City Council to Honor Jennifer Gale Today

Other Ways (0.00 / 0)

to support the homeless, both on a micro and macro level.

Donate to and volunteer for non-profits that provide services for the homeless, such as Caritas, the Salvation Army, and my recent employer, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc.  With the economic downturn, these organizations are hurting for funding as both private and government sources of income are drying up.

Support organizations that do not specifically deal with homelessness, but who have significant homeless client populations or provide comprehensive social services and/or policy advocacy that help people escape homelessness.  Mental health and disability rights organizations are at the top of this list, such as Advocacy, Inc. and MHMR.

Finally, support efforts at legislative reform.  Lack of mental health services is by far the largest cause of homelessness; at Legal Aid, virtually every homeless client I had suffered from serious mental illness and faced enormous obstacles to obtaining and maintaining treatment.  Among women, domestic violence was also one of the leading causes of homelessness; laws to help protect victims at work, obtain financial support, education, job training, and more can make a big difference.

"In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican." - H.L. Mencken

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by: PI Lawyer @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 01:36:37 AM CST

Let me add one more social service provider (0.00 / 0)

Front Steps, formerly the Capital Area Homeless Alliance, manages the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless.  

In addition to meeting people's basic needs (food, shelter, showers, clothing, lockers, mail and messaaging), the staff and volunteers also provide pathways to self-sufficiency by offering case managment, transitional and permanent housing, drug and alcohol psycho-education, dialetical behavior therapy, AA, and vouchers for tools, uniforms, boots, ID services, unpaid utility bills, etc.

An average of 400 people a day come through the ARCH for services, and 175 pp utilize the Emergency Overnight Shelter every night.

Many people who read this website have been through the ARCH doors to serve dinner, help clients connect to services, dispense hygiene products, monitor the computer lab and to donate blankets, jackets, and sleeping bags.

There are many ways to help homeless people transition into housing.  More information can be found www.frontsteps.org.  (sorry I don't know how to link!)

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by: Susan M. @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 08:33:02 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Why was she homeless? (0.00 / 0)

I knew little of Jennifer Gale other than what I've read here and there and I have to ask "Why was she homeless?" By choice or by continued circumstance?  

"Among women, domestic violence was also one of the leading causes of homelessness; laws to help protect victims at work, obtain financial support, education, job training, and more can make a big difference."

As both a stalking victim and an advocate I know all too well the impact of post traumatic stress syndrome/disorder which is something stalking victims and victims of domestic abuse/violence share with veterans. My experience and observation of the victim assistance funds set up through VAWA and administered through the state attorney general offices in this country is that they help some but not all and really fall short of addressing the problems that often result in homelessness for many victims.  

It is difficult for most people to view veterans as victims but that is what many are. Victims of a system that simply does not respond to their needs after they have served ours. Stalking victims and victims of domestic abuse/violence at least have some resources available through programs funded by VAWA but veterans, it seems, have little if any.

"Finally, support efforts at legislative reform.  Lack of mental health services is by far the largest cause of homelessness; at Legal Aid, virtually every homeless client I had suffered from serious mental illness and faced enormous obstacles to obtaining and maintaining treatment."

DEMAND legislative reform. My experience is too many advocates in this state are not willing to force the issue out of politeness but also, I suspect, out of fear of seeing their budgets cut by the state agencies that often administer the funding for a large portion of their budgets.  

Hopefully those who knew Jennifer Gale will at least attempt to force the issue finally.  A little help, a shoulder, a kindred spirit, all of which take funding in many cases, often are what keeps many suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome from developing post traumatic stress disorder and keeps many from what really must be a nightmare of despair resulting from homelessness.

I often hear law enforcement as well as advocates for the homeless comment that many remain homeless by choice - if so perhaps they need to realize that perhaps homelessness is seen as a better option than the options provided for them.

My heart just stops every time a homeless person is found dead. Particularly in this instance. Despite being a victim Jennifer Gale apparently was also an advocate for others.

Hopefully she will serve as an example for other advocates.  

