Fresh start? It's been 10 years

Here we are at the end of the time frame known as "The 10 year program to eradicate homelessness in North Idaho." At the conception and in discussion I believed an important point toward success was realizing the difference between a hand up as opposed to a hand out was how to use available resources wisely. Without implementing intakes and case management to recognize afflicted individuals' needs instead of just feeding a group, it would become the mass that it is now.

I have personally spoken to transient travelers entering Cd'A many times. I would ask what brings you here and are you just passing through? Sometimes this was their intended destination as I was asked to direct them to the homeless center and the days and times of operation. An example is a couple who headed here after hearing near St. Louis in a homeless encampment that this is a great place to come. We have meals seven days a week, two and three on some days around the town. There are showers, laundry, telephone, mail drop, computers, clothing, tents, sleeping bags and tarps for the homeless. This couple stated they were told flying a sign, panhandling was great here then asked about the free bus system to get around.

There is an enormous number of transients traveling the highways of this country with no particular destination or plan to plant roots. Many who were passing through here have not moved on upon discovering all they need is here without going any further. Think of what became known as the Target woods area and the Press article "I thought it would last forever."

A large number of homeless in Cd'A are in influx having landed here.

The resources are available to join the help and giving community literally on a common page of interviews as intakes helping to create accountability and sense of responsibility as to one's goals away from their current predicament. The abuse of donations left behind at Target woods alone of tarps, sleeping bags, tents, clothing and supplies is a few thousand dollars lying abandoned in the dirt and hanging from trees.

Of course many of the homeless want no part in making a change, fully intending to continue on their current path sponging off the resources. Those who refuse a hand up need to get back on the road, leaving space availability and resources to them that seek change in their lives. Could the remedy be as simple as helping those who are willing to accept it while cutting off those who are only after the free stuff? I want to help the guy who made a sandwich at the serving table and turned around for a paper towel to clean up after himself, not the one who grabbed his sandwich when his back was turned! A simple minded man's plan that starts eradicating immediately. Playing politics with advisory boards and panels blowing hot air around a table did not, does not and will never work in this matter. Ten years, really ?

Homeless numbers escalating as grant monies increase simultaneously go together like soup and sandwich. Is that really what's on the menu? Just food for thought. If you want a plan that gives a fresh start to curbing the problem, then the garden must be weeded. Keep fertilizing (enabling) the weeds and they continue to flourish.

The giving hearts that hand cash to panhandlers need to understand that as you drive away they are off to purchase alcohol, drugs and or tobacco with your good intention. There is such an abundance of meals and food supplies that you need not think you are affording someone a sandwich and cup of coffee.

How about starting a homeless eradication fund with your donations instead of feeding others' addictions by passing money out of your car window or handing it to the one standing outside the beer store? There are communities across this country where the homeless stand in line for a bowl of soup and a piece of bread. Here we have homeless people's dogs eating better than some children in this country going to bed hungry.

One example is at the drop in center one day there were 28 people present, nine pieces of fresh hot chicken came in and placed on the serving table. "The dog" was given three of said pieces before others had a chance. The ones doing that and the ones who condone it need to get a grip with the reality of how far awry priorities have become and their role in it. There is dog and cat food available at most all resource outlets and meal locations leaving no excuse for this.

Having heard the dog's master say "So what, it's free" is a disturbing fact that illustrates some attitudes. This would be my poster boy in setting example to like minded others who need to be cut off from the hand out, unappreciative attitude by being offered the option of leaving this community no longer being enabled in their goal-less journey. A well meaning woman purchased and delivered this food intending it for hungry people and in no way was it free. Management, staff and volunteers should be ashamed this type of abuse is allowed to occur on a regular basis.

To those who consider this as a little insignificant point don't see the big picture because too many pieces of the puzzle are being overlooked. If offered I would gladly vote for a city ordinance that would not allow indigent persons to tote animals along on their trek to nowhere. Fact is panhandlers with dogs in tow attract more attention and sympathy receiving a larger cash take off the street than others and brag about it! Please be aware who you are giving money to.

With over 50 percent of the people on the street suffering mental health issues coupled with addictions, it is shameful of all those who contribute and are part of perpetuating the problem and growth in this matter. We don't need a bigger jail, we have need of a bigger mental health care facility. There are homeless without needed medication who are simply lost. If we could help them find direction perhaps they could have an opportunity to steer away from their homeless isolation and become part of that which has been eradicated. That would be a great piece of the success in lowering the numbers on the streets.

The homeless drop in center started out to help those in our community, now it is a far cry from that, attracting others from elsewhere that it has become. The beautiful city by the lake, tourist attraction and homeless zoo.

Build a bigger enabling center and they will come raising the numbers. At the rate it is growing there could very well be twice as many on the streets here in five years. When I hear someone who is inspiring to open their own 501(c)(3) tax exempt program for this I am appalled. This is not a competitive business in vying for a portion of grants and donations that might be available for a CEO to designate his or her own salary. With the food, clothing and amenities being supplied by well meaning people and volunteers that donate in this community, ask yourselves where does the majority of the funding go? Thousands of dollars in food and merchandise are given that do not come from or out of funding and private offerings. We all have the right to ask and be answered what is the percentage of pennies on the dollar that are spent exclusively on the matter intended. Exorbitant salaries, new car payments, home mortgages and vacations for a few to mention are not acceptable and the numbers need be accounted for.

I'm suggesting to stop throwing gasoline on this fire while someone drives away in a new fire truck. Being proud of the numbers of indigent people being served that are climbing speaks volumes to the intent of those who make their living stemming from adversity. There has been a monster created and the answer is not to just keep feeding it. There are a few fast acting answers that can turn this around. Setting a new course of direction in 10 weeks instead of 10 years may be too simple for talkers and red tapers that thrive on complication. Gift horses that don't mind being kicked in the mouth need to pull the bandwagon or get out of the way. Giving license to those that take advantage teaches others to do the same, you are reaping that which you sow.

Kenneth Lane Ashby is a Coeur d'Alene resident.