spring 2003

Dear Friends;

I have never been happier to see Spring arrive than this year. We at The Other Place are especially relieved to have survived such a hard winter, sad to say there are several homeless people that did not. You probably did not see on the news or read in the paper the deaths of homeless people this winter that can be attributed to their lives on the street. Many believe their deaths were not considered important enough to report, we at The Other Place believe differently. All of the people we serve at The Other Place are worthy of us telling their story and mourning the lost of their life.

“Jim” was 42 years old and entered The Other Place over six months ago having just been released from prison. He was mildly retarded, mentally ill and a recovering substance abuser. When he entered the shelter he had no housing options, he had no medicine for his mental illness nor was he receiving services for his mild retardation. His past employment had been in the construction field but he had suffered a serious back injury on his last job that was now preventing him from working. He was a father of a two year old boy that he loved dearly. “Jim’s” love for his son drove him to overcome his past and look towards a brighter future. “Jim” worked hard on his issues during his time with us and he spent many hours reading his Bible and befriending other homeless people. “Jim” died February 18, 2003 just a few days away from moving into housing. His life ended too soon and his son will never truly know how hard he was working to become the father he wanted to be.

“Susan” was 37 years old and entered The Other Place July of 2002 after moving from Alabama to Dayton to start her life over. She had suffered with major medical issues and battled mental illness and addictions for most of her adult life. She had three children that lived with relatives but “Susan’s” goal was to someday have her children back with her. “Susan’s diabetes and hepatitis were serious concerns and were only intensified as she remained homeless. Even as she suffered with her condition she always remained upbeat and welcoming to others as they entered shelter. She became a mother figure to so many people. “Susan moved into housing on March 3, 2003 we were all very excited for her. “Susan” felt like she was on her way to accomplishing what she had set out to do by moving to Dayton. “Susan died one week later March 10, 2003. Little did she know that her life was not starting over, but ending.

These people are real, their stories are real. As I look back over how we touched their lives and how they touched ours, I am glad we were here for them when others weren’t. I am sad that we were not able to spare their lives but I am hopeful that we can help others. As you enjoy this Spring remember The Other Place, remember “Jim” and “Susan” and the others we serve everyday. But most importantly remember there is more work to be done.

Respectfully,
Tina M. Patterson
Tina M. Patterson
Executive Director
 

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