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by: Baby Snooks @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 04:46:07 AM CST

Help for advocates... (0.00 / 0)

http://www.legalmomentum.org

Since 1970 Legal Momentum has been committed to proactive legal assistance to advocates with regard to women's rights under the law and if there are legal issues with regard to what happened to Jennifer Gale they might be able to offer assistance to those who wish to address those issues.

And it's important to note that while their focus is on women many of the issues they address have equal impact on men as well.  Often the cases they take on become a domino that causes other dominoes to fall as well.  

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by: Baby Snooks @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 05:58:53 AM CST

More than a homeless issue... (5.00 / 4)

Everyone is talking about this as a purely homeless issue, but I want people to realize and be educated on that this is more than just a homeless issue. Something Jennifer would never talk about, but was a reality for her is that she is a transwoman living in a transphobic society. Homelessness in the trans-community is a really big problem, and one that all to often goes ignored. There are no laws in Texas protecting transgendered people, whether from job-discrimation, housing or hate crimes. There was really no where for Jennifer Gale to go to protect herself from the cold Tuesday night. The Salvation Army (the only shelter in town that takes in women) would not let her in there unless she was grouped with the men (which includes sleeping with and showering with other homeless men). They would make her use her birth male name and completely disregarded, and disrespect, her identity as a (trans)woman. There is so much to be learned from Jennifer Gale, and so much to be worked on in our community.  

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by: martib @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 07:40:23 AM CST

Contact Legal Momentum... (0.00 / 0)

Legal Momentum has filed amicus briefs in two same-sex marriage cases in Maryland and in California which challenged the right of states to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation which is really the underlying motivation behind banning same-sex marriage - they might be willing to finally take on the issue of transgender discrimination.  Someone needs to.  Most transgenders find themselves in a legal limbo as well as a societal limbo.  

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by: Baby Snooks @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 08:02:29 AM CST

[ Parent ]

A really great article.... (0.00 / 0)

Btw, here's a really great report put out by the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce addressing this issue: http://www.thetaskforce.org/do...

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by: martib @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 08:12:12 AM CST

[ Parent ]

This is a huge issue (0.00 / 0)

especially considering how many LGBTQ teens are homeless, having been kicked out of their parents' houses.

Here's a link. 20% of homeless youth identify at LGBTQ. That's huge.

Lambda Legal has a good piece on the lack of adequate social structures to address this.

Now on Twitter: KathTX

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by: Katherine Haenschen @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 09:58:19 AM CST

[ Parent ]

And in Austin might become more dire (0.00 / 0)

If the rumor is true that LifeWorks plans to decrease or even stop providing services for homeless teens that frequent the Drag.

Susan M.
Co-Chair
Downtown Cluster of Congregations and Social Services Agencies

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by: Susan M. @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 10:15:59 AM CST

[ Parent ]

What have they done to change it? (0.00 / 0)

I get very angry with people who believe an organization writing good articles about social problems are somehow addressing the social problems. All they are doing is writing good articles believing some legislator will read it and introduce a bill offering a solution or some philanthropist will read it and send a large check to at least provide a partial, albeit often only temporary solution, to the problem.  

I always want to know what the organization has actually done to change it. Usually the organization has done very little apart from writing good articles. Usually out of "political correctness."

I have to ask what the policy at Front Steps is regarding transgendered clients. Particularly within the shelter itself. Particularly with regard to Jennifer Gale. I still do not understand why she was homeless.  

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by: Baby Snooks @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 10:42:21 AM CST

I'm not sure who "they" are? (0.00 / 0)

BS:

Please don't confuse the Salvation Army with Front Steps.  Two different orgs.

One is a church and an army and the other is a low-demand shelter.

The writer above is correct that the only overnight shelter available for women is the Salvation Army.  The ARCH provides sleeping spaces for men, but is open to everyone during the day.

I did not know Jennifer Gale and don't know why she was homeless.  She is one of 6000-10000 people, mostly families, that are Austin's homeless.

