Sam is a 43 year old American purple heart veteran living on the streets of Portland, Oregon suffering with PTSD. I met Sam at McDonalds in Portland when I was sitting in my vehicle in the parking lot and he came up to my window and told me he was “hungry.” I handed Sam two tangerines, a blueberry muffin and a bottle of water as we were talking.
After Sam and I visited a bit, I asked him a few questions, such as, “Do you have an EBT food card and where have you been sleeping ?” His EBT food card he claimed was stolen, as well as his cell phone. I noticed Sam was collecting cans and bottles. I asked Sam if there was anyone he would like me to call for him and he said his mother, Wilma. So we called his mother and they arranged to meet at the Portland public library that same day at 3:00.
Come to find out from his mother, Sam is a fentanyl addict and was previously on a methadone program for over seven years. He works nights collecting bottles to support his habit. He might have sold his EBT card and his phone when in need his mother commented. The Department of Economic Security sent Wilma a letter stating, “Lose the EBT again, it will not be replaced.” Sam’s mom, a self-employed business woman with 4 children told me she took Sam into a local grocery store recently, and she herself was not allowed in with Sam due to Sam having been caught stealing. A good reason to be trespassed. Never reward bad behavior.
I gave his mother the name of a great disability law firm. Sam should have been receiving disability SSI for a long time now, but has never applied. It is unfathomable that Sam, being as disabled as he is, has had no one to instruct and assist him in applying for supplemental social security Sam does not have the ability to apply for anything in his circumstances. I told her Sam could go into a sober living home or even a homeless shelter. He doesn’t really want to. He prefers to sleep under a tree. Sam’s income is less than $375. per month. With Sam’s mom having the disability attorneys contact information, I am sure the attorneys have not been contacted. Sam is in dire need; a seasoned disability attorney will be able to expedite Sam’s case expeditiously; within months after he has a court hearing and is approved Sam would receive a check and have extra income each month.
Sober living homes are typically approximately $750. per month and provide food, a bed and do drug and breathalyzer testing. The residents of a sober living home are able to come and go during the day. Rules and boundaries are explained upon arrival and the recovering drug addict will not be allowed to stay if tested positive for drugs or alcohol.
There are dozens of homeless shelters in Portland. Residents of most homeless shelters are kicked out early in the morning after breakfast, no matter what the weather is, and are not allowed back in until late afternoon in time for dinner. This is not a good situation for disabled, elderly and our sickly homeless American citizens who have no automobiles to shelter in during the day.
There are so many homeless in Portland, all of which have a different story. The majority of homeless women nationwide are fleeing victims of domestic violence and are not drug addicts or mental health patients. The majority of homeless American citizens have good jobs and cars, but cannot afford the money required to secure housing or they simply do not want to pay the astronomical priced rentals, and often buy RV’s to live in instead, either living in parks or off-grid.
That’s where Anne Fisher Foundation helps. We provide the funds for the homeless to move into homes; help the homeless acquire government assistance by assisting with paperwork, and guide their steps into homes.
By the way. There is absolute ignorance about the homeless because of the media’s false interpretations and the filming of drug and alcoholics on the street with mental disorders. The fact is there are these addicted homeless, there are women fleeing domestic violence, and there are the victims of natural disasters everywhere across our country. Remember, it could be you next.
Prayers for our American homeless and displaced persons worldwide.
Much Christian love,
Anne Fisher-of-men. Amen