I feel tired. For the last several days I have been out in the field with the homeless. It’s so hot outside. More and more new people are joining the ranks of the least, the lost and the forgotten. So many good people have made donations of food, blankets, clothes and water. Unfortunately I am going through the supplies faster than I did in the winter.
A homeless couple got into a room in a house. They did what I have seen done many times and that is invite every homeless person they know to move in with them. This makes a full, hot house. When I went to deliver food I saw many children – most under three years of age. That’s why I feel tired and discouraged. All the supplies that are being handed out are only a short stop gap measure. How can I tell the people and the government that we need to take action to build shelters and have a wrap around program?
This film, book, album and gallery show are the keys. We will be able to educate caring people that can take action in some form or another to end this nightmare for those in need. And once again we are fighting the clock and money issues. We have sure paid a price to produce this project. A lot of blood, sweat and tears have been spilled. It is worth it though, because we have made a small difference already.
Terry is a vet that was in a V.A. program in Washington D.C. He did real well for over six months. He lost his place and moved back to Martinsburg, WV. It didn’t take long before Terry was in trouble. Old temptations called on him. He lived in the woods hidden from the public.
I saw him today and hope that with the help of Dr. Grove at M.O.V.V. (Men of Vision and Valor) we will be able to place him back in a V.A. program. This is what happens without a wrap around program in place.
We haven’t even scratched the surface of this problem. I hope and pray that this film project will reach people across our nation and move them to compassion.
6.24.10
DJ McCoy
#1 by Cindy Mason on June 30, 2010 - 4:42 pm
I know that what you see as small is a substantial difference, if it is only in the small realm of West Virginia. I also have real hope that the general public, with no idea of the realities homeless people endure to survive, will be empathetic once the blind is removed. If there is a higher power, I am sure that he/she IS on your side!! I also am moved by Terry’s story–I believe I know this man. Vets must be helped, and the govt who screwed them up must be held accountable.