Haiti’s Homeless

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

January
24

The deadly earthquake that devastated Haiti has left more than one million people homeless. As the people of Haiti try to cope with the massive loss of life, they must also struggle with the fact that so many of them have no where to live. Makeshift homes and refugee camps can be found throughout the capital of Port-Au-Prince. The Haitian government has just announced plans to set up tent cities in order to house more than 400,000 people in a safer, cleaner environment outside Port-Au-Prince. And Habitat for Humanity International is planning to erect thousands of expandable and quake-resistant one-room homes to shelter the homeless.

This natural disaster has created a human services crisis in Haiti, which will linger for months and probably years to come. But for now, the world is coming to Haiti’s aid. Thanks to the incredible generosity of people throughout the world, much needed emergency supplies — food and water — are making its way to Haiti. Health care workers are donating their time to treat the masses of people injured in the quake. Nearly $1 billion in emergency and long term aid has been pledged by foreign nations, including the United States. There has been an outpouring of donations from people around the world.

Here in the U.S., we have recently seen the ranks of the homeless swell under our struggling economy. At the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), we have seen people walk in who have lost their homes to foreclosure or who can’t afford to eat. They are among the new faces of the homeless. But the number of newly homeless in Haiti is staggering. Imagine one million people who suddenly have no place to live!

The entire world is focused on helping the people of Haiti and rebuilding that tiny nation as quickly as possible. It warms my heart and makes me proud to witness the kindness and true compassion of the human race.

A Cold Weather Crisis for the Homeless

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

January
15

Much of the United States — and parts of the world — are in the midst of a severe cold snap. Here in Detroit, temperatures have dipped into the single digits, while the East Coast is grappling with major snowstorms. Even parts of India are experiencing unusual near-freezing weather. Normally, winters are short and mild in that region, but the cold temperatures have led to the deaths of at least sixteen homeless people, despite the government’s efforts to provide the poor with blankets and firewood.

In Vancouver, B.C. a controversial new law called the “Assistance to Shelter Act” just went into effect. It gives police the authority to “apprehend” people who are sleeping outside when an emergency weather alert is declared. While officials say the law is designed to prevent cold weather deaths among the homeless, critics contend it’s an effort to rid Vancouver of homeless individuals while it hosts the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Regardless, it’s hard to argue about the impact of extreme weather conditions on the homeless. They are the most vulnerable victims of the bitter cold temperatures. If you live in a cold weather state, you know exactly what I mean. The next time you’re out in the cold, bundled up in layers of clothing and running errands or going to work, try to imagine how it would feel to have no where to go to warm up. No heated house. No warm, dry clothes to change into. No fireplace to sit by. And no hot coffee or tea to warm your insides. It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it?

That’s why winter is perhaps the busiest time at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). We never say “no” to the homeless who come to our door for a respite from the cold and snow. We make room for them and provide a warm place to sleep, dry clothing to wear, and hot food to eat. For the homeless, it’s a matter of life and death. And as a faith-based organization, saving lives is how we serve God.

Making the Holidays Brighter

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

December
31

As President/CEO of the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), it was my pleasure to host our annual holiday party recently for hundreds of disadvantaged children and adults. It made my day to see the smiles on the faces of the kids and to hear the sincere gratitude from the grown-ups.

The holiday gathering gave everyone an opportunity to forget about the struggling economy and to embrace the joy, love and caring of the season. Santa Claus was there to hear the wishes of the children. Needy families received a nutritious, hearty meal. Kids screamed with joy as they opened gifts donated by our generous friends in the community.

For the thousands of children across the country who are homeless or poor, the holidays can be a lonely, unhappy time of the year. They feel sad about not having what other children have. There is no joy in their hearts and no hope for the New Year.

Throughout the year, adults and children come through DRMM’s doors asking for a helping hand. Our staff and volunteers provide them with food, shelter, clothing, education, counseling and spiritual nourishment so that they regain hope for the future. But at this time of the year, it’s even more important to make sure that everyone experiences the magic of the holidays. Especially the children. Every child deserves a Christmas filled with giving and love. That’s what the holidays are all about.

