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Ken Williams: The Numbers Can Be Overwhelming, but Help Is Here
The air was cold and I was bundled up in my leather jacket, unlike the young man who stood before me. He was wearing a woman’s coat that may have been fashionably conscious at one time, but was definitely not built for foul weather. Our breath was visible with the early morning air as we stood and talked. He also carried an overflowing black plastic bag filled with whatever worldly possessions he owned. He was respectful, shy in fact, and clearly mentally ill. He refused my gift for him at first, until I reassured him several times that he was of course able to use it as he saw fit. When I tried to broach the idea of a shelter or the warming center, he withdrew into his armor of mental illness, acting like a hunted deer.
Because of the kindness of a few from Santa Barbara, I found myself embarking on a heartbreaking yet inspirational journey that led me to this encounter. One friend of mine, having read of the harsh conditions on the streets during the recent cold snap, ordered hundreds of pairs of gloves and rain ponchos. Another, a hidden saint of our community, when asked by his equally saintly wife and children what he wanted for his birthday stated: a shopping trip to a sports store for the homeless. Within moments, those very goods flew off the retail shelf, as this man’s concern for our friends on the streets took on a concrete response. And still, there was more help that came from others of our community. Thus armed with much needed supplies, I hit the streets looking for those in need. I furthermore kept in mind some of the responses to my attempts to humanize those who find the streets home via my articles; so, I decided to keep notes of who received their unnamed benefactors’ help.
Out of the first 20 recipients, 10 were clearly mentally ill with classic signs of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and/or severe depression. There was one person I was uncertain about, as he wouldn’t engage in meaningful conversation. Three were severally physically disabled, some in wheelchairs and a deaf-mute. These first statistics, in general, held up for the rest of my special project.
At the end of the day, while sitting at home and reading my notes of whom I served, I was sadly shocked. I should know better; after all, I live in that world day in and day out. To find 50 percent of the first 20 in need of mental health services tells us much. I would suggest that when people ask what can be done, or others imply that the homeless are just people out for a lifestyle choice, that we remember this statistic.
And instead of seeing stereotypical “homeless,” we break down this generic catchall into specific categories, see them as individuals first, and then ascertain what the unmet needs are. Based on my experiences, I would conservatively estimate the composition of the homeless to be as follows: mentally ill, 35 percent; families and children, 20 percent; those physically disabled, the fastest-growing subgroup of homeless, 25 percent; most studies show veterans making up 20 percent; and those afflicted by the curse of addiction, 30 percent. Of course, there is much overlap, but the point I would like to make is that the solution to this tragedy of homelessness can only be solved when we move away from fear-induced stereotypes and address the reality before us. This also offers a way out for those who find objectionable some of the behaviors of those who find the streets home.
None of us can save the universe, but we can address the needs of those on our own streets and come up with solutions from what moves our own hearts. If one finds it scandalous that a combat veteran should return home only to become homeless, then please make the Veterans Affairs Department finally fulfill its moral contract. If homeless children stir your heart, then make politicians put our children’s needs first. Our community can make a great difference if we move away from stereotypes to reality by reaching out a helping hand to one person at a time.
Another response to my articles comes frequently to mind. Many have written: What can I personally do? As the example that my friends showed, our community is blessed with many caring and compassionate people and organizations. For those interested in homeless children, Transition House is a godsend, as is the Mental Health Association in Santa Barbara County for the mentally ill. They are among the finest organizations I have been fortunate to work with.
While some may find a measure of fault with the Salvation Army and the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, one can never take away literally the hundreds of lives saved by them. Sadly, the Rape Crisis Center and Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County are still greatly needed by many and both do outstanding work.
Casa Esperanza is moving in the direction of utilizing volunteers. And the examples of the Organic Soup Kitchen, Consumer Advocacy Coalition and Jeff Shaffer’s efforts to feed the poor are other examples of local solutions.
I come back to my friends who insist on remaining anonymous but who have done so much good over the years. Your efforts lead to only one conclusion: Angels do in fact walk among us and we are much richer for this. I would like to thank each one of you on behalf of those whose lives you have touched and helped save. You also have uplifted me many times when despair has threatened to overwhelm.
