The Ghost of Tom Joad

Inspiration comes in different forms on different days.

I recently finished a book that I hadn't read in along time and it reminded me that the issues of homelessness and poverty have been haunting America for a long time. The culture of homelessness has been written about and examined and is inextricably wound into the fabric of this nation's history. We spend so much time and energy dissecting the system perpetuating homelessness, its easy to marginalize the actual faces it entraps. Statistics often replace the people and data under-represents the stories.

Sometimes by default, we highlight the tragedy associated with homelessness. The narratives of heartbreak and depression and despair are often front and center and should not be forgotten or neglected. But every day I see a different drama unfold in the same way it has been unfolding for decades; there is a type of camaraderie among our residents that is only known by them. The trials and tribulations they've endured breed a fellowship that unintentionally excludes anyone who has never been hungry or worried about making rent. There is a communion between them reserved only for the broken-spirited. For those who mend themselves and then extend a hand to others who have given up.

I write this not to patronize or even diagnose what I see everyday. Rather, I am inspired by the sense of hope and dogged determination so many of our residents demonstrate. The way in which they sacrifice so much energy to encourage one another reminds me that we all are just a small piece of a much larger picture. There are elements of each one of us wrapped up in the greater human story of life. I am thankful that our residents teach me things every day.

"Whenever they's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there. Whenever they's a cop beatin' up a guy, I'll be there... I'll be in the way guys yell when they're mad an'-I'll be in the way kids laugh when they're hungry an' they know supper's ready. An' when our folks eat the stuff they raise an' live in the houses they build-why, I'll be there."    - The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck.

Can a Right be Wrong?

Everyone wants to be right. I haven't met many people who pride themselves upon their ability to be perpetually wrong about everything (apologies to Socrates, whom I never met).  Human nature revels in its ability to find correctness and truth in matters that are important. Being "right" in this context implies a verb, adjective, or adverb... actively seeking a verifiably correct solution to a question, dilemma, or curiosity.

But there is another kind of right. This one is a noun and we, as Americans, hold these rights dear to our hearts because they distinguish us from other people who might not have the same ones as we do. This type of right is defined as, "a just claim or title, whether legal, prescriptive, or moral (dictionary.com)." This version of the word opens a whole new conversation as to what people are entitled to have under the auspices of being an American. We just celebrated our national Independence Day and it inspired me to think about some of the rights we cling to and hold as paramount. The rights that transcend political partisanship and religious or philosophical discussion. I'm referring to the basic rights of any person in any state in any country in any continent.

On a basic level, I argue we have the right to food, shelter, and safety. There are more things we could quibble about, but I'm keeping this at a generic level and not delving into specific politics or other systemic structures. I believe all people, everywhere, are entitled to these three things and there is nothing that should ban or cause them to forfeit these rights. Hopefully, these do not seem too sensational or illogical and we can agree these (in some form) rights to be universal.

But how do we apply these rights to the homeless? I don't think there would be too much opposition when discussing food or safety. These aren't absurd concepts snatched from the cosmos. Food and personal safety are instrumental to imminent and long-term survival. If a person is unable to eat or is subject to uninhibited physical violence, then death is an outcome that is inevitable. Where the discussion gets mired down and involved, is when the idea that housing, as a basic right, is proposed. It makes sense in our heads, but does that mean it translates to reality?

Does every person on this planet have a right to housing? Are all Americans entitled to have place to shelter them from the elements? Does every person in Montana automatically deserve a place to live? Should each individual in Kalispell be included in this conversation? How would it even work and what measures would have to be taken?

The question revolves around the principle that people deserve housing because it is earned or because it is innate. And if housing is only a result of merit, then what qualifies and what disqualifies a person? Who gets to make that decision?  A lack of housing becomes a punishment. However, if food was ever withheld from a person for punitive reasons, then there would be an outcry of injustice. Now imagine if it was a family of 5 who was denied food. If housing is a right, then who is held accountable for the large number of unhoused people in this country?

If not, then what is an acceptable alternative?

Heat Index and a Plea for Auga!

"At least it’s a dry heat."