Counting the Homeless in the 2010 Census

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

December
31

The 2010 U.S. Census is shaping up to be the biggest and most comprehensive effort ever in our history. An estimated 140,000 Census workers and 145 million housing units will be involved in the count that takes place every ten years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.

There’s something new in the 2010 Census. It will be the first time that hard-to-reach populations will be counted, such as the homeless living in shelters and on the streets, as well as those in dormitories, group homes and prisons. Another change involves the formerly extensive Census questionnaire, which has been revamped into a simple 10-question survey.

For non-profits that serve the homeless and needy, such as the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), it is imperative that we are prepared, trained and equipped to make sure that all constituents are counted. The entire community needs to be educated on the importance of the Census and how it impacts the amount of federal funding and stimulus money received by municipalities and states. The more people in a state, the more funding that state gets. Some of the federal money is awarded to agencies that provide critical services assisting the homeless and disadvantaged. The Census also determines the number of Congressional seats states are allowed. An increase in population means a state may gain more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. So as you see, getting an accurate count is vital.

The 2010 Census begins in March. Stand up and be counted. Make this Census a success.

Homeless Doll: What Message Does it Send?

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

December
30

As we entered the busy holiday shopping season, a controversy arose over a new doll that supposedly represents a homeless child. The very popular American Girl brand released a limited-edition doll named “Gwen” whose background story focuses on a father who walked out, leaving Gwen and her mother to fend for themselves.

There are thousands of homeless children across the country, living in shelters and on the streets with one or more parents, who have experienced this type of situation in real life. For them, homelessness is very real. It’s not conveyed through a doll. Plus, they could never afford a doll like “Gwen,” which comes with a $95 price tag.

Mattel’s American Girl line is known for creating dolls that help girls deal with real life situations. The dolls represent a diverse range of ethnicities, cultures and economic backgrounds. Each doll has a story that comes with it and reflects certain periods in American history.

I think the new “homeless” doll would be better received if the money from its purchase was donated to shelters and other agencies that help the homeless. Or perhaps even if the company had donated the dolls to kids in shelters. In all fairness, a Detroit newspaper editor reporting on the story discovered that Gwen was actually introduced as part of a bullying back-story, which later expanded into the doll also experiencing homelessness. As a result, Mattel teamed up with a non-profit to develop an anti-bullying curriculum for millions of school kids. And, since its inception, American Girl has donated nearly $9 million in clothing and books to a global charity that helps homeless kids.

But, getting back to Gwen, does a high-priced doll representing homelessness send a mixed message to our kids? Is the doll in poor taste? Or is it a good way to educate and raise awareness about the plight of the homeless? I’m very curious to hear what you think.

Attacks on the Homeless

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

December
23

There have been some very disturbing stories in the news recently about attacks on the homeless. In some cases, this senseless brutality has resulted in deaths. And just as disturbing is the fact that many of the incidents involve young people. For example, two Michigan teens — both 15 years old — were recently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the beating death of two homeless men. They were only14 years old when the attacks took place, and police say the beating may have been part of a gang initiation.

This type of behavior demonstrates an utter disrespect for human life and particularly the most vulnerable members of our society. And sadly, this is happening across the country. Statistics show violence against the nation’s homeless is soaring and the majority of attackers are teens and young adults. The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty report that of the more than 142 unprovoked attacks on homeless people in 2007, the most — at least 32 — took place in Florida. In fact, the problem is so bad that homeless agencies in Florida have teamed up with schools to develop a curriculum that teaches respect for the homeless.

As we celebrate this joyous holiday season, there’s no better time to remind our young people how precious life is and to teach them about the importance of “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Men.” Homeless people are people too. It doesn’t matter what journey a person has taken through life; everyone is deserving of love and respect. We are all equal in God’s eyes.