A Sad New Beginning
Greg, a friend of mine who happens to be homeless, died suddenly Jan. 8 at Stearns Wharf. He was 53 years old.
— Ken Williams has been a social worker for the homeless for the last 30 years. He is the author of China White and Shattered Dreams, A Story of the Streets.
Comments
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» on 01.13.10 @ 09:44 PM
No one cares about reading about the homeless.
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» on 01.14.10 @ 07:02 AM
We are so lucky in Santa Barbara to have Ken Williams to bring us the stories of those who otherwise might be forgotten in our community. And thanks, Ken, for highlighting the great work many of our local nonprofits do in making our community a better place.
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» on 01.14.10 @ 07:17 AM
As always bless you Ken for your caring work and writing.
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» on 01.14.10 @ 08:46 AM
Ken, as always, I am moved by your stories of our friends on the streets. Working alongside Jeff Shaffer at Pershing Park has given me the opportunity to befriend many and even be a part of getting a few off the streets. There is nothing more satisfying than watching an alcoholic, go from the street to jail to a sober living house, and now to a full time job. Someone who has lived on the streets for many years, without hope, is now an employed citizen giving back to our community. Last night I connected with a man who’s belongings were soaking wet from the recent rains. Within a few minutes we found him a dry blanket and a dry sleeping bag. A small gesture can change someones day - hope can change a life. This is what spurs us on in the face of the impossible. Thank you for all you do, Ken.
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» on 01.14.10 @ 09:02 AM
I met you briefly when I worked at Social Services a few years ago. I had a man on my window who was obviously in need. I saw you in action how kind and gentle you were to him. I recently ran into you at the gas station. Keep up your wonderful work and the amazing information
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» on 01.14.10 @ 10:22 AM
Dear Ken,
Thank you for your insightful article about homelessness from your 30 year perspective as their tireless advocate. It was full of insights - especially given the high percentage of walking wounded who are mentally ill, veterans and dually diagnosed with multiple afflictions.
However, I noted that you continue to be ambivalent, to say the least, about the work of the Rescue Mission where I spent 10 years “in the trenches” working with this population. You wrote:
“While some may find a measure of fault with the Salvation Army and the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, one can never take away literally the hundreds of lives saved by them”.
Since I continue to work as a “Mentor/Life Coach” to men who have given a year of their lives to an intensive program of intervention, counseling and career/life planning, I am curious when I continue to hear detractors use language like yours in describing the work of this fine agency. Please, as a long time friend, share with me the exact nature of your criticism of our work so that I can relay it to those in leadership. If your concerns are valid, be assured that they will be addressed at their next board meeting. If not, please be careful how you describe the work of the Rescue Mission since our donors are strongly influenced by your pejorative words. Thank you for helping us to be the best we can be.
Sincerely,
Dale Myers
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» on 01.14.10 @ 10:51 AM
Dale,
No criticism of the Rescue Mission was implied by me. I hold that organization in respect knowing the great work that they do. My personal feelings are not shared by all however, so I was attempting to show that even if some have a different opinion no one can take away the literally hundreds of lives saved by them. To me, no one can do greater good than that.
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» on 01.14.10 @ 11:58 AM
Contrary to the John Q’s last comment, this community is very much interested in the state of homelessness.
Your reports and commentary is not only much needed but appreciated by many people I work with and know…
keep up the good fight my friend!!!
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» on 01.14.10 @ 12:25 PM
Bless you, Ken, you are an inspiration to us all. More and more Middle Class families are finding them selves homeless in these trying economic times. How can we donate some money to you for your work?
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» on 01.14.10 @ 04:34 PM
I want to applaud Ken for his amazing work. Talk about angels who walk among us, this man is a saint! He has made a difference in so many lives. He has certainly touched mine in a profound way, showing me how many people truly need our care and concern and how our small gifts can go such a long way toward making people’s lives a little better. I am grateful to have such a hard working, loving and humble man doing so much good in our community. Thank you Ken, for being who you are in this world. Thank you for helping the homeless men, women and children of Santa Barbara.
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» on 01.14.10 @ 08:49 PM
If the community wants to hear about the problems of the homeless then why is the only outlet that has stories is a free online portal.
