I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

Our Assistance hours are 9am to 4pm Monday through Thursday. However peoples' needs are not limited to those hours. This past weekend, GSM received a call on Saturday from a family member needing help with a sibling who was currently homeless. This man had been sleeping in public restrooms or other such places. He was hungry, cold, and overwhelmed, unable to help himself-  completely at the mercy of the elements.   
Via text and phone calls most of Saturday, family and GSM discussed options that could provide him a bed out of the cold, food and shelter while keeping in mind the need for future treatment plans in a supportive environment. Another agency was called into the conversation. This agency provides beds in a neighborhood house for men in the similar situations, of trying to rebuild their lives. By staying at this house, individuals agree to set goals, live by rules, and have a job. As luck would have it,the agency had an available bed, and since this man had recently secured a job the program would work for him and be a much better option than a hotel room. The bed and house were ready that evening, GSM agreed to  pick up the first month’s rent for the man so he would be able to save his initial month of paychecks for the next month, or for treatment once all falls in place. His family also agreed to help with next month’s rent if necessary and GSM would be another resource for future supports as well. This is a perfect example of how family, social service supports, and the individual's own efforts all can work together for the goal of independence and community integration. We get so much more accomplished if we attack the problem of homelessness together. ​