Every year I try and do several projects for groups that are not-for-profit. Today, I started one for Community LINC, a group that I have done a couple videos for in the past. I have worked with homeless advocates/shelters and feel like I understand the issue fairly well. I also see the homeless as two separate groups. I found out one term for the “typical” picture of the homeless is a “sign flyer.”
What you may think when you picture "The Homeless"
These are the guys you see on the street corners with the “need food, God bless” signs. The other group, in my mind, are the families that through poor money management, bad luck, and worse timing find themselves being evicted and walking away from homes or apartments and a bunch of utility bills.
My goal for Community LINC is to tell the story of how CL reaches out to the second group, and provides them with the tools to get out of crisis mode, stabilize, learn financial skills, and help them transition back into society with the ability to succeed. It is not an easy tale to tell. I was shocked during our first day of shooting to visit a budget hotel, and find out almost the entire hotel was full of homeless families. If they can afford $49 a night, why can’t they make a rent payment of $450?
My producer, who is also on staff at Community LINC, explained the cycle they get trapped in. It goes something like this…
A family is living paycheck to paycheck, something bad happens (job loss, illness, car breaks down). They then fall back on credit cards, stop making certain bill payments, something else bad happens, and then they are truly screwed. They get evicted and walk away with what they can shove in the car, leaving behind debt and past due utility payments. The reality of the crisis sets in, they hit up relatives or friends for shelter and wear that out. In the mean time they might be able to save up a little money and find work. But the past haunts them, no landlord will rent to them, so they end up in cheap hotels, trapped.
They then slowly fall behind until they are on the street. At that point it is homeless shelters and for some, homeless camps.
Homeless camp, about a mile from the Power & Light district. It reminded me of when I am overseas shooting for relief organizations. It had the same smell as the slums in Honduras..
Beyond the stress of all the issues, a deep sense of shame and failure fill the soul. Most have been programmed since childhood to believe that they are stupid and born failures. We all have that little demon in us somewhere, whispering lies, and that demon takes over in a situation like this. The kids at this point often bolt to fend for themselves. Many end up prostituted, just trying to survive. And this is why I tell this story. It breaks my heart.
This 10 year old is sharing a room with her family of 5. They are stable for now, but due to past bills, are unable to rent. They are trapped in a cycle.
Community LINC is just one of the many organizations in Kansas City trying to rescue these people. And not only feed them a meal and give them temporary shelter, but teach them how to get out of the trap and never get caught again. They teach financial skills, and more importantly, they mentally equip these survirors to believe that they have value and worth, that their lives mean something and that they have something to give. Community LINC is saving lives, literally. A family that makes it through the program often ends up sending their children to college and giving back time to CL.
The woman in this room will be evicted on Sunday, she is paralyzed with fear and self doubt. She plans to put all her stuff into a dumpster and start walking to Illinois to hopefully find her brother. We spent an hour with her helping her navigate the crisis hot lines and centers. In her soul, however, she has given up. The church she was attending offered "to pray for her and that was all they could do" she told us with a sad smile.
This is the story that I want to tell. Today was day 1 of shooting.
Wow!- is all I can say. Scott captured my heart and all I was feeling after a very heavy day. When we started our day I explained to Scott what I wanted to capture, however I had no idea how much it would affect me.
I knew from the families we serve at Community LINC that many families are forced into hotels but neither of us had any idea how many. As I began to knock on doors I realized that the hotel was packed with homeless families who were indeed trapped. Our hearts broke as we met the precious children who had a look of fragility and fear.
After I left, I reflected on the day and felt the weight of sadness and despair however, I did not realize how strongly it impacted me until I read this blog.My eyes filled with tears because you captured in words and pictures what I observed with my eyes and ears and I thank you. This is why I do the work I I praise God if I can be a vehicle to give hope to the hopeless and homes to the homeless and perhaps change a child’s future forever!
Scott you sooo get it!
With gratitude!
Scott. You know if you need help I am there with you.
Thanks!
I look forward to the watching the film! I’ve seen at least one other piece you filmed for Community LINC, and it was powerful.
While God moved us out of ministry at Community LINC, the two years we lived there we enlightening, educating, edifying, and heart breaking in some cases; however, it was a decision we will never regret. In four years of teaching the kids on Thursday nights, we were blessed more than the kids. We have one regret: we failed to write down all the names of the kids and families, and our collective (the ministry team) memory is frail.
Homelessness is difficult to explain verbally or in writing. Many times people just have to see it. Prayerfully a film such as this will force folks to confront their fear and misunderstanding about homelessness. Prayerfully a film such as this will eliminate the argument I hear too often, “Well, homeless people in America are way better off than homeless in a third world country.” Maybe there is some truth to this statement, but the homeless in America (Kansas City) don’t live in a third world country.
Those of us that work in and are part of these experiences are aware, as you are, of the clarity of the human spirit. It’s like watching life in 3-D. While we are apart of this experience we must keep in mind the affect on our own psyche….our own spirits. We are experiencing what is called “secondary trauma.” The effects may be manifested in how we function in our own families, i.e. discipline, communication style, dealing with perceived fears, controlling our own environments, etc. The flip side of this however, is the incredible witnessing of miracles, no matter how small. Miracles may occur in the ‘aha’ moment that someone gets it ( it could be you) or realizes that the power within really does exist and understand we are divine creations….who have the power to change…is it easy, absolutely not. What is most powerful is the positive affect that it has. In working with others it has afforded an opportunity to continually learn lifelong lessons….by the grace! I have a quote that is taped to my printer to remind me of what is: God is here. God is in this experience. Consistently turns everything to good! God’s plan is good. I trust it. He is in full control of the experience”……….Daily Word
Gail,
Yesterday, I kept thinking Teresa is a rock, all business. I could not figure out how she could operate and show so little emotion. It turns out she was doing the same thing I was and just operating. It wasn’t until I got home that I had a chance to work through the emotions. I have done this in the past when overseas working for Children International. I would spend the day in horrific conditions, take joy in the stories of victory, encourage those who where in the trenches, and realize that one person can’t fix it all. And then get up and do it again the next day.
I am pretty excited about our project.
Scott, that’s what I’m talking about. Thank you for all you do.
Peace and Balance, Gail
Scott
Your blog and pictures are truly reflective of what LINC sees each day. They do a magnificent job with compassion, justice and dignity for their consumers. Our community is a better place because of their work.
Stunning photos, Scott. We are so grateful for your talents to bring this story to life. I plan to make sure many see your work. In humble gratitude, Angie
God Bless You Scott! I am so moved by your diary. I have been a member of the Board for 6 years and what you have captured here not only brought me to tears, but helped me realize that the work we do at Community LINC is so critical to the lives of these families especially the children. I am so glad we have heightened the commitment to the children that enter our program. We are so blessed to have you continue to be part of our volunteer family!!! Thank You!!!
Teresa and Scott -
Thanks for telling this story. I told Teresa yesterday that I admired what she does as that kind of heartbreak is hard to deal with on a daily basis and let hope rise above it all. It’s what makes Community LINC a special place.