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» on 01.14.10 @ 10:19 PM
Mr. Williams—I have not meet you personally, however, I do know who you are and how much your influence has brought hope to many of the people on the streets. Rather than hear about the homeless people, I prefer to hear from them. I make a point of reaching out to the homeless people I come in contact with. I look at them and smile at them and ask them how they are doing. I actually care how they are doing. I can’t change the world but I can share my caring for one of my brothers or sisters. I don’t see them as different or something to be avoided. I see a person with a heart and a soul and a need to be loved and cared for. The entire world does not revolve around money. You don’t need to look at homeless people like all they want is a hand out and a free ride. Some of the most humble, loving people I have ever known live right here on the streets of Santa Barbara. Most of them are more compassionate and caring than the people I meet through business or social events. I treat them with respect and they in turn treat me with respect. I use to think if I couldn’t save the world why try to help just one person. Well, I know why now, when I reach out and help another I help myself to be the best I can be and by doing that I at least help two people. In one way Mr. angry, unhappy John Q is right..I don’t like to read about the homeless, I like to reach out and help a homeless person not be a hopeless person. Some days all I can do is look someone in the eye and smile and that’s enough.
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» on 01.15.10 @ 02:32 PM
Greg came to Pershing occasionally - we will miss him! Hope you all do care, not like john q says in the comment below mine
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» on 01.16.10 @ 02:51 PM
Jack and I agree that we all need to pitch in and help one person at a time. Every person and story is unique. We have “Holy Chaos” on Sunday afternoons from 2-4, at the Ocean Hills Loft, 821 State St. This group is amazing. We work with people who are in transition who seek betterment in their lives. We pray together, share stories and problems, give each other love and encouragement. We see people getting better. Social skills are developing and communicating with others is making for healthier dialog. We serve food at 3:30. Come and see!!
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» on 01.19.10 @ 08:20 PM
My Grandson Eric sent me this article. He works for Casa Esperanza. I am writing to say that I think what you are doing is what needs to be done, and I am glad that my grandson supports the work, and so glad that he sees the value, the need for it.Living in Sacramento, we have our own h9meless population to care for. So few offer help. We see them coming into our church because they know they are wlcome.
Blessings on you as you do what is desperately needed.
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» on 01.23.10 @ 02:45 AM
The Santa Barbara Corps Advisory Board
Donald E. Barry, Chair
Angela Krablin, Secretary
William Below
Rich Christensen
Joanie Green
Len Jarrot
George Leis
William Lucas
Frank Mannix
Bente Millard
John Mitchell, Jr.
Art Pizzinat
Victor Sidhu
Gerri Willoughby
Does anyone know how current this list is and when the next board meeting takes place? I want to ask the board, if I can, to comment on some of the rumors about the Salvation Army Hospitality House in Santa Barbara.
For example, I heard that they found a crack cocaine pipe in the private bedroom of the lead case manager/veterans affairs representative. I also heard that the operations manager grabbed a baseball bat and chased a former resident around with it because he complained about the quality of the food last Thanksgiving holiday.
Well, those are just rumors and let me tell you something, there is nothing to those rumors compared to what I have actually witnessed first hand. I have seen worse than that in the 113 or so days I was there. They finally closed the door on me because I was trying to organize a veterans residents rights group.
Some people tell me they cannot do that, but they did.
Some people tell me that they cannot terminate me from the program for exercising my rights but I am not so sure about all that. However, one thing I am pretty sure about is that there is a group of people who either know or who can find out exactly, what it is they can and what it is they cannot do. So if any one has some points of contact for me, pretty please with sugar on top, fire off a voice mail to
20-jackwolf (205-225-9653)
or an email to
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
or even a snail mail to
PO BOX 21512, Santa Barbara California 93121-1512.
or just post it here.
THANKS.
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More Local News »
Ken Williams: Does Death Ever Tire of Taking Santa Barbara’s Homeless?
There's hardly time to grieve one loss before news of the next comes along
Ken Williams: Fighting ‘The Other’ Overseas Only to Become The Other at Home
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Ken Williams: Decrease in Homeless Deaths a Community Effort
The dead deserve justice, and two recent deaths specifically merit further scrutiny
Ken Williams: Life-Threatening Weather Conditions Take Toll on Homeless
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Ken Williams: Tough Questions Go Unanswered After Tragic Death
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