![[SeMissourian.com]](http://www.t-g.com/images/nameplate.png)
RSS
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Read comments (40)
Share link
del.icio.us
Digg
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Newsvine
Facebook
Furl
Reddit
GoogleHomeless advocate Dr. Carl Bailey has been asking -- and is swiftly running out of answers.
With Bedford County's unemployment rate pushing 12 percent, more and more families are being forced into the streets, Bailey said.
Just last week, Bailey said, six families -- making up 27 people, mostly women and children -- came to him begging for help.
Help he could not provide.
The C.R.O.S.S. (Community Religious Outreach Social Service) shelter is now at full capacity and to put a roof over the heads of a family would mean kicking out people already housed, Bailey said.
"I'm at my wit's end," Bailey said. "I don't know what to do."
Situation getting worse
In April, Bailey said that the C.R.O.S.S. shelter had a limited capability to take in families and that he was looking for a larger place so family rooms could be designated.
"As the economy deteriorates ... we're going to see more and more of these families," Bailey said at the time.
Three months later, that statement is coming true.
Layoffs by large firms in the region, such as the General Motors plant in Spring Hill, have contributed to the homeless problem families now face, Bailey said.
"There's a very significant number from our community that worked there," Bailey explained, and he worries about possible layoffs from other large companies in Middle Tennessee that could impact other local families.
Dr. Bailey is asking to meet with mayors of both Shelbyville and Bedford County to brainstorm on how to fix the latest problem and is also asking for ideas from the community.
"These families are coming to me every day and I don't know what to do," Bailey said.
Shelter supported
The situation Bailey and the families face is definitely not from a lack of effort from both the city and county, who have contributed much to the formation of the shelter, including arranging for a building to house the facility, he pointed out.
Contributions from area churches have also made the C.R.O.S.S. facility work.
Bailey said the shelter has enough funding to handle operational costs until January 2010 and as the facility is run now, it can continue with its mission.
But the C.R.O.S.S. facility was envisioned to handle individuals impacted by homelessness, not entire families, and that is what Bailey says the region is facing now.
The only solution that Bailey can envision is to obtain a piece of property to house inexpensive Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers or perhaps a large commercial building or unused county or city property where families can be sheltered in large rooms.
Bailey said he would welcome any other ideas. Among the county's substantial faith-based community, he said, there should be some ideas on how to solve the problem.
Bailey believes he can come up with the voluntary supervision for a family shelter; he just needs a site on which to place it.
Funding coming
There is some recent good news -- $13.4 million from the stimulus bill signed by President Obama in February is slated to go to homelessness prevention in Tennessee, Bailey said.
However, over half of that funding will be going to Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga, leaving the rest of the money to be split up between the 91 other counties around the state.
Bailey said that whatever money Bedford County will get from the stimulus, he is hoping he will be able to manage it locally.
But that funding will not be available until October, he said, and Bailey believes that the region has not seen the worst of the homeless problem yet.
While Bailey spent most of his life in California, he is originally from Michigan and, after speaking to people there, he says, "if we ever get in their situation, with unemployment reaching 20 percent, that will be a crisis here."
How to help
Contact Dr. Carl Bailey at 575-9954.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
I still want to know if ALL families being served are from Bedford County. Also, is Bailey going to the churches in the area for assistance? It seems like every time this comes out in the paper, it's expected that Bedford County is to pony up the money for the cause.
Of these women coming to get help are they also going to the DHS Child Support Division to force the fathers to provide support? Where are the father's of these children and why are they not providing shelter? Are these families a member of a local church and is that church providing support? If not, why not?
Maybe if some of these homeless drunks would use what means they have to pay for housing instead of tobacco and alcohol or stay sober enough to hold a job, they wouldn't be in such dire straits. I've seen some of those people meandering around that house and I for one would not want them in my neighborhood or around my children. I think a nice wilderness program with tents would suffice some of these people. They are so used to this lifestyle that no matter how many handouts you give them, they are not going to change. So much has been done for them that they naturally expect others to keep them up. I applaud the concern, compassion and effort that Dr. Bailey has for these people, but until they have the same desire for improvement for themselves all other efforts are futile.
sameoldstory,
In order for DHS to help force fathers to pay money, the fathers have to have money or be located. Which some disappear from radar so they don't have to pay for their kids. DHS can help with getting money for food, but they cannot get them shelter. They can apply for help with their rent, but that is it. As for the religious question..not all churches have the funding to help out non-members. A few years ago I experienced being homeless with my children, but in another county. The only place that I could get help from was the Domestic Violence shelter and a small homeless shelter. We were not a member of any church, so there was no where else to turn.