If you want to do more than sit behind a computer and wonder aloud about who does what for whom, I'd be more than happy to take you on a tour of downtown non-profits whose employees work tirelessly to make life better for homeless people.

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by: Susan M. @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 11:08:28 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Forgot to mention ARCH policy! (0.00 / 0)

Front Steps takes clients in as they present themselves.

Also, on freezing nights the designated women's church does provide shelter for transgendered homeless clients that present themselves as female.

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by: Susan M. @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 11:49:34 AM CST

[ Parent ]

I try to keep people in their homes, thank you... (0.00 / 0)

I moderate a national forum for stalking victims which is really the only resource for many stalking victims in this country, although because of the internet it is a resource for stalking victims in other countries as well, and I do more than "wonder about who does what for whom" because often I have to find someone to help a stalking victim. Often to keep them from becoming homeless. Often in large cities with women's shelters and domestic abuse/violence organizations which often really do nothing more than write good articles.  

And I do so sitting behind a computer, twice daily, seven days a week, checking the forum and checking the email, and also do so without being paid because there is so little funding for services for stalking victims in this country. What little is there is usually tied into VAWA funding and so unless the stalking victim is also a victim of domestic abuse/violence, there is little in the way of resources for them. As it is, there are not sufficient resources for victims of domestic abuse/violence.  So I donate my time.

I'm quite familiar with the various resources in Austin and Austin is one of the few cities in this country that really does an excellent job of at least trying to help "victims of circumstance" and has built a very good network of agencies and organizations which help rather than hinder each other.

I did not know Jennifer Gale. Unlike you, however, I really do want to know why she was homeless.  No one seems to know why she was.  

I merely was asking about the policy concerning transgendered individuals who become victims of circumstance. It obviously is a problem. At least you offer them shelter.  Many apparently do not.

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by: Baby Snooks @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 15:39:24 PM CST

[ Parent ]

BS: Let's be clear (0.00 / 0)

I never said I did not want to know why Jennifer Gale was homeless, only that I did not know.

Given what was reported in the morning paper, Jennifer refused shelter from a friend citing her desire to be "independent".

When you find the answer to your question, please post.  I'd be interested in the answer.

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by: Susan M. @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 17:22:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"Currently houseless" (0.00 / 0)

I noticed on her MySpace page that she commented that she was "currently houseless" which perhaps is revealing. She didn't have a roof over her head but perhaps in some strange way didn't feel she was homeless.  I think what bothers me is that she died alone on a sidewalk. As so many, many do. And there but for the grace of god go so many of us.  We really are not addressing the problem of homelessness in this country.  I look at the hundreds of millions of dollars we spend electing politicians each year in this country and wonder how many apartment complexes to house the homeless could be built with that money. Possibly rented to them at rates they could afford to pay with jobs even at minimum wage which at least would give them a sense of real independence. As if there would be enough jobs. So many factors at work with regard to the problem of homelessness in this country. Instead, we spend hundreds of millions to elect politicians. And the politicians sometimes promise to address the problem once elected. And then of course don't.

One of the reasons why I dislike Nancy Pelosi so much is her comment about the Pink Ladies protesting in front of her home in Pacific Heights in San Francisco. That if they had been homeless, she could have had them arrested. That really sums up the feeling of quite a few in our country with regard to the homeless. They should just go away and not bother anyone. Out of sight, out of mind.  

Thank you, K-T, for providing the links. She had a life. She had friends. She was involved in the community. She just didn't have a home.   And yet she did. All of Austin was her home. I didn't know her, never met her, and yet I  will miss her just the same.  

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by: Baby Snooks @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 18:36:15 PM CST

[ Parent ]

reply to Baby Snooks (0.00 / 0)

I don't know if anyone, other than Jennifer, knows the exact reason why Jennifer was homeless.  

There are an estimated 4,000 homeless persons in Austin.  
Over 130 homeless have died on the streets of Austin this year alone.

