Health care; human care

However you feel about President Obama's historic health care bill, it's a done deal. I never understood how some people got the idea that it was a bad thing. Oh, that's right. Lies and misinformation from greedy people who make a fortune from hard working, poor people by providing unaffordable health care products. For example pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies. Let's not forget politicians who rely on campaign contributions from these huge corporations. Or unscrupulous health care providers who receive kickbacks for every prescription they write, or who defraud government health agencies. Now we need laws that force insurance companies to actually pay out on claims without costly legislation required by the policy holder. Until these obstacles to medical equality are abolished, our health care system will always be broken.

I'm not up on all the details of the bill, but I'm hoping there are provisions to reign in these vampires. I don't care about the cost of more affordable health coverage for more people. I'd rather have our tax dollars spent on improving our quality of life than destroying the homes, lives, cities and nations of other people. Wouldn't you? (feel free to comment.)

Affordable health care for everyone who wants it is a humane social move that will make the U.S. a better place for its citizens. This week's links include other good ideas that help homeless people, and some not so good news about income in Utah, as well as homelessness in New York City and Australia:

Utah

Utahns sees personal income drop in 2009; per capita ranking falls to 49th by Lois M. Collins Deseret News

Utahns say health care reform will help them, their families by Aaron Falk and Elaine Jarvik Deseret News

Nation

Obama signs historic $938 billion health overhaul by Darlene Superville The Associated Press

Reviving a Poor Neighborhood for Its Inhabitants by Linda Baker The New York Times-A Portland, OR neighborhood...to provide shelter and servies for
homeless people

A Shelter for Families in Need of a Push by Julie Bosman (NYT)

Number of People Living on New York Streets Soars by Julie Bosman (NYT)
Tally soars 34% [photo: Damon Winter NYT]

World

World TB Day in pictures by David Rochkind BBC News

Editor's note: Tuberculosis, or TB, is a great concern for homeless people, because many are forced to live in very crowded or unsanitary conditions. TB is predominently transmitted by airborne means. It is easily detected and very curable. To get a free TB test locally, visit 4th Street Clinic .

Learn more about stopping tuberculosis at Stop TB

Homeless lose sleeping spot at Australia's Bondi Beach By Phil Mercer BBC News, Sydney

London receives £362,000 grant to save food from landfill by Hélène Mulholland guardian.co.uk
The funding will pay for the equivalent of 800,000 meals to be distributed to vulnerable groups by the FareShare network

Audio and Video

Women - The Hidden Homeless BBC's Radio 4 Claudia Hammond speaks with homeless women.

Our nation's priorities are questionable

Last week, social security recipients were told that they would have to make do with their current meager support. For the first time since 1974, retired, elderly, and disabled individuals dependent upon a fixed income will not receive a yearly cost of living adjustment.

Meanwhile, the government announced a 3.5% raise for members of the military.

Now, before you call me un-American, I'm not saying our soldiers don't deserve more for what they do. However, no one is forced into the armed forces these days. You know what the circumstances and pay are when you sign up. Voluntarily.

Those drawing on Social Security benefits do not have such a choice. I'm sure anyone, given the option, would much prefer to continue working, or be allowed to earn more money in addition to their monthly amount. Unfortunately, the eligibility rules for Social Security do not encourage recipients to work.To put it simply, if you make "too much," your benefit is reduced or eliminated.

The military is already burning too much of our tax dollars on pointless and unpopular warfare. In spite of campaign promises, it seems President Obama plans to extend these efforts into the unforeseeable future. All this in a time when financial woes in the US are second only to those suffered in The Great Depression.

There is enough of everything in this country, in this world, for everyone. If we'd only stop wasting it hastening to our deaths.

The priority of our government, as spelled out in the preamble to our constitution, is to "...provide for the common defense," and "promote the general welfare...." We could do both if we recalled all our military forces overseas and made it their mission to protect our borders. Offensive, imperialistic tactics lead to lose-lose situations for all entities affected.  Also, foreign aid should be a concern only after we make sure that every man, woman and child in our country has housing, sustenance, work, and health care.