As for the homeless situation, I think it would be nice for the city/county to "help" out. But as for giving this money to Dr. Bailey, I would say no. I would rather see the money or vouchers go directly to the families in need instead of a middle person. That way you know that all of the money is going where it belongs and not to anyone else along the way.
Its hard to believe that some of these people don't have family to live with somewhere. I know if I lost my home that I could find somewhere to live. Also, I agree with writeattitude. If things are so hard and money is tight, then why do you see some people smoking their cigarettes and drinking their beer. Stop it and get out there and make something of yourself. Can't make excuses anymore.
In order for DHS to help force fathers to pay money, the fathers have to have money or be located. Which some disappear from radar so they don't have to pay for their kids.
-- Posted by -Beth- on Tue, Jul 7, 2009, at 10:16 AM
Seems that some of these moms should be more selective of their "partners". Perhaps if they took the time to get to know someone, instead of going home with the first guy that buys them a beer at the local bar they wouldn't be in this mess.
Choices, responsibility, and consequences.
Instead of another shelter, why not a facility that can be fabricated into a workhouse? Maybe they could make wine or milk goats or something?
Seems that some of these moms should be more selective of their "partners". Perhaps if they took the time to get to know someone, instead of going home with the first guy that buys them a beer at the local bar they wouldn't be in this mess.
-- Posted by quietmike on Tue, Jul 7, 2009, at 2:43 PM
That isn't always the case. I was with mine for 3 years because we married and had kids. Then one day when a domestic violence had to be involved and we got away from him. He disappeared, move, or something. So, not everyone has babies like you describe them. Yes, there are a few, but not ALL. We don't know what the situation that these women and children were in that made them become homeless.
quietmike.... Are you one of the men buying women a beer at a local bar?
If I were I wouldn't be telling them not to do it now would I?
I hate that people lump all the homeless into a category that labels them drunks, druggies, lazy bums. That is certainly not the case by any means. Yes there are those out there that are lazy bums and drunks and druggies, problem is most of those are living at the housing projects in homes with my tax dollars all the while the ones who are honestly trying to live with lost wages have to be put on a waiting list, many with nowhere to turn. I am glad some of you have family that you could turn to in case of an emergency unfortunately that is not the case for everyone. Fact is some of the nicest, most hard working individuals I have ever met came from a homeless shelter..it is sad that people look down on those who are having a hard time. Please take heart that, What goes around comes around!!
We don't know what the situation that these women and children were in that made them become homeless.
-- Posted by -Beth- on Tue, Jul 7, 2009, at 2:56 PM
True, and until we do our money shouldn't be spent on them. If it is a situation of their own making, well chalk that one up to a lesson learned (hopefully).
I am not opposed to helping the anyone in Bedford County that is trying to help themselves. I think between the church groups, family, and people like Danatn we could help all the honestly homeless local families. The rest are like the ones writeattitude are describing and don't want a hand up, they want a hand out.
I am also opposed to giving any money to anyone who came from California to open up a homeless shelter here. Especially one who believes he should be allowed to manage whatever money Bedford County may get from the (anti) stimulus bill.
I would like for those who are interested in providing more shelters for the homeless to do some research on who is currently in the homeless shelter then report back as to whether or not these people are local homeless people or people that our homeless shelter have attracted. After that research is done then I would like for you to research the crime and incidents that have occurred or been reported at the current homeless shelter. I think you will find that there have been incidents where alcohol and drugs were being consumed on the property. You may also find where fights have broken out amongst the drunks and that this place is doing nothing but attracting out of town problems. Once this is completed and reported fairly to the people of Bedford County, perhaps a better decision can be made on whether or not more shelters are needed.
