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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2016)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2016 Road increases significantly during the months with milder weath- er. Individuals who find them- selves without a permanent res- idence can’t be easily catego- rized, shouldn’t be generalized, but are unfortunately often marginalized. In an effort to get a better understanding and open a dia- logue with those within the homeless community, I was assigned to reach out to a num- ber of individuals who have found themselves without shel- ter. One of the individuals who from 1A (NCH) is spearheading the effort to increase awareness of this chronic problem while also conducting studies that gather information for support groups at local, state and national lev- els. The problem of homeless- ness is not new and it is not going away. Lane County Poverty and Homelessness Board (LCPHB) estimates Florence has approximately 100 homeless individuals at this time of year — number that Celebrating the Gifts of Friendship & Community agreed to tell his story was a 64-year-old gentleman I met named Barry Sommers. I say “gentleman” intention- ally because, after spending just a few moments with Sommers, one is impressed with his intellect and strength of spirit. Sommers doesn’t appear to the casual observer to be home- less. His clothes are clean, though well-worn. He smiles readily, revealing gaps that somehow enhance his wide, easy grin. Sommers thoughtfully artic- ulated to me the series of events that brought him to this unenvi- able place in his life. Our interview took place at a local restaurant, chosen because he had always wanted to eat there but knew it was out of his price range. Sommers explained that his situation stems directly from a combination of the economic downturn of the past decade and with society’s disregard for its older, displaced citizens. “It started in 2010, with the worldwide financial crisis,” Sommers explained. “At that time I lost my job and I had been unemployed for almost S urfside Restaurant C hristmas Menu $25.00 Adults $13.50 Kids (under 10) F irst Course As we wrap up another year, we think about how lucky we are to know good neighbors like you. Thanks for making us feel so at home here. We sincerely appreciate your patronage and support. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our entire team! While you are waiting for your entrée, enjoy our first course buffet bar with assorted salads, cold and hot appetizers. E ntrees BACON WRAPPED BEEF TENDERS CARVED HAM BRAISED PORK OSSO BUCCO PAN SEARED COD GRILLED POLENTA AND ROASTED VEGETABLES D essert Bar two years. I had exhausted my unemployment and gone through all my savings. “That’s when I first became technically homeless.” The facts gathered by the NCH and other non-govern- mental service agencies show that most of the country’s homeless have suffered a major financial set back, either at work or with their health — events that propelled them to homelessness. This comes in stark contrast to the common perception that the majority of homeless peo- ple are addicts or “lazy.” The majority of people mak- ing up the homeless population are the result of job loss or financial crisis without the means — or the family support system — to recover. It’s that simple. Ironically, coming up with a solution, however, is extremely difficult. That’s because there is no “one size fits all” solution to this problem. Sommers recalled a painful, bittersweet event that helped him to partially stem the sense of helplessness that many of the homeless experience. “My father passed away, and while he was by no means a wealthy man, he left me a few thousand dollars,” said Sommers. “I used it to buy a used R.V. so I had a place that was warm and dry. Then I decided I had to get to a place where it wasn’t so expensive to live. That’s when I decided to Homeless Choose from an assortment of other sweet goodies Feel at Home. Taste the Deliciousness from 1A 501 (c)(3) organization, so contributions are tax deductible. Drop-off sites are KXCR Community Radio Station, across the street from the HOURS: 12 P.M. – 7 P.M. RESERVATIONS NEEDED 541--997--8263 7 A moved to Oregon.” Sommers said he is comfort- able sharing the details of his situation because he wants oth- ers to understand that not all homeless individuals are help- less or unwilling to help them- selves. “After I got to Oregon, I fig- ured out how to live on $500 a month, It does entail utilizing social services and other safety nets that are out there,” said Sommers. “But they are there for a reason.” Sommers has applied for work in town but factors such as not having a permanent address, consistent work histo- ry and age have made it diffi- cult. When asked how he remains positive and upbeat in his situa- tion, Sommers pointed skyward and offers his broad smile. “I believe that everything happens for a reason. I trust that God has a plan for me and I accept his will in my life,” Sommers said. “I hope that someday I will be in a more sta- ble, positive situation. “Until then, I will make the best of where I find myself and try to find permanent work and a more traditional living arrangement.” Donations for today’s Homeless Awareness Day can be dropped off at KXCR radio, across from the Siuslaw Public Library on Ninth Street, or at City Lights Cinemas, 1930 Highway 101. Siuslaw Public Library, and City Lights Cinema at 1930 Highway 101. This collection effort is due to the combined efforts of West Lane Hostel Committee, Three Riveres Casino Resort, Helping Hands and Siuslaw Outreach Services. 88416 1st Ave. Florence HIT THAT 4515 Hwy. 101 N., Florence • 541- 997-5049 AJ and Megan Shervin, Owners Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm LIKE BUTTON! F ACEBOOK . 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