By GUEST COMMENTARY BY MICHAEL BEATTIE
Day in and day out, we are constantly bombarded with criticism and complaints about both homeless people and the programs that support them.
We hear over and over that these programs, in general, and OPCC’s access center, in particular, just aren’t solving anything. The usual complaint is that these programs are only putting a Band- Aid on an open wound and that they do nothing but enable the cycle of homelessness to continue without addressing the underlying reasons for the homeless in Santa Monica Well, that’s only half the story. In June of 2004, after being homeless for about three years, I just got tired of the 24-hour-a-day struggle of survival. I had used the OPCC Access Center, stayed at Samoshel and used Swashlock to store my belongings. Although none of these programs specifically addressed my needs and never helped with any realistic long-term solution to the mess I had gotten myself into, they just made it easier for me to continue in my day-today homelessness. My situation never changed, despite these programs and despite myself, and my struggle to end the cycle of fear.
And then it all changed when I was lucky enough to be accepted into another OPCC program called “Turning Point.”
Turning Point Transitional Housing Program is a 55-bed temporary shelter for men and women designed to pave the way toward permanent housing. The program does work, despite what many in the community say. I know. I am proof. So are numerous others who I have seen transition into permanent housing during my time here. Far more residents succeeded than failed, and in the nine months that I was there, the majority secured permanent housing. I saw it happen for not only myself, but lots of residents who were there with me.
Turning Point offers those who are accepted a place to stay for nine months, but does much more than just warehousing people and enabling the cycle of desperation to continue. They work closely with other organizations like Edelman Mental Heath, so that they can provide you with the skills and help that you need. In addition, it takes away all the stress of being homeless and searching for a way out.
Turning Point doesn’t do it for you, but provides you with all the tools necessary to become successful in your search to secure permanent housing My experience at Turning Point was typical of the majority of the residents. They start with extensive case management so as to be able to match me with the right programs to best help me. I am on disability, so during the week I attended the “Day Program” for those of us on SSI. The day program consists of psycho-educational groups, in conjunction with a program called “Campion” and art therapy. It taught me how to deal with my stress and anxiety, which I had acquired while living on the streets.
Individual counseling also is available through Campion. Four days a week there are A.A. meetings for those who suffer from alcohol addiction. Another benefit provided comes from the Junior League of Los Angeles. Three times a year they come to Turning Point for a six-week program. Through them I learned about job interviewing, balancing my checkbook, shopping to make the most of my budget and money management, how credit companies work and how to search for and apartment. There also is a computer class on Mondays that teaches computer illiterate residents how to write a resume, or do an online job and apartment search while also learning to use a word processing program.
In my time at Turning Point, I was able to secure permanent housing with all the help they gave me and would not have been able to do it otherwise. I know. I had already tried. It was a wonderful feeling when I first put my key in my door in my apartment.
With all the skills I acquired through the assistance of Turning Point, I now have the skills to maintain my life after homelessness. They also offer an alumni program for successful residents, which further benefits me because I know that I have a support system in case I need it. I will continue to participate and learn in the future and feel really good about not only myself, but I have also regained my pride dignity and self-respect that I had so willingly given up as a result of my homelessness.
If the Access Center is just putting on a Band-Aid, then Turning Point cleans the wound, stitches it up and allows it to heal. I will have the scar for the rest of my life to remind me about what can happen if I don’t plan for my future and be serious about myself and my life.
Never again. Never again. (Michael Beattie)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 1, 2005. Read the original PDF.