Quote:
Originally Posted by bpenniman
I call them guesthouses because the places I've worked at are NOT like the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is a horrible place to stay. But I've done one on one pastoral counseling with the homeless and made great gains. Also the places I worked at made strides to make sure the homeless could get medications. For example, the Truman Medical Center in Kansas City offers 4 dollars for each medication. And it's state funded. So we would pay for medications if they couldn't pay and it was free to see a psychiatrist there. Well actually they were doing they're residency and they would report to a main psychiatrist who would prescribe. But their are resources out there and not every shelter is the same. So we had schizophrenics get medications for free each month, and I would drive them to their 10 minute appointments. I know it doesn't seem like much and I wish things could change, but we have to make do with what we have. We have to make a change even if the political atmosphere is not ideal.
|
To say, "There are resources out there," is vague. Also, if you are talking about residents in a program then they are technically not homeless. Funding for a the program like you described could be discontinued at any time. Residents eventually have to leave protected settings, then what? Once a resident leaves if they don't have insurance who will pay for their medication and who will give them transportation money to get it? If is all like skating on thin ice. Until it becomes a political agenda to end homelessness our cities are facing an epidemic. A few thumbs in the holes in the dam are not going to stop this problem. It is big and it will become as big an issue as the war on drugs.
You came on to ask for comments. I am just giving my opinion because you requested it. You need a lot more education before you can assume a position of authority. Pastoral counseling in other settings requires a master's degree and certification.