This time of year you will hear a lot about people experiencing homelessness in our community. Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) launched PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) in Hamilton County in 2001. In 2017 we launched another PATH team which serves Clermont County.
Many people have the misconception that homelessness is solely an issue for urban areas. Nothing could be further from the truth. And what complicates the situation in rural areas is that sometimes resources are in short supply and the people who are struggling are less likely to ask for help. Another issue is that affordable housing is hard to find - for everyone. So it makes sense that people who are living paycheck to paycheck or have very little in savings are tremendously close to losing what housing they may have if something goes wrong - someone loses a job or gets sick, or the breadwinner of the family passes away. These are all scenarios that have affected the clients being served by our PATH team. And the numbers are growing at an alarming rate.
Alex is a member of our PATH team who has a lived experience with mental health and addiction. Her team works with people in rural communities who live in places that are not meant for human habitation - places without access to running water or plumbing. She helps people like Fran.
A senior citizen, Fran had been living in her car for 6 months when she had her first encounter with PATH. Says Alex, “I was working with some other clients who were living in their car in a park. They pointed Fran out to me and said she might need help too.” Initially Fran was resistant to help which is something Alex says happens quite often. “Many people we end up helping are proud, hard-working people. They have been employed their whole lives then something catastrophic happens...they lose a job and can't afford rent…but they do have their cars.”
Fran accepted a sleeping bag, but Alex did not see her again for almost a year. “I thought about her often and hoped she was okay. It’s so hard because there is no longer a walk-in shelter in Clermont County and many people are afraid to go downtown because it’s the unknown to them.”
Almost a year later Alex ran into Fran in a parking lot – still living in her car. But this time Fran was more open to letting Alex help her. Says Alex, “Fran didn’t have the barriers that some have. She found another job and was working, she hadn’t been evicted before and had no criminal history. What she didn’t have was the tools to know how to navigate the system to get the assistance she needed. She now, literally, lives within 5 miles from where she used to park her car. She’s in assisted living, has friends, transportation, activities, meals…it is perfect for her, and she is having a wonderful time there.”
With your support, GCBHS will continue to help the neediest among us. Your donation allows us to purchase much needed supplies for people like Fran who just need a little extra help to get back on their feet. If you are moved by the work we are doing, you may want to consider becoming a monthly “Keeper of Hope” donor. Whatever you decide is best for you, please know that your gift is always greatly appreciated.
You can make an online gift HERE.
On behalf of our patients, board of directors, and staff, we thank you for your continued support.