Unfortunately, our government's motivations are political, and many of our politicians driven by greed. Corporations and individuals are getting rich off war.

Meanwhile, people who worked hard their whole lives are getting the shaft.

Here's your links!

Utah

Help lawyers help the homeless and the hungry by Peg McEntee Tribune columnist.[photo: Salt Lake Tribune]

St. George free medical clinic sees steep jump  Laid off workers flock to the facility for free medical care. by Mark Havnes Salt Lake Tribune

Chit for charity Public Forum Letter 

National  

'Running in the Shadows' Recession Drives Surge in Youth Runaways New York Times. (Clinton Anchors, 18, in Medford, Ore., has been on his own, living in the streets and camping in the woods since he was 12). [photo: Monica Almeida New York Times

 

Mich. Teen Guilty in Beating Death of Homeless Man

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Compassion Deficit

Editorial New York Times

World

Homeless man's room 'is castle'

BBC News "Omar Prince Thomas objected after his private bedroom in a south London hostel was entered and searched by police without his permission in 2007. "

Help for local [Essex] homeless teenagers  BBC News

 Personal Story of the Week

'Big City'

From No Home to Back Home on Broadway by Susan Dominus New York Times [photo: Piotr Redinski for New York Times]

"The stage veteran Terri White, who is back on Broadway a year after being homeless, sings a show-stopping number in 'Finian's Rainbow.'  
Watch the video

Until next week...

Stay strong, stay safe...

your Editor  

Who? Really? Cares? You?

My apologies for not publishing last week. I've been fighting a pretty nasty viral infection. Very happy to be back and running right where I left off. Thanks to Andy Freeze and NASNA for this weeks lead story.

-JW 

"DOWN AND OUT;
IT CAN'T BE HELPED,
BUT THERE'S A LOT OF IT ABOUT.
WITH, WITHOUT;
AND WHO'LL DENY
IT'S WHAT THE FIGHTING'S ALL ABOUT.
OUT OF THE WAY. IT'S A BUSY DAY.
I'VE GOT THINGS ON MY MIND.
FOR THE WANT OF THE PRICE
OF TEA AND A SLICE
THE OLD MAN DIED." 

PINK FLOYD, "US and THEM"
(from DARK SIDE OF THE MOON) 

That's one of my favorite songs, but hearing it the other day as I began surfing for articles, I really heard the words for the first time. It's a song about the inequities and injustices that are tolerated. It's about how we run from, avoid, or ignore issues and problems we find unpleasant. Or do as little as possible.  

About a year ago, I asked a photographer from a major local newspaper once why the media and the public at large only seemed interested in homeless people during the holidays. He didn't really have an answer for me, but we discussed the street paper idea, and I got his business card. Since then, I've  tried to contact him, along with an editor whose name he gave me, to discuss the idea further. No response. 

Through another contact, I was referred to an individual in our city whom I was told was also interested in starting a street sheet. When I first contacted her a year ago, she acted as if she had no idea what I was talking about. Recently, we've re-established correspondence, and she mentioned that the charitable organization for which she works was simply waiting for funding approval. I've been unable to pin her down to a meeting. 

I've e-mailed and phoned many people of position at various organizations around town who purport to be advocates for homeless people. Not one of them has gotten back to me to even say "piss off."

So I guess it all comes down to me...and you. Let's call it us. The time for procrastination and passivity is past. If you want to change your life, and help others, get on board. They'll say we can't do it, but I believe we can.

I know you're out there. I hope you're reading me, and hopefully following the blog regularly. The Rio Grande Report as it exists is but a small part of what I envision. My own limited resources inhibit my ability to take it further at the pace I had imagined. You, faithful followers, are the key.

