As a former case manager at a homeless shelter, I learned much about what works and what doesn’t work when striving to motivate individuals experiencing homelessness. And I think that even when we do all of the “right” things with people in this situation, that doesn’t mean the story will end well. It is a fact of life in the homeless community—death is common.
So, how do we approach homelessness in a wholesome manner? First, get to know the person and hear their story. Everyone has a story and they are unique to each individual. The cause of their homelessness must be established after a safe relationship has formed with a case manager, peer support specialist or a well-trained volunteer.
The causes of homelessness are many, though addiction and/or mental illness are major contributors in a good portion of the homeless population. It is important to note that NOT all homelessness is caused due to the conditions I mentioned. For the sake of this article, I am focusing on the issue of homelessness and addiction coupled with mental illness.
I have a very personal story to share where a wonderful young woman became homeless after domestic violence and drug abuse. She was very pretty, her hair and nails always done and a style that resembled a vintage look. She was rather sassy, but she and I bonded quickly after she came to the shelter. For the sake of keeping her name confidential, I will use the
name Katie.
Katie challenged me on more than one occasion, but mostly, she shared her life story with me. She brought home videos of her children for me to view with her. She loved her kids and would often talk of better days. But she would not take heed to my advice about using drugs and putting herself in harm’s way, time and time again, with the man who abused her.
She ultimately left the shelter, though would stop in from time to time to chat with me or get a hot meal.
One day, Katie gave up on life. She purposefully put herself in a position where she would be wanted by the police. Then, when the police approached her, she showed a handgun. She was shot by the police on the spot. A suicide-by-cop scenario. Not the ending I had hoped for. I remember calling her cellphone and leaving multiple messages, “Katie, this is Barbara. I am with you and for you and will go in to the police department with you to turn yourself in.” But she saw no way out of her
situation and totally gave up.
Her actions had a ripple effect: The police officer who shot her now has the trauma of taking a life. Her children will grow to never know their mother. Her family no longer holds onto the hope that Katie will be okay. And it affected me too. Many nights I spent crying and grieving the loss of the young woman I had hoped to help. Social work is not for the faint of heart.
Barbara is formerly homeless and has worked with the homeless in a shelter setting, along with performing outreach services. She believes in the recovery model when addressing homelessness versus harm reduction
and housing first models. She has served on several Boards and committees, all which revolve around poverty and homelessness. Her advocacy work dates back to 2003.
About the Author
