July 27, 2010 Kelly Kelly I met a loved one through working on a project for at risk youth. His brother who is schizophrenic is incarcerated and due to be released in 2012. The prison system has yet to stabilize him, and his mother who is on disability and has housing will not be able to let him live with her due to the occupancy restrictions. I have worked with a few parolees, and it is almost impossible to find housing when you have a record, and employment for that fact because of background checks. I thank you for making people aware of this horrific situation, and I look forward to reading your stories.
Dear Kelly Kelly, Thank you for taking the time to write. I'll be looking for people who are willing to share their stories. Thanks so much for sharing yours. Best regards, Jan.
I volunteer every Friday morning for Dorothy Day house in Berkeley (http://dorothydayhouse.org/), where we serve breakfast 6 days a week to 100-200 people a day. Mostly homeless, though anyone can come. I've been going for about 5.5 years, and am always struck by how many of the same people have been coming all that time. Except when someone disappears. Sometimes, it's good news -- they got housing, a job. Sometimes not -- they went to jail, or worse. I now recognize most everyone on the streets in downtown Berkeley, and I can't help but wonder: Is there actually a way to break this cycle? Can we do more than serve them oatmeal? I look forward to the article!
I am a homeless advocate in the state of Michigan and this is an issue that is rampant throughout the United States. This is also an issue that is not addressed as a reason why there are homeless individuals. I look forward to reading the article.
An interesting focus. Even without a criminal record, living on the streets is a difficult life. I have gotten to know some of the uncrazy homeless, including construction workers and former investment bankers. I admire their resiliency. I also met a former Michigan bankrobber who came West upon release; he said at 46 he was getting too old to rob the local bank branch but was very thin-skinned and seemed prone to fly into a rage. Will be interested in your insights.
Can I help support your effort with photography? I'm a SF photographer. I work in the area of social/cultural documentary. I think I could provide some compelling imagery for this story. You can find my work, credentials, and contact info online -- www.jasonwinshell.com. I look forward to following your progress. Best regards, Jason Winshell p.s. I didn't find another way to contact you, so I did it here.
It is a fabulous story, showing what the system is doing to keep this group, who have served their time, down and out, at great personal expense to them and us, not only financially but a waste of human potential.