If you follow this blog and would like to help build a street newspaper here in Salt Lake City, please contact me at riograndereport@live.com.  Your time, ideas, photos, and experiences can make it happen, and are an important part of educating everyone regarding the issues of homelessness and working toward doing something creative and original to help. I look forward to hearing from you. Maybe some of these other folks will reach me around Christmas.(LOL)

After the new year, look for fliers at The Road Home, Weigand Center, St Vincent De Paul Center,  Fourth Street Clinic, and elsewhere announcing a meeting about how we can take our message to the streets of Salt Lake City, and eventually around the State of Utah.

(Forgot to push my little "publish" button on Friday...so here we go finally.)

Lead story:

New paper to hit the streets of Toledo October 2009

In This Issue 'Great Idea' Updated Web Site Megaphone Vendor Spotlighted 'Great Idea' Leads Graphic Designer to NASNA October 15 is quickly approaching for Amanda Moore and a group of volunteers in Toledo, Ohio.  It is the day they will launch Toledo Streets.  Toledo Streets will be the 26 street newspaper in North America. Almost one year ago to the date, Amanda was researching homelessness online when she came across street newspapers.  Intrigued by the idea, she thought someone should start one in Toledo. Find out more about Amanda's efforts to launch Toledo Streets. Donate Now Quick Links NASNA.org Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter :: 202-462-0011 Welcome to the first edition of our monthly e-newsletter.  This fall is an exciting time at NASNA as we prepare for the launch of three street newspapers.  You can read about Toledo Streets to the left, set to launch on October 15.  Speak Up Magazine in Charlotte, NC just launched their web site. Street Scene in Riverside, CA is set to launch their first issue on November 1.  NASNA receives requests on how to start street newspapers on a weekly basis and we recently created this map to show where people have expressed interest in starting a paper.  As always, check back for updates or our newest members and stay up to date on our 25 member papers. Updated Web Site Have you noticed the updated web site?  NASNA has worked to make some updates to its web site and add more information from frequently asked questions.  If you are looking for frequent updates on our members or the latest tips on how to start a street newspaper check out the NASNA blog. Megaphone Vendor Spotlighted in Street News Service "I was born in Vancouver, but I was educated in the States and I've traveled the states and Canada a lot. I came back home to spend the rest of my years in Vancouver." "I used to own an ATM company, but a bad series of events-a bad marriage basically-happened and I lost my company and ended up homeless in the east end." "About six years ago I got myself on disability, but that wasn't quite enough. I heard about Megaphone from another person who was selling it and they were making money. I thought selling the paper was quite easy and fun so I started too. It's a means to subsidize my income-have a little extra spending cash." Read more about William Dawson here. Recent Publicity About Our Members USA Today - Homeless Help Spread the News The Province - Street Paper Changes Lives San Francisco Bay Guardian - Word on the Street The Tennessean - Street Paper is Good for Nashville's Homeless

Medical premiums could still be a 'heavy lift' by Ricardo Alonso-Aldivar, Associated Press Writer.

The secret world beneath Sin City by Adam F. Burke, Las Vegas. from BBC News. [photo: Adam Burke]

US unemployed despair as benefits run out by Karen Nye Business reporter, BBC News, New York

U.S. senate panel set to advance health care overhaul from Reuters. Editing by Eric Walsh.

  

Utah homelessness up -- but number of chronics falls again by Matthew D. LaPlante the Salt Lake Tribune 

Begging limits Err on the side of compassion Tribune editorial

New report analyzes homelessness, crime by Rebecca Palmer Deseret News

'Flo' serves food and good will by Cathy Free Deseret news

Report on homeless mixed by James Thalman Deseret News

All I could scratch together this time. Until next...

Stay warm,

but stay "cool."

--- your editor

--JW

  

[The author of this blog is not affiliated with NASNA or any of the other organizations to which the posts are linked]

I'm baaaaaack...(Truly, I didn't really GO anywhere.)

Greetings!

I hope I didn't lose any readers taking this little break. I'm not sure I had any to begin with. I've been conducting an intense work search. Sadly, it has yielded nothing. Also, my unemployment claim was denied. You already know I'm one of those who has lost their General Assistance.

There's a lot going on with our economy, and I wish more of it was good news. Much of it is contradictory, confusing, and in many cases, just devastating.

