

This natural disaster has created a human services crisis in Haiti, which will linger for months and probably years to come. But for now, the world is coming to Haiti’s aid. Thanks to the incredible generosity of people throughout the world, much needed emergency supplies — food and water — are making its way to Haiti. Health care workers are donating their time to treat the masses of people injured in the quake. Nearly $1 billion in emergency and long term aid has been pledged by foreign nations, including the United States. There has been an outpouring of donations from people around the world.

Here in the U.S., we have recently seen the ranks of the homeless swell under our struggling economy. At the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we have seen people walk in who have lost their homes to foreclosure or who can’t afford to eat. They are among the new faces of the homeless. But the number of newly homeless in Haiti is staggering. Imagine one million people who suddenly have no place to live!

The entire world is focused on helping the people of Haiti and rebuilding that tiny nation as quickly as possible. It warms my heart and makes me proud to witness the kindness and true compassion of the human race.

A Cold Weather Crisis for the Homeless

By Dr. Chad Audi

Much of the United States — and parts of the world — are in the midst of a severe cold snap. Here in Detroit, temperatures have dipped into the single digits, while the East Coast is grappling with major snowstorms. Even parts of India are experiencing unusual near-freezing weather. Normally, winters are short and mild in that region, but the cold temperatures have led to the deaths of at least sixteen homeless people, despite the government’s efforts to provide the poor with blankets and firewood.

In Vancouver, B.C. a controversial new law called the “Assistance to Shelter Act” just went into effect. It gives police the authority to “apprehend” people who are sleeping outside when an emergency weather alert is declared. While officials say the law is designed to prevent cold weather deaths among the homeless, critics contend it’s an effort to rid Vancouver of homeless individuals while it hosts the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Regardless, it’s hard to argue about the impact of extreme weather conditions on the homeless. They are the most vulnerable victims of the bitter cold temperatures. If you live in a cold weather state, you know exactly what I mean. The next time you’re out in the cold, bundled up in layers of clothing and running errands or going to work, try to imagine how it would feel to have no where to go to warm up. No heated house. No warm, dry clothes to change into. No fireplace to sit by. And no hot coffee or tea to warm your insides. It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it?

That’s why winter is perhaps the busiest time at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). We never say “no” to the homeless who come to our door for a respite from the cold and snow. We make room for them and provide a warm place to sleep, dry clothing to wear, and hot food to eat. For the homeless, it’s a matter of life and death. And as a faith-based organization, saving lives is how we serve God.

Making the Holidays Brighter

By Dr. Chad Audi

As President/CEO of the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), it was my pleasure to host our annual holiday party recently for hundreds of disadvantaged children and adults. It made my day to see the smiles on the faces of the kids and to hear the sincere gratitude from the grown-ups.

The holiday gathering gave everyone an opportunity to forget about the struggling economy and to embrace the joy, love and caring of the season. Santa Claus was there to hear the wishes of the children. Needy families received a nutritious, hearty meal. Kids screamed with joy as they opened gifts donated by our generous friends in the community.

For the thousands of children across the country who are homeless or poor, the holidays can be a lonely, unhappy time of the year. They feel sad about not having what other children have. There is no joy in their hearts and no hope for the New Year.

Throughout the year, adults and children come through DRMM’s doors asking for a helping hand. Our staff and volunteers provide them with food, shelter, clothing, education, counseling and spiritual nourishment so that they regain hope for the future. But at this time of the year, it’s even more important to make sure that everyone experiences the magic of the holidays. Especially the children. Every child deserves a Christmas filled with giving and love. That’s what the holidays are all about.

Counting the Homeless in the 2010 Census

By Dr. Chad Audi

The 2010 U.S. Census is shaping up to be the biggest and most comprehensive effort ever in our history. An estimated 140,000 Census workers and 145 million housing units will be involved in the count that takes place every ten years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.

