WPCNR THE HOMELESS NEWS. By Geoffrey Ruff. Special to the White Plains CitizeNetReporter. February 1, 2006: A topic that I must share is how DSS drops the ball as far as single Homeless men that have been diagnosed with Mental Illness and are on psycotropic medicine, especially when they do not follow DSS program guidelines and rules.
Once the Mentally Challenged client has been sanctioned ( all benefits stopped ), he is released from the shelter (kicked-out). He is not monitored, he does not take his medication, he does not shower,he becomes more and more detatched from reality, He becomes more and more depressed.
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From my experiences in the Drop-in (85 Court Street & the Airport Shelter, I've come to the conclusion it's a shame on DSS, and the Mental Health Dept. and that the Departments as a whole, really don't care.The only time the Mentally challenged PERSON is payed the respect, is when the Ward ( person or organization) is receiving immediate funds. If this person who is Mentally challenged makes an IRRATIONAL decision ( because he has no medication) he is "kicked off" of welfare with no place to go, no follow-up is made
Only within the past 2weeks since I've made a "stink" has anything really been done.
In all my years, there have not been a single thing done to focus on them, to help them.
They need assisted living, they need intense monitoring.
I've heard " We can't make them do anything."
IF STAFF stresses these areas considerately, and cordially, the person will take heed. You must remember they are of the mindset of an adolescent, and not dumb or stupid. I'm not saying MAKE THEM, I'm saying SWAY THEM, and do that within the legal boundries.
There might be some band-aids for the wounds, when infact they need complete"stitches"
When do we as Government,and Human beings start, as rational people help those who can't help themselves????? (someone please answer that for me)
DSS PleaseGET ON THE BALL, you are getting more ( and I mean MORE) than enough tax payer money to give them the proper treatment, and still make your big profit.
The Sex Offenders
One fact about us at 85 Court St. The Sexual offenders are not regulars at the drop-in. Once released on parole, YOU MUST go to a district office of Social Services. Parole mandates this!! If you don't arrive within the business hours,then you must go to the Drop-in. You can rest assured the next morning, they do go to DSS and are placed in the Shelter System.
I understand the feelings, and fears of the public, but your community focus should not be on us, it should be on VOA,(Volunteers of America) and DSS. The Violators are at the Valhalla Shelter, NOT AT THE DROP-IN---PLUS if they were at the Drop-in, WE at the DROP-IN would CONFRONT them ourselves.
The public Fears, stereotypes SLANDERS and pure predjudices are very hurtful. I don't blame anyone for putting me in this situation, My actions, and My stupidity as a young man placed me in this situation, NOW it's time for me to come out of this, but unless I have the community's help, I can only go so far. I don't want your money, I don't want to be cottled, I don't want the world placed at my feet.
All I want is a job, and a chance, along with the benefit of the doubt----OLD WISE SAYING--- One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch-------- I actually wonder how many of you have the strength and COURAGE to live like this.
We might be weak in some areas, but we are much stronger under pressure. If you doubt this I personally invite you to live like us for 2 weeks then we'll separate the men from the boys------- OH by the way, did you know I am a veteran, recently finished a Westchester Community College computer course, don't do drugs, Love singing Karaoke, Love to laugh, and also cry at the sad parts of a good movie----Oh you too.
SEE we aren't too much different, except you sleep at home---PLEASE put the focus of your anger where it belongs-- not on us WE didn't commit that horrible act, (The Galleria murder) he did, so why must I (we) pay for his mistake with this Public Lashing?
