By Reneka Toler
09/25/2011
Many Memphians are homeless due to some disastrous situations. Three of those homeless people have told their stories about how they ended up on the streets of Memphis.
Perry Johnson, 55, from Memphis, Tenn. has been homeless for about eight years. He was a former mechanic for about 12 years, until he lost his job. Later on, he experienced long-term addiction with alcohol and drugs. He was once married for a short-period of time, but later was divorced, due to his unemployment and lack of responsibilities.
Johnson says most homeless people in Downtown Memphis are familiar and pleased with this institution, whereas some of them are unsatisfied with their services. No one only really knows, because he or she isn’t the homeless person. People only go by, what they see or hear from the outside.
Also, Johnson finds it to be difficult to be homeless and wishes he would have a chosen a different route. He never knew that he would experience this situation, until now.
“I appreciate Union Mission for taking me in, but people don’t know what I and others go through on the inside and how we are treated, “said Johnson. “It’s a struggle everyday that I am there.”
Union Mission, located downtown on Poplar Avenue and Danny Thomas is a private institution, which shelters, feeds, and prays for the homeless. Its purpose for serving the homeless people is to help them reunite with family members and loved ones, achieve freedom from substance abuse and become mature Disciples of Christ. Also, it offers several of programs to assist those who need.
The National Homeless Organization says homelessness has risen in the past 15-20 years.
Homelessness falls in the category of affordable rental housing and increase in poverty. In 2007, 12.5 percent of the U.S. population, or 37, 300, 00 million people, lived in poverty. The official poverty rate in 2007 was not statistically different than 2006 (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2007). Children are overrepresented, composing 35.7% of people in poverty while only being 24.8% of the total population.
Without a job or any source of income, homeless people are unable to supply themselves physically, mentally, or emotionally.
Hazel Blackmon, 62, from San Diego, Calif. was once homeless, but has now recovered from the situation. She was a former truck driver for about 14 years, until she left her husband. Her husband abused her for many years for no apparent reason. Afterwards, she decided to leave him and her belongings behind. She said that she just wanted to be free and with her family, again in Memphis. She has been unemployed for five years and received disability benefits. Before receiving benefits, she was offered employment, yet refused, because of minimum wage.
“I can’t see myself, settling for anything that is offered, when I have way too much experience, “said Blackmon, the homeless woman. “ It’s just not fair at all.”
Luke United Methodist Church, located in the Midtown area, on South Highland and Mynders, serves as another helping hand to the homeless. It does not shelter the homeless, but provides food, clothing, and worship to them throughout the week. There, the homeless people feel welcome and comfortable by a ministry who cares. Every other Sunday, a homeless person joins church and volunteers their time, during the different events that are held.
Michael Isom, 45, from Memphis has been homeless since 1991. Isom never kept a stable job and rarely communicated with his family or others. He raised himself in the streets. A typical day for Isom would be to get up in the morning, ride his bicycle, and pick up cans to sell for food and shelter. Regularly, he resides on the streets, and sometimes in the shelter. He attends Luke United Methodist every Saturday and Sunday.
“I really enjoy coming to this church,” said Isom. “The people, here are friendly and caring”.
The National Coalition for the Homeless says that half of all states have multiple risk factors for increased homelessness; that is, they have rates worse than the national average on at least two of five indicators -- unemployment, foreclosure, doubled-up, housing cost burden, and lack of health insurance.
Story Highlights
· Perry Johnson and 2 other homeless people share their experiences of being homeless.
· Luke United Methodist and Union Mission serve as helping hands to the homeless.
· National Coalition for the Homeless says homelessness has risen in the past 15-20 years.
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