I've heard that a few times since moving to Montana in 1996. I'm not a meteorologist and, while I wish I had the keen insight of Mark Heyka, it’s not happening for me. All that truly resonates when I walk out of my office are the radiating heat ripples that try and fool me into thinking there is a puddle gathering in the edge of the parking lot; I will never reach this mirage but it will perpetually be there. I am not comforted by dry heat even though I grew up in an environment of gross humidity. I am an equal-opportunity hater when it comes to the power of the sun in regards to making door handles too hot to touch or pavement too blistering for bare feet.

Imagine if you were out in the sun all day. This is a reality for our residents in the shelter because they are gone from the building during the hours of 9am and 4 pm. Since many businesses have no patience for loitering, those who are homeless often spend countless hours outside, forced to brace whatever the elements might toss their way, heat or cold. Rarely is there a respite from the heat that saturates the Valley.

Now, imagine that you were in the constant heat without anything to drink. The current heat wave engulfing us has dangerous effects. Heat stroke and dehydration are just two of the potential hazards the homeless face every day. These are preventable conditions that can be remedied with water.

People often ask what donations would benefit Samaritan House. This time of year we could really use bottled water for our residents. If you are interested in donating water, please drop it off at our shelter or call Kassi at 257-5801.

Thanks!

Homeless Connect (A Limited Photo Anthology)

Time has a way of helping people revise history to suit their beliefs. Past events and circumstances can be reshaped and molded to fit current expectations even if the new product does not fit properly but still allows everyone to assume everything works fine.

Project Homeless Connect was a success and served nearly 700 men, women, and families. Over 30 different social service providers joined together to try and strengthen the community by addressing the needs of Kalsipell's homeless.

But the needs are still many and we, at Samaritan House, are still doing all we can to live in the present. We acknowledge that a great service was provided but there is an ongoing problem that requires immediate action and urgency. Please continue to partner with us in a way that we can rewrite history by making the present livable for so many other people.

 

Southern Hospitality for Samaritan House!

Greetings 'Flathead Southerners' & Friends!

'YEEEHAWWW... Y'ALL!!' Mark your calendars!... it's almost that time again! Our Flathead Southerner's 17th Annual CATFISH FRY & Gatherin' is Sunday, June 30, 2013. 'Social Hour' begins at 4:30 pm, the 'All-You-Can-Eat' Buffet begins at 5:30 pm & the 'Program' (raffle drawings, silent auction closings, etc.) begins at 6:30 pm. See details, menu & price on attached flyer.

*Location - Vista Linda Restaurant-Pavilion 240 Boon Road, Somers, Montana overlooking beautiful Flathead Lake. The special buffet menu of 12+ different food items is prepared by Vista Linda Catering using authentic 'Southern' family recipes. All our favorites will be there such as Cajun Gumbo, Fried Okra & Jambalaya! Every year many folks say,'Please don't change a THING!'... so we try not to! TWO serving lines minimize waiting. No advance meal "tickets" are sold, simply pay at the buffet line by cash, check or credit card. PLEASE CALL EARLY FOR RESERVATIONS directly to Vista Linda @ (406) 857-3158... by Friday June 28. (200 maximum seating under pavilion + 100 outside seating) The Price is only $22 for all you care to eat of some of the best southern cooking around!

*RAFFLE & SILENT AUCTION*
If you'd like to donate prize items or Gift Certificates for our popular *Raffle Benefit* & *Silent Auction*, I'd be happy to give you a free 'advertising plug' in front of an expected 300+ attendees! (Last year we had over $22,000 retail value in donations!) If anyone would like to volunteer to help solicit donations for prizes, I'd greatly appreciate the help. It's never too early to start asking for donations, so please let me know ASAP @ 257-1313 or by email. (Gift Certificates are very popular and get customers in to your business!)

*2013 BENEFICIARY:
100% of the proceeds from the 2013 Raffle & Silent Auction will be donated to Kalispell's 'Samaritan House', a homeless shelter and transitional living program organized in 1988. The mission of the Samaritan House is to provide shelter and basic needs for homeless people, while fostering self-respect and human dignity. For more info, visit their website at http://homelessintheflathead.blogspot.com/ Checks for donations & raffle tickets made directly to 'Samaritan House', a 501(c)3 non-profit corp., are fully tax-deductible.

