I hope your Christmas was as meaningful as mine. Pictured are my three daughters and two grandchildren. From left to right and in order of birth are Kelly, Katie, and Courtney. Molly and Pippin are Katie's daughters.What a joy to see them all doing so well.
I was also able to meet with old friends while in Fresno. My friendship with Larry & Sharon File began in 1968 when I was at Fresno State playing football. Later, they introduced me to Christ. About two months ago I got a surprise phone call in Vancouver when they made a trip to visit me and tour the DTES. Sharon is a newly published author and I have asked her to write a few words about their experience for a future blog.
Another visit was with a long time mentor, Jim Westgate. I first knew Jim when I was a student at Dallas Seminary in the early 70's. We reconnected in 2000 when I moved back to Fresno before taking the counseling job in Roseburg OR. I accompanied Jim and his wife Nancy on a tour of Turkey and Greece he led visiting most of the New Testament church sites.
What a confirmation that the only things that really matter are our relationships. I will be on my way back to Roseburg tomorrow. Looking forward to visiting with many of you on December 31 at Redeemer's Fellowship.
I spent a couple of days in Roseburg OR on my way to Fresno CA to spend Christmas with my three daughters and two grand daughters. What a treat being included on a tour of the new holistic clinic in Winston with the Adult Outpatient Staff I used to work with. The picture is joining them for lunch.
There is an old Lakota saying, "only go places where the lights come on in people's eyes when they see you." Being greeted with warm hugs and noticing how everyone lit up to see me was very meaningful and humbling. I spent two days at my good friend, Jimmie Harris' "mountain retreat" and received the same welcome at the recovery meetings we attended.
A book I strongly recommend: Beyond Homelessness: Christian Faith in a Culture of Displacement makes clear a house is not a home and describes eight characteristics of a home. The most important to me is feeling like I belong to a community. Even though serving in the DTES in Vancouver is my mission, it was very evident that Roseburg is still my home. This will further inspire me to encourage community for the homeless.
I will be in Fresno for a few more days, and then return to Roseburg on my way back to Birch Bay WA. On Dec 31, I will be part of three services at my home church, Redeemer's Fellowship. They are hosting a get together after the services at 12:45 for personal interaction. I hope you can attend.
I have a friend who was eight
years old the night his drunk mother
attacked him with a kitchen knife he left that
night, with no choice but to run and never went
back
I know a man who
remembers sneaking past
sleeping nuns in the dead of
night to dig in the ground for turnips and
potatoes that the harvest might have missed recalls devouring
them in in the raw cold
dark
I met a woman who
was raped by every man she
ever met until she was
thirteen battered and drunk
she ran to the streets and
learned to make her living quietly violated
I know a woman who birthed her
only child alone in a hotel room,
raised the child up in a van until her
government saved the child and left the
mother to starve
I know a guy who
got mugged on his way home to
home and family got beaten so bad he was never the
same lost the job, the
wife, the child and tonight, has
no place to sleep
and Gabrielle, was
a babe in arms when his country
went to war he watched his
world burn with a gun in his
tiny hands, was a killer by puberty spends
his days and nights in empty doorways
, on mission steps in dark alleys for
the last 20 years trying to die
rather than remember
I know a beautiful
girl who had it all,
until she got so sick so confused by the
vacancies, and voices that she couldn't
sleep and forgot to eat and frightened
everyone so much with her ranting
that they turned out the porch lights and double bolted
the doors
My friends are
homeless frightened,
threatened, and alone
I have friends who fight harder,
daily, than you will ever
have to and all they are
crying for is one open door
"The City has stepped up with $500,000 worth of funding and the Province has
agreed to open two additional shelters. With the Extreme Weather response in
effect for tonight, everyone in the DTES should find a place to sleep." This was announced at 4:00 PM December 2.
Thanks for all who were involved contacting those in the political process and those who prayed and gave their thoughts to this homeless dilemma in the current cold weather. It is forecast to be 30 degrees in Vancouver tonight.
The host team who are the "on line" staff with a number of volunteers were exhausted today from the emotional stress of having to refuse lodging and staggering meals the last two days and nights. I'm in awe of their spirit of service and ability to deal with the troubled that reside at the First United refuge.
This morning when I got to the church I was met by locked doors and this sign. We had some notice of the current crisis, but weren't prepared for this in the daytime. We were only recently informed of a regulation that the church can only hold 240 people as there is a ratio of people allowed in the building to the number of flush toilets. The weather has been near freezing lately and there have been up to 270 folks spending the night.