I really feel for those who are truly homeless.My problem is if you create a situation, you will continue to draw people from all over looking for a handout.Keep growing Doc. and you will have homeless from all over the country coming to Bedford County.They will be sleeping in alleys,under the bridges,and in fields close to homes,schools,churches,and businesses.Just look at how the Nashville Rescue Mission like to have ruined down town Nashville.You could not walk down the street without homeless begging for money,not food,work, or a place to sleep.If LP field were never built Id say you could not walk down Broad Street today.The City of Nashville spent 100s of thousand of dollars to get them out so business would move in.I really don't think the City or County have that kind of cash.Oh wait they can get it from the taxpayers.
Homeless Shelters do not create homeless people it is the other way around, if we did not have homeless people there would be no reason for a homeless shelter.
I am not sure what you mean by saying Nashville Rescue Mission liked to have ruined Nashville Downtown because the Mission is still there just as it has been since 1954. Nashville Rescue Mission is a faith based mission and is supported by donations and religious groups not taxes.
sameoldstory: You are a Idiot!!
You have no idea what you are talking about. Also the comments about the baseball league going down is wrong. The BCB league growed to 46 teams this year. So before you start running your mouth about things you have no idea about get you facts straight.
You must be a single MOM whom lives off of child support and has time to play on the computer all day. Get a life!!!!!!!!
One...not a mom. Two... no food stamps. I make a VERY good living. Three.... where on this thread did I mention baseball. This is about the homeless shelter and their constant need for expansion and money. I have no problem if they want to hit up local churches and individuals. What I do have a problem with is Bedford County and the City of Shelbyville being expected to pay for this.
DianaTN... I understand what she means my the Nashville Rescue almost ruined downtown Nashville. I work in Nashville alot. If you talk to those that have been in business there, the homeless are drawn to the shelter, but when the weather is nice they will not follow the rules of the shelter and thus are sleeping in doorways, going to the bathroom in doorways etc. I won't go into graphic detail, but I've seen some really bad stuff brought on by the homeless shelter. The shelter draws many from other areas outside of Nashville. Word of mouth will carry so the phrase "build it and they will come" seems to fit here.
Like I said. I have no problem with taking care of our homeless, but we sure can't afford to take in homeless from other counties.
Dianatn,I think you did not understand what I was saying.Part of the deal with LP field,and the new restaurants and clubs moving in and being built was to clean up the downtown area.Not from trash and old buildings,but the homeless.If visitors come to a town and do not feel at ease they will go elsewhere.Its a business thing.Like I said it cost mega bucks to get them off the street.Metro still has several officers that there job is to move the homeless on down the road.Tell me it does not cause a problem putting in a homeless shelter,and I will have to say your wrong.Go to the Rescue Mission,or to tent city in Murfreesboro and tell 4 or 5 there is free food and lodging in Shelbyville Tennessee and watch the line coming down 231 S to North main street.
For decades now we have been rewarding the lazy and the uneducated by providing housing, medical care, food stamps, and many other services to people who make wrong choices in life and spend a lifetime bleeding the hard-working the dedicated and the educated of their resources. I really realized this when I was raising my children. My husband and I worked really hard to support and educate our children. I cannot recall a time in over a half a century where children were't given the same opportunity for education opportunity regardless of the financial or social status. What those individuals did with those opportunities determined where they are now and how well they are able to be self-supportive. Many partied through school, got pregant out of wedlock, decided it was easier to make a buck selling drugs than actually working for a living. In a very few special circumstances traumatic illness or extreme financial set-backs alter one's ability to provide for themselves, but for most of the welfare and nomadic homeless community, it is lifestyle choices that land them on the bottom. Young people who are making all the right choices do not have at their disposal all the help and support the ones who make wrong choices receive. Since the system in place evidently is not working and only creating more people needing assistance,and since everyone is so excited about CHANGE maybe we should change the entire system and start rewarding the good and give assistance and help to those who are progressing and cut off the ones who never can find their way. Why should they find their way, everything is just laid out in the open for them.