I understand people getting fed up with panhandlers. Even when I was homeless they annoyed me because they make hard-working homeless people look bad. I never begged one day in the five plus years I spent on the streets. However, I know a young lady who panhandles every day to get money for a hotel room and food for herself and her husband. If she is forced away from her regular spot---let's just say things won't go well for her.

One solution to panhandling are street newspapers, which willing homeless people can work with, or sell on the street for some personal funds, a sense of accomplishment, and "a hand up, not a hand out." That's why I'd like to see this project grow and go into print. That's why I keep at it, although it seems nobody's listening---it's important to me, and it can be important to others.

So if you're out there; if you're reading this blog and would like to help in any way, please leave comments or e-mail me at riograndereport@live.com

The news from Utah County is confusing. Are people losing their housing subsidies? Are homeless numbers growing or shrinking? I guess that all depends on how much of the other news is accurate.

There's a lot of buzz about health care reform. The original August deadline was not met, so President Obama has "re-promised" that he and Congress will get it done by the end of the year. Meanwhile, here's where my situation regarding health care has landed: Since my cash assistance was pulled out from under me, I can no longer go to Community Health Clinics and regular pharmacies, where I paid a co-pay for care and prescriptions. I have to once again go to the free clinic and pharmacy and become a bigger burden on the system. I'm sure many of you are in that same boat once again. I'm sure most of us would prefer to pay our way.

I think it's important now more than ever to rock the boat---real hard

Here are some links to recent articles of interest to homeless people and their supporters, along with a recommended DVD release:

Salt Lake City sets sights on 'aggressive' panhandling
Draft would limit areas, times and manner for begging.
By Derek P. Jensen The Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13009552?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

Utah County may get extra cash to help low-income renters
Housing Authority to apply for extra funds.
By Julia Lyon The Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12990138?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

125 Utah County families to lose Section 8 subsidyHousing authorities across the nation are facing the same dilemma
By Julia Lyon The Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12954022?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

Homeless population drops in Utah CountyThe Associated Press

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12918813?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

Unemployment aid runs out for many
Despite extensions, coming months will be tough.
By Erik Eckholm The New York Times

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12974992?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

Advocates ask new guv to stop General Assistance cuts
Government aid to about 500 needy Utahns ends Aug. 1.
By Julia Lyon The Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12967243?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

New York buys one-way tickets home for homeless families
City is struggling to keep families out of expensive shelter system.
By Julie Bosman The New York Times

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12938257?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

Couple avoids attack by log-swinging man
The Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12933889?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

Food and dining briefs: Pizza -- from the heart
By Kathy Stephenson The Salt Lake Tribune

The Little Caesars "Love Kitchen" has rolled into Utah, and in four days is expected to feed more than 1,300 people at the Rescue Missions in Salt Lake and Ogden, the St. Vincent DePaul kitchen and the St. Anne's Center. The pizza kitchen on wheels travels across the continental United States and Canada meeting the needs of the hungry, whether they be homeless or disaster survivors. Local Little Caesars franchise owners and company regional offices donate all food and labor costs for the Love Kitchen servings.

2 women go the extra (thousand) miles

Salt Lake pair trekking across the nation to raise awareness homeless LGBT youths.
By Rosemary Winters The Salt Lake Tribune

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12902630?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com

Chloe Noble and Jill Hardman

"The Soloist" » Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. star in this fact-based drama about a journalist who writes about a homeless street musician. Rated PG-13

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2968029184/tt0821642?slideshow=1

Check out the book and the true story that inspired this movie here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103415385

And here's a web site with loads of information regarding homelessness and how we can help:

http//:www.endhomelessness.org

See you next week

your editor

Again, this entire concept and its success depends upon your participation and contributions. If you read any posts on this blog, please leave comments. Don't hesitate to e-mail me at riograndereport@live.com with ideas and feedback, your personal stories, opinions, artwork etc. I'll be happy to include it here. If you learn of new resources for the homeless, let me know about them. If you utilize any of the resources you find here, be sure to tell them you learned about them from "The Rio Grande Report."