From the experts I've talked with and what I've personally witnessed for my 37 years on this planet, most folks end-up being homeless because of a "lack of support system".  

Some lose their job and have no one (no family or loved ones) to fall back on.  Some get a divorce and lose their will to work.

What would help many is if society paid an actual "living wage" to our hard-working citizens.  Who can live on our miniumm wage?

Some have low-paying jobs that simply suck.  It gets to the point that their mental health is in jeopardy because of the stress the job brings.  So they decide to pick their mental health over their physical health on leave thier job.  

The argument that a percentage of them can work is partially right.  But who can work a job where the boss verbally abuses you or your confidence is depleted daily.  How long can that realistically go on before you quit.  6 months.  A year?  Then they're on the street again.

One expert told me a few years ago, "If you want a slight picture of an eventual potential homeless person, you might go visit a school and see the person that gets picked on by the bully the most.  The one that has some kind of physical or mental imperfection and is emotionally abused by his schoolmates, family, or mentor (teacher)".  

I've validated this a bit with some interviews. I've been told by a number of homeless individuals that they were picked on from the earliest of days, didn't have the support from anyone above them (no role model) and just never got into the right track.  Their confidence was taken from them early.  Their soul, their self will was destoryed by their father, mother, famiy member that physically or emotionally abused them.  Or from that bully at school that took his/her anger out at them...and it just got worse and worse progressively through school and s/he eventually dropped out of school, so they never received their HS Diploma, had no health insurance, couldn't get a good job....etc...you can see how it can all start very early in life with one event after another.

Sad how many said it was "a trusted person close to them" that did the most damage"  Teacher, father, uncle.  And they just never learned how to stick-up for themselves and became the one that others picked on for many years until they dropped out of society's mainstream.

But it's amazing how fast these folks can be built up again.  They need support.

I don't meet many mean homeless people.  They're typically kind, honest, generous, often smart, and very caring.  Many just need some support to get them on their feet again.  I'd guess probably 20% or so are in need of heavy mental services, and another 20% physical.  (these stats are based on what I've personally witnessed during volunteer work and not scientific).

So, "lack of support" is the most consistent element.

Best,
David

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by: David Kobierowski @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 15:23:21 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Where was her support system? (0.00 / 0)

Jennifer Gale seemed to be a "fixture" in Austin politics and well-liked - where was her support system? Did someone attempt to help her and she refused? Or did everyone assume someone else would?  I am at a loss at how someone so visible in Austin could at the same time be so invisible.

Years ago a friend in Los Angeles became a "victim of circumstance" because of a divorce and then lack of marketable job skills.  She needed $2,000 a month to survive and so someone called everyone who knew her and asked what they might be able to cover per month for a year so she would have a year to try to get on her feet without any additional stress. All committed to at least $50 a month. She ended up with a good job and she saved every penny which everyone agreed to and she lived off the "fund" we set up and managed to save some from that as well. And she was able to apply for a grant and a loan and went to USC the following year and managed to get first a BA and then a MSW.  She works with an organization part-time that helps the homeless.  Remembering how easily she could have become homeless herself. And probably would have had someone not called all of us to see if we would help.  Years later three of us also would become victims of circumstance.  She was the only one of the "group" of friends who in turn helped us.  Without our having to ask. The others apparently felt she should have paid them back. Apparently several asked her to. Which she did. We didn't. They resented having to ask her.  And so apparently decided not to help anyone again. We weren't making a loan. We were merely helping someone.  People really have forgotten how to help others in this country.  People really have become selfish. She paid us back by helping us when we needed it.

She didn't ask for help. She didn't know how to or was embarrassed to. Someone just knew she needed it. And put together a support system for her.  

So I guess my real question is whether someone attempted to put a support system in place for Jennifer Gale.

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by: Baby Snooks @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 16:27:45 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Support Rehabilitation, (and a bit on Jennifer)... (0.00 / 0)

Thx KT for posting all the info on Jennifer.

There are many organizations that are doing God's work and other great work everyday in our great city and all cities.  I applaud them all and I support them all.  I used to do a lot of this work myself...I've been on many mission trips and "feed the homeless" efforts of all types.