There’s something new in the 2010 Census. It will be the first time that hard-to-reach populations will be counted, such as the homeless living in shelters and on the streets, as well as those in dormitories, group homes and prisons. Another change involves the formerly extensive Census questionnaire, which has been revamped into a simple 10-question survey.

For non-profits that serve the homeless and needy, such as the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), it is imperative that we are prepared, trained and equipped to make sure that all constituents are counted. The entire community needs to be educated on the importance of the Census and how it impacts the amount of federal funding and stimulus money received by municipalities and states. The more people in a state, the more funding that state gets. Some of the federal money is awarded to agencies that provide critical services assisting the homeless and disadvantaged. The Census also determines the number of Congressional seats states are allowed. An increase in population means a state may gain more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. So as you see, getting an accurate count is vital.

The 2010 Census begins in March. Stand up and be counted. Make this Census a success.

Homeless Doll: What Message Does it Send?

By Dr. Chad Audi

As we entered the busy holiday shopping season, a controversy arose over a new doll that supposedly represents a homeless child. The very popular American Girl brand released a limited-edition doll named “Gwen” whose background story focuses on a father who walked out, leaving Gwen and her mother to fend for themselves.

There are thousands of homeless children across the country, living in shelters and on the streets with one or more parents, who have experienced this type of situation in real life. For them, homelessness is very real. It’s not conveyed through a doll. Plus, they could never afford a doll like “Gwen,” which comes with a $95 price tag.

Mattel’s American Girl line is known for creating dolls that help girls deal with real life situations. The dolls represent a diverse range of ethnicities, cultures and economic backgrounds. Each doll has a story that comes with it and reflects certain periods in American history.

I think the new “homeless” doll would be better received if the money from its purchase was donated to shelters and other agencies that help the homeless. Or perhaps even if the company had donated the dolls to kids in shelters. In all fairness, a Detroit newspaper editor reporting on the story discovered that Gwen was actually introduced as part of a bullying back-story, which later expanded into the doll also experiencing homelessness. As a result, Mattel teamed up with a non-profit to develop an anti-bullying curriculum for millions of school kids. And, since its inception, American Girl has donated nearly $9 million in clothing and books to a global charity that helps homeless kids.

But, getting back to Gwen, does a high-priced doll representing homelessness send a mixed message to our kids? Is the doll in poor taste? Or is it a good way to educate and raise awareness about the plight of the homeless? I’m very curious to hear what you think.

Attacks on the Homeless

By Dr. Chad Audi

There have been some very disturbing stories in the news recently about attacks on the homeless. In some cases, this senseless brutality has resulted in deaths. And just as disturbing is the fact that many of the incidents involve young people. For example, two Michigan teens — both 15 years old — were recently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the beating death of two homeless men. They were only14 years old when the attacks took place, and police say the beating may have been part of a gang initiation.

This type of behavior demonstrates an utter disrespect for human life and particularly the most vulnerable members of our society. And sadly, this is happening across the country. Statistics show violence against the nation’s homeless is soaring and the majority of attackers are teens and young adults. The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty report that of the more than 142 unprovoked attacks on homeless people in 2007, the most — at least 32 — took place in Florida. In fact, the problem is so bad that homeless agencies in Florida have teamed up with schools to develop a curriculum that teaches respect for the homeless.

As we celebrate this joyous holiday season, there’s no better time to remind our young people how precious life is and to teach them about the importance of “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Men.” Homeless people are people too. It doesn’t matter what journey a person has taken through life; everyone is deserving of love and respect. We are all equal in God’s eyes.

Honoring our Seniors

By Dr. Chad Audi

A recent news story revealed that more senior citizens than ever are showing up at soup kitchens across the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports an increase of 81 percent last year in the number of seniors living alone who sought help from food pantries, compared to two years earlier. Catholic Charities USA, which helps the needy, noted a 54 percent rise in requests from seniors for food and services in the third quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2008.

