A Few Faces

Eight days of driving across New Hampshire into different towns and cities seeking resources for the less fortunate, is now over.  The project for me is done, but it hasn't changed for those I've met along the way. They are constantly trying to stay warm, find their next meal, and watch their back.  

I found it difficult to carry the camera around when I wanted to meet and gather stories from those that are trying to beat the odds.  I got just little pieces of each one's story, financial situation, and/or being homeless.  I didn't want to intimidate anyone in anyway with my camera. With vulnerability and uncertainty of the people I talked to, I decided to leave the camera in my truck.  If the situation allowed later on, I would ask permission before I even lifted the camera up to take off the lens cap.

There were just a few who were comfortable enough to allow me to take their picture.
Thanks goes out to each one of them!

Living on the streets isn't for anyone, but it sure is happening...

  

25% of those that are homeless are Veterans.  

The population of homeless children and young adults continues to increase.

Over 90% of homeless women have reported being sexually assaulted.  

Mission Incomplete

I've been traveling throughout New Hampshire for eight days seeking information about the State's resources for those who are struggling financially and to open the eyes to those that may not understand what we can do to help.  Yes, I did this during the busy holiday season, but the truth is when you are homeless or having financial hardships, the days are all the same... just another day to try to survive. The days blend together and you lose sense of what day and time it is.  The time I put aside for my "Road to Recession" trip barely opened the doors to what is available for those who are in need of these services.  And there is so much more to learn: "red tape", Federal and State vs. charitable funding, continuous stereotyping on the word "homeless", options for pet owners who are struggling financially, and the negative ideas about shelter homes.

The idea of shelter homes being dirty, unsafe, infested with lice and/or bed bugs didn't hold true when I stopped to ask questions on specific shelters: New Horizons, The Tyler Blain House, The Bridge House, 100 Nights, and The Cross Roads.  These problems can exist at any place you go (even the best of hotels), but shelter homes take all precautions and preventive measures it keep this from happening.

Shelters in New Hampshire DON'T take in dogs.  There is only one shelter home, The Bridge House, partners with White Mountain Foster and Rescue by taking in dogs only if room allows.  The dogs stay on the men's side of the shelter since women and children are on the other side.  The separation between children and dogs is for liability reasons.  I did test this system last night.

I went to The Bridge House to see how and if I can get in the House.  I went to the front desk, told my story: looking for work in the area, homeless, living out of my truck, but my truck broke down, "Can my dog and I stay?"  After the staff's eyes  stared me down for an uncomfortable minute and asked me a couple questions about my situation, I was in the door.  Usually the dog would have to be taken on the men's side, but my well tempered dog, Sydney, was allowed to stay with me as long as she stayed on a leash.  We were escorted to the library to stay for the night on a cot.  During my visit,  I found the staff and the resident's to be very pleasant.  There were about four children staying at this shelter.  All residents presented themselves well with showers, clean clothes, and good attitudes.  I did hear a few stories from those staying at the House and each one I spoke to wants to better themselves.

Panhandler Speaks Out

I spoke to a twenty-something year old woman who has been panhandling for three months.  She was bundled up in four layers with a hood covering most of her face.  I spoke with her for 20 minutes to try to understand her means of survival.  Does she have a wish?  She has many.  As for a career... she wishes to be a Corrections Officer someday. While we talked, people generously gave her money.

She holds a piece of cardboard that says "Homeless Any donations will help.  Thank you and God bless."

Interviewing a Panhandler (<seven minutes long)

Food Pantry Overload

The Community Kitchen in Keene has a generous, well organized establishment.  I had the pleasure to ask questions and take part in the process of receiving from their food pantry.
My thanks goes out to the staff and volunteers at The Community Kitchen in Keene for their time and big hearts in supporting their community.  They serve one thousand  people through the food pantry each month.  They want to be accessible to all residents in the area who are undergoing financial difficulties.  Individuals and families who are on a fixed income, lost a job, are retired, or a student, or homeless are served!

The amount of donations and food options were beyond my expectations.  Dietary needs can be met and generous amounts are handed out.  Remember, this time of year is the when people donate the most.  Look to give during other times of year when the shelves are close to empty.

Check out this video.  The Community Kitchen (<11 minutes long).

Project Update

Two initial ideas for this project didn’t make it off the table.

1. I wanted to incorporate couponing into this project, but unfortunately I didn’t find food manufacturers interested in supporting the idea of “eating healthy” on a low budget. With the assistance of Extreme Coupon Professors, my request for specific food manufacturers to support “healthy eating” on a low budget never came through and I didn’t even get one coupon. Well, has my theory proven true? Is there minimal support on preventive care and healthy eating options from food manufacturers? Is it true... greed vs. healthy feed? More profit in the pockets of food manufactures without the concerns for a healthier society? Something to think about… The project had to change.

2. I stated I would “live in the world of the homeless”. Authorities have advised me not to live in the world of the homeless for safety reasons. Also, why take up a room in a shelter home when there is someone who is in real hardship? The shelters are challenged enough trying to support those who walk through for the night. Shelter homes throughout NH will have to be visited without the overnight experience. I will be visiting shelter homes during the day, gathering information, and documenting the experience.

What I hope to seek from this personal project:

As I stated earlier, "Within this trip, I will find out what shelter homes and food pantries have on their shelves after the holidays.” What types of foods are being served? Are dietary needs being met? I’ll be traveling throughout NH to discover what NH communities are doing for those individuals and families that are struggling to get by each day as they try to get back on their feet. I will seek resources and data to help pave the way for those who are in need for temporary assistance and help charitable organizations get the support they aspire to receive.

It's getting to be that time!

Well, it will be about two weeks when I'll be taking on the challenge...
With the frigid temperatures in New Hampshire, one of my dogs and I will be traveling to several areas in NH living out of a truck while we search for healthy food and charitable resources. I will be taking on some of the daily struggles the homeless do in order to survive. Follow me during Dec. 26, 2011 through January 2nd, 2012 as I visit NH homeless shelters, food pantries, and soup kitchens throughout the week.

Please leave any questions you may have on this project. I will do my very best to find out the answers for you. Big thanks!