NSR: how the homeless are handled in 2 communities

[Stig / Major Tom]

Yellow Springs, with the banner over the town entrance, "KINDNESS"
Street person (lady friend of my family - of many of us) is sleeping at the far corner of this building.



Springfield.
Fellow has been sleeping here, near the library, next to the RR all summer......but no more. Saw this new bench as I passed by this morning.



Stig

[Neil955i]

So guessing he has been moved on?

[Stig / Major Tom]

So guessing he has been moved on?

Yes, while Bonnie is tolerated by most and actively helped by several in Y.S. (Tom's market, Underdog Cafe', checked and watched by village police) Some mornings we're sharing the Group W bench, her with her blankets and few possessions, me with coffee. She's not a coffee drinker.
Springfield 'moves 'em on' by taking away their benches. So it's the roadside shrubbery or under bridges, etc. out of sight.

I've spoken to that bench guy several times. Stopped there 'trained' , waiting. Harmless guy - I've seen him in the library, too.

Stig

[Neil955i]

Yes it's a sad situation Stig.  In our local town they're tolerated unless/until they start begging.

[airshot]

Unfortunately most have mental issues, it has been proven many times over that when they are taken off the street and given the necessities to take care of them selves, most return to the street. In my younger days there were numerous organizations trying to get the himeless off the streets but in most cases proved to be futile.

[Neil955i]

The MH point is true here as well.  The majority of homeless here have MH issues and also, that's the case (I forget the figure, but well over half) with our prison population who suffer with MH issues to a lesser or greater extent.