So what does this all mean? Naturally, much of the blame can be placed on the current recession. Retirement funds and nest eggs are drying up. Health care is in flux, making it necessary for seniors to choose between buying medication or food and causing them to skip medical appointments. Social Security and small pensions are not enough to keep up with mortgage or rent payments and utility bills. It’s hard to buy food when the prices keep rising and you are on a fixed income.

At the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we have a special place in our hearts for the elderly who are suffering through tough times. We do what we can by offering food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental care, and companionship at a time when they need it most — in their golden years. Life can be very lonely when you are aged with inadequate finances or no family and friends around. Many of our senior citizens are too proud and too private to seek help. After all, they survived through the Great Depression and other economic downturns in our history, so they may feel that they can make it now too. But that’s not always possible.

We must respect our older citizens. They have come through a lot and continue to go through a lot today. Check on your elderly neighbors and relatives. Make sure they are eating right and have access to enough food. Spend some time sitting and talking with seniors. We owe it to them.

Homeless for the Holidays

By Dr. Chad Audi

As we enter the joyous holiday season, I implore all of you who are reading this to include the homeless and disadvantaged in your thoughts and prayers. Imagine what it is like not to have family and friends to spend the holidays with, or a warm house to call your own. Tens of thousands of people are in that situation around the country. They don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and they live a lonely existence on city streets.

Why not reach out during the holidays and touch those hurting souls by donating food or clothing, volunteering at local shelters and other agencies that assist the poor, or providing your expertise and skills at no cost to help the needy. In today’s struggling economy, there are more people hurting than ever before. It could be your neighbor, your colleague at work, or a relative who needs a helping hand.

At the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we guide thousands of men and women as they embark on the journey to a brand-new life. We provide food, shelter, clothing, and job skills, and introduce them to the miracle of God’s love. This fall and winter we expect to see thousands of hungry men, women and children come to the Mission, as the cold weather and bitter economic conditions drive them to seek help. In fact, we anticipate that our shelters will be busting at the seams with people who are cold, exhausted and brokenhearted.

The holidays are a time for happiness, family, and togetherness. While you are enjoying this special season, I hope that you will find a way to bring joy and comfort to a hurting soul and help change a life in the process.

A New Beginning

By Dr. Chad Audi

This summer, I was proud to witness a “New Beginning” for nearly 400 people graduating from the recovery programs at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). And what a celebration it was! The graduates were formerly homeless, addicted or disadvantaged and had remained drug- and alcohol-free for at least 90 days. Some of the graduates completed DRMM’s transitional housing program or obtained a GED. Our educational partners, such as Wayne County Community College District, helped the graduates gain a variety of skills in areas such as computer hardware and software, culinary arts, residential wiring, customer service, Web and graphic design, video production and landscaping.

A particularly emotional highlight of this year’s ceremony was the presentation of a car to DRMM graduate Stephen Day. Stephen was moved to tears as I presented him with keys to a 1995 Chrysler LeBaron convertible that had been donated to the Rescue Mission. The crowd joined in Stephen’s joy and excitement by rising to their feet in thunderous applause. Stephen received the automobile as a reward for making such a tremendous change in his life.

Let me tell you about Stephen’s amazing story. As a teenager, he was an alcoholic and later a crack cocaine addict. Despite his addictions, he graduated from high school, attended trade schools, and held jobs as a machinist and truck driver. But his life fell apart when began to experience blackouts and DUI arrests. He lost his truck driver job and became homeless. Repeated attempts at sobriety failed until Stephen came to the Detroit Rescue Mission last year. His transformation began with substance abuse treatment at our Christian Guidance Center (CGC). Today, Stephen has completed a year of college, made the dean’s list, and received an invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He works full-time as a resident specialist at a DRMM facility and has paid off outstanding tickets in order to get his driver’s license reinstated. Stephen is pursuing a degree in mental health services.

Isn’t this proof that everyone deserves a New Beginning?