Homeless Advancement Association of Merced
(HAAM)
Section 1 – Rob LeBard
Introduction and Overview
- Provide a safe place for all homeless in town to dwell, including as many homeless as possible in any action taken.
- Continue to ask the homeless what their most important needs are.
I have been on the street talking to as many homeless as possible in my area. Each person has described two major fears. The most prominent one is the fear that police will come at any minute and tell them to move, which often includes moving more things than they can carry, packing things up, sometimes taking down a tent or tarp and having to quickly find another place. They then know that when they choose another place, the same order to move could come at any time. The second major fear is that if they leave the area where they are camped, even for a short period of time, some of their meager possessions could be stolen or harmed.
I recommend that when trying to ascertain the needs of the homeless, this job be given to a trusted homeless person, recruited for this purpose, who will report back with any new information. This person could be provided with a cell phone and could be met with, in person, on a regular basis. It seems the homeless are more honest in explaining their needs to others that are homeless.
When we have met with providers from the city, we have brought a trusted homeless persons with us to those meetings. We were told that it was the first time the homeless had ever experienced being included in discussion and planning.
I think of the homeless as refugees. It seems that refugees are treated better around the world than our current homeless population.
- To help establish one or more places where the homeless can set up a tent or tarp without the constant fear of police action and removal, with trash and bathroom facilities nearby.
As stated above, this would take care of the major problem in the homeless experience. It might be possible to find ways to patrol those areas to help keep the homeless safe from predators. One suggestion is to pay a trusted homeless person, as right now there are some who are watching and protecting areas already.
If sanctioned areas are provided, trash will be a problem. We recommend that large trash bags be given to each homeless person in which they can put there belongings, if needed, and fill them with trash. Then next to each sanctioned area there should be places provided where they can put their trash. A small trash bin or several large trash cans. We have heard that large trash bins have been abused in the past.
- Provide for basic needs in those areas.
As needs are reported, as outlined above, provide for those needs. I have tried to provide for needs expressed to me, the major ones being blankets and tarps. So far, I have provided sleeping bags, a pot to pee in, a pair of shoes, a winter coat, tents, tarps, a cell phone charger and a cook stove, Members of my church have donated a sleeping bag, around twenty blankets, 7 or 8 tarps and a huge bag of socks. Many of these things were distributed by a trusted homeless person to those in most need.
- Communicate with the homeless regularly.
It is important to listen more than to talk as one works with the homeless. As I’ve listened, I’ve learned that one gentleman became homeless after he was in a car wreck with his brother who was killed. He was very close to him and he explained his hurt and how he still watched over the car’s remains here in Merced. I talked to a woman who was kicked out of a house for what she believed was a misunderstanding and wanted to talk to this person and try to set things straight. A man told me that he had unemployment coming and because his wallet was stolen, he couldn’t get his mail at the post office and the line at DMV was too unmanageable to get a new ID. Another told me how he had gotten out of prison, became a Christian, changed his life and now was the enforcer for some of the homeless, explaining how he still would like to get some training and get a job. I’m not sure how much of what I heard was true, but I do know that each person I talked to, appreciated being listened to. Several said that they would like to work with us to help homeless in Merced and would continue to help if they were to someday get a job in the area.
- Conclusion
What is being done in Merced for the homeless isn’t working in the long run. A small percentage of homeless who are taken off the streets, at great expense, are housed in shelters or motels only to be put back on the street again. One gentleman who we helped get off the street into a motel has done this many times during over five years of homelessness. I expect that after a time he will go back to the streets in the endless cycle of, move his tent, worry, move his tent, worry and move his tent again as he worries again about losing some stuff that’s is important to him.
We are also learning that in most areas of the city there are homeless bosses who take advantage of others in their area. They are strong arming people to turn over monies they receive from state and federal sources making them fearful of change. This is something that we must explore further and devise a way to end it.
It is time to look at homelessness and the money we spend in a different way. Think first about making the homeless in Merced safe and secure while listening to them and giving them the opportunity to work and plan for themselves.
Section 2 – Dave Brown
Recruitment, Asset and Liability Protections
- Presentations to bring in Volunteers and resources:
- Kiwanis
- Rotary
- Lions
- Soroptimist
- Women’s Club of Atwater, Merced
- Churches
- Police
- Organizations yet to be recognized.
- Protections:
- Insurance
- Umbrella Organizations
- Use Laws – Ordinances to favor us.
- Prefer to organize under a private entity such as a non-profit.
- Need input from outside sources for best volunteer protections.
- Funding and Fundraising
- Donations
- Grants
- HAAM Fundraising events
Section 3
Protected Living Environments
Level 1 Goals:
Provide a permanent location where the homeless population can live in a safe environment, without the eminent fear of forced relocation.
Provide sanitation services on site which at a minimum would consist of a portable toilet and shower unit.
Provide an environment where the residents are secure in their person and property.
Provide referral to mental health or drug treatment opportunities in appropriate local facilities
Level 2 Goals:
Establish a “hard shell” Micro Housing Village.
Those screened by Merced County social services and found to be reasonably competent and employable would be eligible to live in a micro housing village. Said village would consist of portable structures limited in width to approximately eight feet due to permit issues and other difficulties in moving larger structures. This would be less important if the Micro Village owned the property. Units measuring as small as 6×10 or 8×8 would provide shelter, security, and safety. Said units would not have indoor plumbing but could be provided with one twenty-amp electrical circuit. Larger units such as 10×12 might be available for a larger commitment financially or in labor per month.
Add income producing cottage industries such as produce sales, bicycle repair, egg production, small engine repair, animal boarding etc.
Facilitate personal development by providing on-site remedial education and workforce skills in conjunction with Merced County Social Services.
Level 3 Goals:
Develop the micro village into a micro economy
Develop this micro village into a micro economy, where a person can afford food, shelter and other necessities on a minimum wage income. Trying to force everyone into an overhead that requires a $15 an hour full time job is just not practical in today’s world. Such a micro village, if supported by Merced County, would also reduce housing costs.
