Still doing my p/t job counseling the homeless and its one of the most meaningful aspects of my life, very fulfilling
Showing posts with label street social work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label street social work. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2016
Thursday, May 30, 2013
"Street Social Work"
I got an opportunity this week to practice a little bit of street social work. A guy about my age (not smoking) was sitting on a park bench and complimented the shirt I had on.
I asked him how he was doing and he said:
"I'm having the worst day of my life."
me-"I have a lot of days like that. Do you want to tell me the story?"
him-"have a seat. yes I would like to tell you about it." I am a college educated guy and I have had EVERYTHING handed to me on a silver platter my whole life. In fact I only associate with millionaires. But I mis-managed my inheritances, and now I'm homeless with $50 in my pocket and a vehicle.
I told my kids I've come to Mountain Town to camp because I'm too embarrassed to tell them the truth"
me-"What did you used to do for a living?"
him-"Manage my millions."
me-"Are you a victim of the recession?"
him-"Don't use that word. I am not a victim. And don't use the word "homeless" I don't like labels.
me-"Well, regardless of what words you choose to use, I am trying to get a feel for your story"
him-"What would you do if you were in my shoes?"
me-"Well, It's completely different for women. I would make sure that if i'm living in my vehicle that I park it somewhere where:
a. I don't get raped
b. I'm following all the rules and laws about parking my vehicle or camper.
me-"The last thing you need right now is for some cop to throw you in jail for the night"
me-"Why don't we go to the library I will get you the Mountain Town emergency resource guide, which I refer to as the bible.
him_That sounds great.
me-The advantage to you going to a shelter is that you will get hooked into services more quickly.
(I told him a little about my story)
him-"Your situation is worse then mine. Well, thanks for adding a little bit of light to my day, and if I have any more questions I'll call you."
I asked him how he was doing and he said:
"I'm having the worst day of my life."
me-"I have a lot of days like that. Do you want to tell me the story?"
him-"have a seat. yes I would like to tell you about it." I am a college educated guy and I have had EVERYTHING handed to me on a silver platter my whole life. In fact I only associate with millionaires. But I mis-managed my inheritances, and now I'm homeless with $50 in my pocket and a vehicle.
I told my kids I've come to Mountain Town to camp because I'm too embarrassed to tell them the truth"
me-"What did you used to do for a living?"
him-"Manage my millions."
me-"Are you a victim of the recession?"
him-"Don't use that word. I am not a victim. And don't use the word "homeless" I don't like labels.
me-"Well, regardless of what words you choose to use, I am trying to get a feel for your story"
him-"What would you do if you were in my shoes?"
me-"Well, It's completely different for women. I would make sure that if i'm living in my vehicle that I park it somewhere where:
a. I don't get raped
b. I'm following all the rules and laws about parking my vehicle or camper.
me-"The last thing you need right now is for some cop to throw you in jail for the night"
me-"Why don't we go to the library I will get you the Mountain Town emergency resource guide, which I refer to as the bible.
him_That sounds great.
me-The advantage to you going to a shelter is that you will get hooked into services more quickly.
(I told him a little about my story)
him-"Your situation is worse then mine. Well, thanks for adding a little bit of light to my day, and if I have any more questions I'll call you."
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