Journal Entries Week 6/23 – 6/26

Journal Entries Week 6/23 – 6/26

Monday:          On Monday, I returned to the Lawrence Street Center, where I prepared and served food, for most of the day. I planned to return later in the week, for a different type of experience.

Wednesday:    On Wednesday, though I returned to the Lawrence Street Center, I spent my time within the Contact Office, where those at the shelter came to get any number of necessities such as bath soap or toilet paper. In addition, those who desired a place to sleep for the night called in or came in person to reserve a bed, while they were available, and a mat, when they were not. However, in order to be provided a bed sheet and a blanket, each person was required to take a shower and present their wet towel. This way, the hygiene of the sleeping area was preserved. In addition, this served as a far slighter variety of socialization than that at the Crossing. If habits could be created concerning cleanliness, those on the streets might be able to escape their situations. While in the office, many bizarre events took place, from the appearance of a strung out woman who needed an escort from the building, to the recital of a song about homelessness called “On the Block,” written and performed by a man who stayed the night at the shelter frequently. The song centered on addiction to crack cocaine and use of prostitutes. The reality of the situation is that these habits were part of why this man and others remained homeless. And yet, these activities were also some of the only past-times available to people on the streets. It was a sub-culture in and of itself. Back in the Contact Office, once the deadline to secure a place to sleep passed, I witnessed the distraught reactions of those who would have to hope for vacancies, but would likely sleep on the streets for the night. I left the shelter as those who stayed the night swarmed in. The ability to return to my home stood in stark contrast to those who would spend the night on a mat in the shelter. I wished I could do more.

Thursday:        On the 26^th, I began by interviewing and briefly shadowing the clinical psychologist at the Crossing. She explained the unique issues that homeless individuals deal with. In her experience, while mental health issues such as bipolar disorder are no more frequent among the homeless than in the general population, depression, PTSD, and attachment disorders were pervasive. Many experience the lowest period of their life while homeless, and bring with them all of the issues which caused them to be on the streets. If they do not already struggle with building relationships, they may do so by the time they have experienced homelessness for a prolonged period of time. According to her, the reason escape from homelessness is so difficult is because it must take place not following a down spiral, but during one that is still occurring. In addition, it is ambiguous whether homelessness is the responsibility of an individual or society itself. When the individual is found to be at fault, there is still question about whether nature or nurture are responsible for personality flaws. The psychologist supervised a group of interns and psychologists who worked with the people in the programs to enforce the mandatory therapies needed and provide extra therapy to those who desired it. Apparently, this was something that occurred quite often. I continued my day by working another shift in the kitchen, then finished for the week.