As a college educated woman, I dont feel that ALL people on welfare live off the welfare. the system is set up so these people barely scrape by and never sets the standards higher for them to achieve anything greater. to say that ALL people that got pregnant and partied through high school and end up on welfare is not accurate. I myself raised two kids while going thru college and am out working now. Thanks to the welfare system helping me feed my kids while I attended school to better ourselves, I would not be where I am. I am a college graduate and no longer qualify for those services.It had nothing to do with choices. Or even wanting to be there and getting a free ride. A free ride was definitely not given to me. The qualifications to even get food stamps and afdc is very strict. I think it has to do with peoples will power and determination to overcome their situation. As far as the homeless shelter, they should have to prove somehow they are from Bedford County to keep our shelter full of people from our area.Taking in others from other places and putting those before our own is definitely a problem.
You know what I am so glad that life will never happen to any of you people and that you all are so freaking perfect.You know I remember being homeless when I was 13 and my mom worked her tale off but sometimes it just wasn't enough to make ends meet. No drug problems, she didn't smoke. But you know what I thank GOD for those times because it made me the strong woman and the good mother I am today.
I have a problem with Dr. Bailey citing layoffs at GM-Spring Hill as justification for further funding. Those folks will NOT be hurting...they will be getting Union unemployment...that can upwards of 60% or more of their already outrageous pay. Not to mention, does anyone know a local person who was born and raised here and works at Saturn...I know 1...and he lives in Maury County. I know several people who work at Saturn, but they came to TN from Michigan when the plant opened.
I know that there is a lot higher number that is basically "homeless" than you see around this shelter. I, and I assume many others in this community have a relative and or a person living on your premises who is shacking in a trailer or room for work trade. I have 2 such persons on my property sometimes and I am unemployed too. One has an alcohol problem that I am slowly bringing to Christ and won't give up on and one is a young man I helped get qualified to join the Army so he can get a chance in life. If they are between 20 and 35, men or women, they need to be in the service, period.
The best way to get these people shelter is to demand the address of thier nearest relative and provide them with 1 weeks subsistance and a ride to thier friend or relaives house. After that they get nothing if they come back. If they are not from Bedford county they need to go immediatley to the shelters Obamas money is paying for. This begging and pulling a sob story is a typical gimmick these so called advocates pull to advance thier cause. They run a racket to get government funds to pay themselves a living. It is a racket. I am amazed how many real low income women with kids are shacking up in Bedford county from other areas of Tennessee and Alabama. They come here by men with drugs. When they become an expense, they are kicked out. Shelbyville is becoming famous for being a druggie capital and it needs to stop. You see them coming up and down the 231 from south nashville every day. Further, I am amazed and mad at how many out of (state) town people are working the factory jobs here and locals can't even get them to come to the door if you knock looking for an application. The Job Service office here does A VERY POOR JOB placing people and assisting qualified people into work. They are lazy, and careless people in that office just skating a paycheck until retirement. All they do is proess Iragis and Somalis into Tyson.
Bedford county had the horse industry to prop up the "homeless" for generations. This is gone. Get the homeless and illegals on a bus with a free ticket to thier home state. Otherwise, relatives need to pool up and help thier brothers and sisters. Period.
Tell me which is worse....having homeless people in our streets begging for food, holding signs at intersections or giving them a place to obtain food and shelter? The homeless population is already here whether we have a shelter or not. Many of these are people who had secure jobs this time last year. You want to watch the crime rate soar? Just continue to ignore the problem because desperate people will do desperate things in order to provide for their family.
And BTW I lived in Nashville for years and worked in the downtown area I saw how the homeless have been treated and you are correct it ain't pretty nor is it humane, we treat our animals better than these people are being treated.
I think the mission does a lot of good things for these people but I never understood why they turn 1000's of homeless people out to the streets every morning. Where do you think a homeless person goes during the day in Nashville? They have no where else to go but into the streets and wait until dark so the Mission will let them return for the night. Where do you think they go to the bathroom? Businesses surely do not allow a dirty looking homeless person inside to use the bathroom. They sure can not go far on foot...and they can not go far from the mission for fear they will not get back in the line to sleep for the night.
