Where are we now? Some UC neighbors helped prevent the warehousing of families in an inappropriate building at 46th and Chestnut. I suspect that most of the opposition was of the 'NIMBY' variety and only some in the 'best interest of the children that are appendaged to mothers who have drifted into homelessness', variety. But I believe good triumphed. It is difficult to imagine how one could get rich on the care of the mentally ill, through the collection of monthly SSI or SSA checks. I imagine there would be reliance on white rice, white bread, small portions and a tendency to hire those who are available for this kind of work, at minimum wage. The article cites a person who was hospital-sick, with an impacted bowel, in less than 3 days of admission. Maybe the problem was brewing before admission? It also cites some rooms without blinds. I am not an apologist for Mrs. Lavin. But I have first hand experience with the problems with sheltering my sister Maggie. Maggie could move into a properly furnished place and have it decimated in a day. Ripping down blinds was nothing for her. In various housing, she tossed mattresses, a refrigerator, a medicine cabinet (that she ripped from the wall) out of windows. It is extremely hard to meet the attention demands of the chronically mentally ill. Use of feces as: repellent; attention grabber; or even finger paint is not uncommon among the mentally ill. How does a staff lead adult patients toward a mindfulness of toilet training? Will all patients be on the same tidy track, through every inspection? We as a society need to identify and triage the issues, hypothesize and test solutions, and find trustworthy people-organizations to whom we can delegate care. Over the years, Maggie had many, many paid care givers. Maggie was not an easy patient. I was astounded by how many of her care givers came to Maggie's funeral. Over the years I noted many were not the "brightest bunnies on the beach" but the best were far ahead of most of the rest of us in compassion and empathy and their resistance to frustration. It was a blessing to know them and trust them with the care of our sister. I remain humbled by the patience and endurance they brought into work every day. I am not one to look backwards. Maybe because my own path has been littered with mistakes. Hopefully, I have learned from enough of my mistakes to look forward. And so... I think the question is not "Where were we, when the occupants needed help?" but Where are we now? What can we do to improve the plight of those who are unable to manage their own shelter? For starters, we must all vote our beliefs. Those that are able and willing to do more, should advise and lead the rest of us. Best! Liz
---------- Forwarded Message ---------- In a message dated 6/11/08 9:51:30 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: A revealing article about the former owners of the personal care facility that used to be at 40th & Pine, and their history of neglect at other facilities as well. http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080611__A_crime__crime__crime__crime_.html Regards, John Ellingsworth For those who don't have time to look up the link, I've posted it below (though the link shows a picture of the gate to her home). This is the former use of the property now proposed to be the Campus Inn. I don't remember the neighbors noticing or objecting to the former residents' plight under to Mrs. Lavin's use. Where were we, when the occupants needed help? - Melani Lamond ____________________________________________________________ Keep your home running smoothly with great home automation solutions! Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3nAInkVHnnq3jynw1nOQpmPP0d4vvKaq7cJfZhIF4HMYsj2R/