PLEASE consider helping this wonderful organization with a generous donation &/or buying lots of raffle tickets at our event which will be priced at $5 each or $20 for 6 or $50 for 20. If you can't attend, donations may be made online at the website by credit card or PayPal or mailed to Samaritan House, 124 9th Ave West, P.O. Box 592, Kalispell, MT 59903 (406) 257-5801 THANK YOU!

The 'Program' & raffle drawings will start about 6:30 & should be over about 8:00 pm. Please plan to stay for it ALL! Please help spread the word... tell all your 'Southern' friends & 'Southern Food Lovers'. I like to say, "You don't HAVE to be 'Southern' to attend, but it helps you to understand the jokes!"

Feel free to forward this e-mail to all you know and to even print off the attached 'Flyer' & post on your neighborhood, church, or work bulletin boards. I hope to see 'All Y'all' there for this year's 'Fun, Food & Fellowship'! Feel free to wear your 'Southern' shirts & caps. 'Y'ALL COME, YA HEAR?!'

Best "Southern" Regards,
Bill McGuffie (Univ. of Southern Miss.-'72) 'Go Golden Eagles!'
'Flathead Southerners'- Founder, Organizer, Host & Emcee

PS... We've added a 'Flathead Southerners' group on Facebook. Please "Like" us at the link below and feel free to post photos of anything "Southern" you'd like to share. You must log in to your facebook account first. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Flathead-Southerners/106956219418205

PSS... Our 2007 event was featured in the Kalispell 'Daily Inter Lake' on Sunday 07/01/07. It was excellent coverage with SIX great photos in the 'Montana Life' section! The link is: http://www.dailyinterlake.com/community/lifestyle/article_a800a45a-bcbb-571d-9c98-6a43679357e4.html (Only the lead photo is on the Internet edition.)

The Value of Potpourri

I wrestled with the title of this article; I can admit that. In theory, unless a title appeals to a person, he or she is less inclined to read the story than if the title was catchy or offered something the reader perceived as valuable. I question the value of Potpourri because I find it sickeningly sweet and honestly, since the advent of Febreeze, I think it simply needs to go the way of the Dodo. So, the irony was fairly thick when it was the auto-timed Potpourri dispenser in my office that ended up jogging my cognitive juices as I tried to think of how to sum up last week's Project Homeless Connect.

This dispenser sets atop the bookcase in my office and it emits a cloud of summer fresh rain every 42 minutes. Apparently, this gap in time is just long enough to allow my memory to forget the previous spray session and the hissing cloud always startles me, causing me to jump in my chair. It would be embarrassing if it wasn’t so laughable. Okay... it is embarrassing. And, the only reason I even use the Potpourri is because it is a necessary evil to solve a greater problem: the stuffiness of my office. The exact item I ignore, forget about, and am inwardly annoyed by supplies a helpful service. I am just petty enough to reject the value because I don't like the packaging.

Project Homeless Connect provided potential services to more than 600 people. I logged some serious miles walking around as the event unfolded in numerous halls, classrooms, offices, and utility rooms. I was able to survey what was happening and it dawned on me that just like people outside the shelter, no two of our participants were exactly the same. There is a harmful and damaging stereotype that homeless people are "all the same" and in their situations because they "made bad decisions." I think this is just as ridiculous as saying people who are not homeless are all the same and their life is a result of good decisions.

Every person who participated in PHC had their own unique packaging. By many societal standards they had been ignored, marginalized, and even scorned. Untrue generalizations isolated many and sought to render them ineffective or useless. Over the next few days it will be my privilege to share some firsthand accounts from some participants. I will have some photos to post as well, and I look forward to hearing from any of you who would like to share some stories.

Every 42 minutes I am reminded how wrong I am about so many things.

Stories From Project Homeless Connect

Project Homeless Connect is officially over and I will soon have a report, but I need to let my thoughts ruminate and stew for a while. In the mean time, I would love to hear your reflections or thoughts. They can be anonymous or I can attribute your name to them if you would like.

Please email me at curt_samaritanhouse@yahoo.com with your stories. Whether you were a volunteer, service provider, or participant... If you worked in the kitchen or the coat room; fixed bikes or fitted clothes... Please drop me a line!

Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's PHC an event to remember!