Previously ignored, the current enforcement of this regulation is related to recent provincial government cutbacks in funding temporary shelter for the winter. This reminds me so much of the state cutbacks treating addiction when I was living in Oregon. Society continues to ignore their marginalized. First United takes seriously the Biblical mandate of Matthew 25:35-45 and I John 3:17.
All shelters in DTES have been full during the recent cold spell. As a refuge, First United is willing to take the resulting overload of people, often when the shelters are already closed for the night.The staff puts down mats and provides blankets in the dining area for the overflow from the bunk bed area. Last night for the first time in 4 years over 30 residents were turned away. These were men and women the staff knows personally and by name. This was very painful for the night staff having to enforce this limit. There was a report this morning of one man going into a nearby store, shoplifting, and then waiting to be arrested so at least he would be warm for a few nights.
As the church seeks to comply, this morning we were informed that staff in the building also counts towards the 240. Many of the day shift coming to work couldn't enter the church until the same number of residents left. Meals had to be served to about 30 people at a time. Usually over 200 folks are fed in two sittings. The choice for many tonight will be finding some way to survive the weather rather than waiting in line for the bathroom. How ridiculous!
The church is asking for donations of extra blankets and sleeping bags as they consider creative options. Ric Matthews called a press conference in front of the church today. I have full confidence in his abilities as a negotiator gained from his experiences in S. Africa helping resolve conflicts after Apartheid was defeated.
Your thoughts and prayers through this are so important and appreciated.
Ross
As a chaplain at First United Church, I have gained a voice with the leadership and staff. I have never met a group of people so willing to give of themselves to those who have been marginalized from mainline society. The dislocation of homelessness generally results from poverty, addiction, and mental health problems.
As a member of the "Research and Policy" Committee I am an advocate for a Higher Level of Care for the residents.By that I mean evolving beyond primarily providing meals and lodging to more active intervention and treatment of addiction and mental health issues. The staff already assists in so many other ways, for example this year they are helping 3400 DTES residents file income tax returns.
Of course this would require major adjustments in space and funding. The bold and future plans shown in this architectural drawing would allow a higher level of care if actualized. However like the US, Canada is finding it increasingly more difficult to fund mental health and addiction treatment. I am so grateful for those who are supporting me in this venture.
For now, one pragmatic possibility would be modeling approaches from the Recovery Cafe in Seattle WA. My good friend Craig Burmeister (from Roseburg) and I tried to visit today, but it was closed for the Thanksgiving weekend. I will be visiting in the near future and will share my experience here when I do.
I hope all my American friends are having a wonderful Thanksgiving season. I was in Canada at a workshop with Gabor Mate, author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction. What an opportunity with only 50 others attending allowing a high level of interaction.
I just completed the second workshop in the area of Washington where I am now living. It was a smaller group which encouraged a high level of interaction. The group wants to meet again to further expand their knowledge of addiction and recovery. They began to consider becoming a recovery community interested in helping their local churches deal with addiction. We are going to regather in the near future to consider just what this would look like and what would be the involvement. I will also be contacting those who attended the first workshop I conducted here. This combined group will also help create interest in others in local churches to attend future workshops.
While most of you will be having Thanksgiving next week, I will be in Vancouver BC attending a workshop with Dr. Gabor Mate, author of In The Spirit of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction. It was reading this book that began my interest and eventual involvement in DTES. It will be an opportunity to interact with him personally as the workshop is just for First United Church. A couple of his videos can be seen on this blog by scrolling down on Dislocation.
"First United Church at Hastings and Gore in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is
not your typical comfortable-pew, middle-class church. In fact it doesn’t have
pews or any notion of catering to the middle classes.
Compared to most churches, First United has a decidedly different take on its
mission. First United works with street people. It turns no one away and is the
refuge of last resort for the most marginalized on the Downtown Vancouver
Eastside.
It is not a pleasant place. Most of those seeking help have serious
mental-health or addiction issues or both. What was once the Church sanctuary is
now stacked with bunk beds. People seeking shelter and refuge come and go with
no questions asked. Meals are provided as well as other support
services.
I’ve visited the Church a few times and I never fail to come away with the
utmost awe and respect for those who work and volunteer at First United. They
work under the most trying conditions.
Kudos as well to the United Church of Canada; instead of walking away from
one of Vancouver’s most troubled and desperate neighborhoods, it dedicated its
property to helping Vancouver’s poorest, then rolled up its sleeves and went to
work helping those who have no place left to turn." (Bruce Stracham, The Prince George Citizen, 11-10-11)
Given my personal recovery and professional training, my interests are "helping those still suffering from addiction." The past couple of years however this goal has been taking a little different direction, that is desiring to train others to help those with addiction. A survey I consulted showed that 84% of people seeking help for personal problems initially sought contact with their pastor, priest, or rabbi. The same study also showed that only 12% of clergy had any formal training in addiction. Recently getting my doctorate helps qualify me to aspire to someday teaching such a course in a Seminary or University.
