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Cold temps, visibility of camp bring attention to homeless
YOUNGSTOWN
The unusually frigid temperatures this month and the relocating of one of the city’s tent camps has focused attention on its residents, probably the last thing many of them want.
It’s a two-edged sword, said Terry Vickers, who works for Catholic Charities Regional Agency as a case manager for Case Management Outreach and Advocacy for the Community’s Homeless or COACH.
People have been living along the Mahoning River in tents for years without much being said or written about them, Vickers said.
But now, with the recent below-zero temperatures and several tents under the Spring Common Bridge in full view of vehicle traffic on West Front Street downtown, they have become very visible and a topic of conversation, he said.
Their main contacts with the outside world were public-service agency people who have services to offer if they want them.
Now, a Facebook page soliciting donations for them has been set up.
And, in a couple of weeks, more attention will come their way when the Mahoning County Homeless Continuum of Care conducts its annual U.S. Housing and Urban Development-required Point in Time/Housing Inventory Count for the homeless.
The PIT/HIC counts are conducted from sunset Jan. 26 to sunrise Jan. 27, said Angie D. Paramore, director of the Mahoning County Homeless Continuum of Care.
The count documents the number of unsheltered homeless people and the sheltered homeless in emergency shelters, transitional housing and safe havens on a single night in January.
“The one-day count gives us definitive information on areas in which to concentrate our efforts to end homelessness,” Paramore said.
Some people, concerned about the tent city homeless during the inclement weather, have supplied them with tents, blankets, coats, hats, gloves, food and other necessities.
Tent-camp residents along West Front are within walking distance of the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall at 208 Front St., which feeds lunch to more than 200 people Monday through Friday, and offers breakfast Saturday mornings.
“We provide a hot meal and give them a bagged meal for later,” said Skip Barone, dining hall manager.
“Some of the homeless have mental-health issues. Some are kind of anti-social, and there are a lot of veterans who haven’t been able to cope back in society,” Barone said. “When it's particularly cold, I worry about them. They know we give out clothes on Thursdays. They are always respectful here and appreciative of what we do here.”
Vickers said he is concerned about the safety of the homeless because of the publicity they are receiving.
On the one hand, it has gotten them some help.
But, he added, “ I am concerned about our clients’ confidentiality. They deserve the respect and dignity that we all deserve.
“It also worries me that they have become known. Across the country, some negative things have happened to the homeless. A few have said they would appreciate staying anonymous.”
They stay under the bridge because it helps block the wind. They look out for one another and sleep in groups for warmth. During the coldest days, some accepted shelter and others did not. Some used propane heaters and fire barrels.
There is a wide range of homeless people, Vickers said.
“Some are addicts, some have good coping skills, and others may not have the skills needed to survive in severe weather. It’s not unusual for people in homeless camps to be employed,” Vickers said.
“Our grant can help them get back on their feet with provided financial assistance in the form of a security deposit and part of the first month’s rent for an apartment, to get them into permanent housing,” Vickers said.
“When temperatures get dangerously low, I check on them daily and offer assistance with transportation. We reach out to them with food and water and warm clothing. I try to be a lifeline to social services,” he said.