When I lived in Boston, everyday that I was lucky enough to close a deal (I sold technology consulting servies) I would always give money to homeless folks that I walked by as I walked to the train.  It became a fun topic because as I walked by, some of the homeless folks would shout out to me "David, did you win a deal today? I prayed for you to win a deal" (in hopes that I won a deal so that I would share my winnings with them)...it was very touching...I made millions for my company during that time, and I gave back some directly to those in need.  I have to think some of those prayers were answered for both me and folks on the street.

But I learned some tough lessons.  The big one was that giving money is a very "nice" thing to do, but not the most effective.  It's better to give food, clothes, a job, or to give them respect.  Say hi to them, talk with them, look at them in eye and ask them how their day is going.

I support all organizations that are tying to help, But I especially support organizations that fight the root cause of the issues.

Rehabilitation groups, such as "Push-Up Foundations" in East Austin or "Austin Recovery", and groups like Salvation Army's Rehabilitative arm need more support from Texans.

It's hard, but we need to set boundaries and not give money unless the group is doing real reahablitation.  

Again, don't give money to individuals.  Give them a place to stay, food to eat, clothes to wear, a job.  Talk with them.  Mostly they need someone to hear them.  They are people like all of us that have, unfortunately, had a tough time recently.  Many can benefit from counseling and mental health services.

Some politicians (often Repubs) claim that "if you support rehabilitation services, you're weak (on crime)".   And I say bull!!!  I say "if you don't support rehabilitation programs you are not fighting the root cause, which means your wasting our tax payer's money and weak on policy".

Police locking people up because of their issues is a waste of our tax payer's money.  And politicians and police using fear-based langauge to manipulate the voters to support and pass junk-policy against the less fortunate will not get my vote.  We need programs that will build confidence and skills of the less-fortunate among us.  They need and deserve more than handout programs by politicians pandering for our votes.

It's time to get smart about our homeless issue.  

Condo developers are working overtime to get the homeless out of downtown Austin in order to help raise the value of the condos they've been trying to sell for 2 years.  I've been told by "unofficial sources" that it's a program called "Cleansweep".  I asked Police Chief Acevedo during my interview with him a few weeks ago if he was aware, but he did not address it.  Does anyone else have information about this program, "Cleansweep"?

Regardless, it's clear developers and law enforcement are trying pandhandling laws that crimalize poverty and "beautification committees" that push out the lower income so we don't have to look at them.

Tough.  This is life and most of the homeless are veterans.  We have an obligation to help the finanically less fortunate among us.

I've met many homeless individuals via "MissionPossible" in East Austin.  MissionPossible is the group that co-hosts the "Church Under the Bridge" effort that feeds hundreds of homeless inividuals each Sunday at noon.  They are literally under Interstate 35 at 7th Street.  They served 800 people under the I-35 bridge for their annual "Thanksgiving Banquet".

How did they get the approval to provide this service?  It appears mostly via DOT, since it's under the highway.  

City of Austin can't stop them from providing help because they don't own the highway. They can try, and have obvious influence.  Special-interest politicians would love to shut it down.  If the special-interest politicians try, I'll do all I can to stop them.  Isupport MissionPossible and all the other churches in town that co-host this effort.

Most homeless individuals that I've met are veterans that have served our country.  Some have had a recent divorce, job loss, or other life crisis recently that destroyed their confidence and self-worth.

I saw Jennifer at many city council meetings, county commissioner court meetings, and she ran in most local elections.  She was tirelessly trying to help her friends get the services they needed.

Jennifer's last political race was her May 08' run for place 4 city Council.  She won 3.6% of the vote, beating two other candidates that received 2.3% and 1.0%.  

Jennifer didn't always make her case clear when she was asking for support and votes at the podium, but often she had real issues, and a great sense of humor.  And she was ALWAYS fighting for the less fortunate.  She was a hero for this.