Yea that sounds like a wonderful life ...and I am sure none of them would trade places with you.
jtjustice, Saturn has been in Tennessee for about 20 years now. Do you not think that some one who has lived in Tennessee for 20 years should be considered a resident of Tennessee? We sure had no problem collecting taxes for the past 20 years on these people! Strange we welcome these people with open arms when we have something to gain by them being here but when life gets rough they become a burden to Tennessee. "I just set back and listen to some of these comments and sadly shake my head"
I, for one, have never considered a UAW transplant from Detroit as a Tennessean. And if the Spring Hill plant closing made them homeless, there is a HUGH UAW union hall that can feed and shelter them. BTW.... Has the good Dr. Bailey contacted the UAW Local 1853 in Spring Hill and asked them to send some support to the shelter? If the shelter is actually getting families as a result of the layoff, then that local UAW needs to be helping with support.
Saturn has been in Tennessee for about 20 years now. Do you not think that some one who has lived in Tennessee for 20 years should be considered a resident of Tennessee? We sure had no problem collecting taxes for the past 20 years on these people! Strange we welcome these people with open arms when we have something to gain by them being here but when life gets rough they become a burden to Tennessee. "I just set back and listen to some of these comments and sadly shake my head"
-- Posted by Dianatn on Wed, Jul 8, 2009, at 9:49 AM
If a person has worked at a job for 20 years making the kind of money that Saturn pays and they didn't make provisions for possible hard times, then no I don't feel sorry for them. At best give the the book Aesop's Fables and have them read the story of the ant and the grasshopper.
Some of these posts I've been reading are snobbish! The ones who could care less will one day wind up in this situation, and you will receive the same admonition that you are now giving.
As for the ones who agree with Dr. Bailey and would willingly help him in a time of need (no matter what the circumstances are), I applaud you. I thought this was a Christian town; I'm NOT seeing it!!
Dr. Bailey, with all due respect, I want to change the world right along with you. Unfortunately, not everyone can see past their own rose colored glasses.
However, I would suggest to go to the state and ask about these vacant homes for the underprivileged and the income challenged, and see if the state would be willing to "donate" a few buildings for short term occupancy; at least until a more permanent and stable environment could be found. At least these families wouldn't have to worry about living on the streets, and they wouldn't have to wait in a night line, like they do in Nashville.
On the subject of food stamps,it is now called E B T. I have seen MANY people go to the store and get well over $400.00 in food and STILL have $700.00 or more left on the card! These people eat better than the people who WORK for a living, think i am wrong just watch a big order at the store and I bet you they are paid for with E B T while they are talking on their cell phone,on the way to the pool or lake to cook out the food that they have got for FREE. OH lets not forget the finger nails and the tatoos. another thing people DONT KNOW is the E B T cards also have a CASH amount that the people can get to spend on ANYTHING the want,yes ANYTHING! BEER CIGARETTES, GASOLINE, NAIL APPTS,and even TATOOS.Ever look at the groc bill at the bottom it shows how much SALES TAX YOU PAID the people using E B T DONT PAY SALES TAX.. think Im wrong just watch at the store sometime or ask some of the people who work at your grocery store.ask them about the items the so called poor people buy too!!
the cash isnt much honestly. only around 200 dollars and usually you get it in place of child support. afdc is temporary until child support can be enforced. dont hate on all who have cash benefits. and the only way you could buy beer, cigs, etc is if you draw the money off the card from an atm. it will not let u use the card while checking out with those items. if u know someone doing this please report them and quit bitching.
I am a Christian, I believe that every kind act given in Christian love will be rewarded. I am not a snob. I was raised in what was probably considered a lower income family with a lot of kids. One thing my parents never did was take one cent of handouts. My dad would work a very menial labor job, come home and do shade tree mechanic work, trade, barter or whatever it took to provide for his family. I watched him work and my mom take care of the home. She did without so that we could have. The earnings my dad made were not squandered on tobacco, alcohol, tattoos, or gambling. This kind of morals and ethics is taught in the home with Christian role models and passed on to the next generation so I WILL NOT accept the label as a snob. If we want to point fingers, I could easily say some of these "philanthropists" are nothing more that ENABLERS. You are not helping the problem, you are encouraging it by not forcing these people to find a better way for themselves instead of "expecting" someone else to always provide for their necessities. If I am wrong, I will be judged by the only one that counts. When I truly see someone in need I will do all I can to help them through their hard times, but I will not become a crutch for them to lean on permanently. There is a difference.
