shelterworks News from the Willis Dady Emergency Shelter
Winter
2012
Martha “I’m glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility (U.S. poet and writer, 1943- )” - Nikki Giovanni We meet again. This time it is to talk about a young man and a veteran who entered our shelter this year. Both had two different types of appearance. Each possessed a story that had not yet been told. Samuel had been tossed and driven by voices that led him to be hospitalized while James had left another state due to his past. Both men’s mental health was in question. They had become homeless. Samuel was guarded at first time. I had read some of James’s story. Samuel had piercing blue eyes that told you so much without a word spoken. And James’s story challenged my ability to handle a controversial situation. It is what they did not say is what was heard. Samuel was educated. James had enlisted in the military. Both men had traveled abroad. One had traveled to an eastern country, the other to Vietnam. In my mind’s eye, there was much more to these men. Yet in some way they were able to share apart their life with me. One thing was clear. Their mental health had interrupted everyday living. Re-assurance in some way was what these men needed while in shelter. It required action. Listening became essential for the three of us. It was not listening in the traditional sense. It was watching and observing that if one listened carefully they could see the struggles of schizophrenia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. And understand that they were complicated illnesses that required more than a short stay at shelter. Samuel was encouraged to make his appointments for his medication and look for a job. James was encouraged to work with the VA Outreach and WDES staff in trying to get the benefits for serving our country. Both men were guarded.
Yet they were reminded to believe in themselves. Soon Samuel became gainfully employed. James was on the verge of receiving benefits from the VA. Each of these men listened. And we did the same by working collaboratively with the VA outreach team. Relentless hours were spent working together to hope that James would be able to live the rest of his life out by enjoying the things that he had missed for over 20 years. Samuel required quiet understanding and encouragement. Samuel’s walk through shelter was quiet. James’s was a test of will. Some believe that hope is an important element under mental health recovery. Its’ importance is tied to one being able to control his/her life. Samuel and James struggled at times in shelter however they rose to the occasion of dealing with mental illness and homelessness. Although these two men differed in age and background, the commonality is of those who suffer under mental health problems. One suffered under mental illness that caused him to imagine things that haunted him. The other was haunted by life and war. In the end, both men received what they were searching for. Samuel became employed and saved money in shelter. James received his full benefits from the VA. They each found a place to live. A print was left for me from Samuel by a famous Spanish artist. It spoke volumes about mental illness. His smile had become quite beautiful. James began to think about how he was going to try and manage his anger and forgive himself for past mistakes. Martha Notes continued on page 2
Willis Dady Emergency Shelter Board of Directors Janet Slimak, President David Fisher, Vice President Tim Wilson, Executive Director
Bobette Ash, Secretary Jasmine Almoayed Anthony Arrington
Gabe Erickson Kay Henry Eric Jacobs
Rebecca Jacobs Sam Jones Theresa Ann Trimble
Jason Vestweber Robin Wagner