She served our country in the military, and spent countless hours advocating for services for the less-advantaged among us.  

I said hi to her on Thursday at city council as she was running aroung getting her thoughts together to speak.  I'm saddened that she won't be there today to update us.  She was special, she always fought for "the little guy".

City council and local politics will not be the same without her.

David Kobierowski

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by: David Kobierowski @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 10:43:07 AM CST

Give them hope... (0.00 / 0)

"Again, don't give money to individuals.  Give them a place to stay, food to eat, clothes to wear, a job.  Talk with them.  Mostly they need someone to hear them.  They are people like all of us that have, unfortunately, had a tough time recently.  Many can benefit from counseling and mental health services."

There is one man who sells water under one of the underpasses not far from where I live.  I recently moved and my window by my desk now looks out at that underpass. I see him every day from my window. And always talk to him when I walk to the rail station.  He is part of an actual "community" that Houston Police Department "runs off" from time to time. Moving them around from one area to another. "Out of sight, out of mind." He sells enough water every day to have a meal or two. When it's cold he will stay at a men's shelter that offers a bed and a meal and a shower for $20 a night.  I have never said anything to him but of course it irritates me that he has to pay anything. He is homeless.  But our system is so intent on having everyone pay their own way. Even the homeless. He can, at least from time to time, but most can't.

What they need is hope.  There just isn't enough hope to go around I'm afraid.    

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by: Baby Snooks @ Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 18:46:05 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Get smart, indeed (0.00 / 0)

Condo developers are working overtime to get the homeless out of downtown Austin in order to help raise the value of the condos they've been trying to sell for 2 years.  

Just where, precisely, do you think the money would come from to pay for an increase in services geared towards the homeless? Santa Claus? The suburbanites?

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by: m1ek @ Fri Dec 19, 2008 at 14:56:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Million dollar condos is not the only revenue model avail to our city... (0.00 / 0)

What about all the technology our world is benefiting from?  How about leverging the internet to create a repeatable revenue-producing model that can benefit the less fortunate?  

I don't our key urban policy needs to be pandering to developers.  It's a horrible model that is dependent on major, unsustainable growth.  It's infantile thinking that will only get is so far.  We'll max out shortly, and then what do we do??  And it's not effective because there is a major cost to all this.  Our roads are in the worst shape they've ever been in (per our city mgr, over $900M needed to fix our infrastructure).  We don't have the capacity for all the traffic that we're trying to stuff into downtown.  

How about paying for folks to work in areas where they're needed.  St. Louis has lost a ton of people, as has Detroit.  These cities need masses of people.  Austin does not need all of this like other cities do.  

There's an obvious cost to all the condos.  Our small businesses are hurt because of all the streets that are blocked off downtown making it difficult for people to access storefronts, all the noise, dust, etc.  People are moving out of downtown because of it (7 sky scrapers so far that are "stuck").  We're extremely overbuilt.  Now what???  We're going to have to bail these developers out like we did the Intel building downtown or the Auto Mfr's or banks?  NO WAY!  My tax paying money is not going to bail-out all the developers that decided to try to make Austin another San Francisco or another Houston.

We're smarter than this.

Why do you think the only way we can help people is by bulding condos that rent or sell for more money than anyone that lives in Austin can afford?

I understand it's one way to raise capital, but it's very unreliable and there's a major cost to the quality of life that we're suffering with...not to mention the environment, the crime rate, and our sensitive aquifer that Austin needs to protect.

If we were in another part of the country without such a sensitive area we can be much more aggressive.  But we have a very sensitive environment that we must be smarter about.

Why should be limit ourselves to only using one stream of revenue to do good in this world?  

We're smarter than this.  Lets act it.  We don't need to sell our souls to every condo developer in the nation to come to Austin and build in every inch avail in order to help the homeless.  I'm sure we can think of other ways beyond becoming the next Houston to help the less-fortunate among us.

Thx for the discussion.
David

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by: David Kobierowski @ Fri Dec 19, 2008 at 18:24:18 PM CST

[ Parent ]