I am a Christian, I believe that every kind act given in Christian love will be rewarded. I am not a snob. I was raised in what was probably considered a lower income family with a lot of kids. One thing my parents never did was take one cent of handouts. My dad would work a very menial labor job, come home and do shade tree mechanic work, trade, barter or whatever it took to provide for his family. I watched him work and my mom take care of the home. She did without so that we could have. The earnings my dad made were not squandered on tobacco, alcohol, tattoos, or gambling. This kind of morals and ethics is taught in the home with Christian role models and passed on to the next generation so I WILL NOT accept the label as a snob. If we want to point fingers, I could easily say some of these "philanthropists" are nothing more that ENABLERS. You are not helping the problem, you are encouraging it by not forcing these people to find a better way for themselves instead of "expecting" someone else to always provide for their necessities. If I am wrong, I will be judged by the only one that counts. When I truly see someone in need I will do all I can to help them through their hard times, but I will not become a crutch for them to lean on permanently. There is a difference.
I have never had food stamps or AFDC in my entire life but not because I didn't qualify I am sure..but I was always lucky enough to have a job that could support me and my family. I also have family that I could lean on if need be. There are tons of people out there with no one to lean on either because the family is unable to help or they just don't care. Is it not our place as a community to be sure these people are fed and have a safe place to sleep? Why is it people will fed a hungry dog or cat that comes to their door but will not do the same for a human?
How can any one of you believe in your heart that it is ok for a mother and her child to sleep in the streets? There is no place for these people who have lost their jobs to go right now.. HUD has not taken applications for housing in 2 years in Bedford County, the same people have been on the waiting list for over a year waiting on HUD vouchers. Housing Projects are full and have 6 months waiting list...Bedford Manor is also full...so please tell me where someone goes that has no income or that unemployment check. That unemployment check don't pay the rent so they are tossed into the streets. Families first for one child is $142.00 a month which is put on their EBT card. Who can raise a child on $142.00 per month? I know I couldn't have!! On top of that you must have an address in order to receive Food Stamps and AFDC..
You people talk like they are making a killing on Food Stamps and Families First when that is not the truth!!
I know a lot of the people who receive Food Stamps do not deserve them just like a lot of people who was on TNCare did not deserve it..but you can not group everyone together saying none of them are in need of these services.
Maybe I am just too soft but I know I could not set down and eat or lay in my warm bed knowing that someone is out there with a child that is hungry and tired.Honestly I don't see how anybody else could either but evidently it must be easier for you to look the other way,than it is for me.
DianaTN
You are assuming these people ever had a job in the first place to lose.
You are assuming these people ever had a job in the first place to lose.
-- Posted by writeattitude on Thu, Jul 9, 2009, at 10:27 AM
And You are assuming they didn't!
Mommy of 2 girls you are dead wrong with your $200.00 figure,I have seen with my own eyes at Wal Mart and Kroger how much these people draw off of "THEIR" e d t cards and it is a hell of alot more than any $200.00! these people need to get off their LAZY BUTTS and get a job! Just ask some of the people that WORK at Wal Mart or Kroger how much these people really do get or better yet go see for yourself!
Oh YES you can buy beer and cigarettes with the cash part of the e b t card right at the cash reg.THIS IS A FACT!
My husband works very hard to support us.We do not qualify for food stamps and spend about $75 a week on groceries.It used to be plenty but now that the food prices have gone up it barely feeds us through the week.It really pisses me off when I see a person in front of me at the store with a cart overflowing with groceries that consist of cokes,chips,candy,all kinds of junk food.The people who receive food stamps do eat better than the families who work hard and receive no assistance.We can barely buy enough meats and things to last through the week for suppers and sometimes we even have to go without meat and here these people are getting fat on our tax dollars.Something is definitely wrong with that.
All I can say is, Hope you all don't find yourself without a home, job or food. Would be kind of embarrassing trying to find help since you don't believe in handouts or assistance. Lord the Christian LOVE just oozes from you people. It's kind of green and slimy but oozes just the same.
There would not be such a need for more homeless shelters if Bedford County would stop allowing all these illegal people here. They are overpopulated from all these illegal people, and all the iraqi people here to work at Tyson. The whole situation makes me sick. The people who have lived here their entire life can't get jobs because there are bus loads of these people coming from Nashville and everywhere else. Until someone starts doing something about it, Shelbyville will continue to go to hell!!!!