I was recently informed I will be included in the formation of a "Faculty" at First United to help train other interested church leaders and groups in helping the marginalized and addicted. On Nov 8 and 15, I will be holding another of my addiction workshops, this time at Evergreen Community Church in Ferndale WA.
This week I was privileged to be part of a 3 hour workshop with Bruce Alexander, author of The Globalization of Addiction: A Study in Poverty of the Spirit. This is the single most important book I have read on addiction and very pivotal in my interests serving in the DTES. There were only 9 people present giving us a chance to follow up on previous interactions through email while I was still in Oregon. We agreed to continue our dialog at the Dugout. You can follow some of Dr Alexander's contributions on my blog at Dislocation .
The next meeting of the Research and Direction advisory board will be November 3. Our discussions involve treating addiction in the context of the First United Church community.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, prayers, personal encouragement writing to me, and the financial support that is making all this possible. What an adventure!
Last week I was involved in a two day workshop and staff training led by Ric Matthews, Executive Minister of Community Life. Ric is from South Africa and has amazing insight from his experiences in the dissolution of Apartheid. He shared a Zulu greeting that sent excited shivers down my spine. If a Zulu were to greet me, he would say in his language, "I see you, Ross." My response would be "I am here." If we met later, the greeting would be the same rather than just another possible hello as in Western culture. A basic sense of belonging and identity is to experience being seen or visible. Most words that follow "I am" are statements of identity. Not belonging or dislocation of identity is at the roots of addiction.
Marginalized people are outside the margins of those we would categorize as mainstream or normal. Society tries to "fix" the marginalized, assuming they can be rational. If this doesn't succeed we "contain" them (low income housing, mental hospitals or incarceration). Those outside this marginalized group are the most troubled, disturbed and irrational. These are the homeless and addicted that First United serves in the Downtown Eastside (DTES).
Why this Zulu greeting gripped me so strongly was remembering a woman in DTES writing "how she would like to be acknowledged with a glance, a nod, a smile or even swore at which would be better than being ignored." Research from neuroscience has shown that many in society have learned to ignore the marginalized so successfully, that blood doesn't even flow and activate the empathy centers of the brain when they encounter them. Thus the marginalized become "invisible."
The gospel (good news) is so much more than the discussion of salvation, and describes the full life, death, resurrection, ascention and intervention of Jesus’ ongoing work on our behalf. To this marginalized population we need to "be the gospel"! Nowhere in the Bible does it indicate Christians doing triage, that is just working with those we think most likely will survive. How do we communicate to the marginalized "that we see them?" Consider seeing the damaged child in them.
To read some short personal stories of those living in DTES click Stories and then again on Stories in the top toolbar and then click on each photo.
A few of you have shared concerns about how I am managing living up here. That is, am I prepared for winter, do I feel claustrophobic living in a trailer etc? The picture shows my little corner of the world with all my earthly belongings (including my Cocker Spaniel, Dylan). The 5th wheel is 40' long and with the roll outs, I actually have 600 square feet with 9' ceilings in the kitchen / dining room, 8' ceilings in my bedroom that has a computer desk, queen sized bed and plenty of space for my 30" TV (where I get to watch my football favorites). There is a third room with two couches that make into double sized beds, another TV, stereo with surround sound and an electric fireplace. Lots of room for visitors (hint, hint). Right across the alley is the Bay Cafe (great gourmet coffees) who allow me to use their WIFI which comes into the trailer. What more creature comforts could a man ask for!
I'm prepared for a predicted cold winter, have electric heat tape and insulation on the water lines and a 120 gallon propane tank for central heat. It was 32 degrees last night, feels like winter is right around the corner. I was able to pay off both vehicles and the trailer before I left Roseburg, which allows me to live economically. If you have any interest in my living expenses please go to my Budget.
I continue to feel more direction in the DTES. Next week I will be part of a two day staff retreat and training, and then on Oct 27, Bruce Alexander is presenting a workshop at the church. He is the author of The Globalization of Addiction: A Study in Poverty of the Spirit, the book that has influenced me the most in my pursuit of understanding addiction. We have corresponded through emails but this will be the first face to face interaction. I was so flattered that Dr. Alexander asked for a copy of my dissertation when I was still in Oregon. You can look at some of his videos and his blog at Dislocation.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, prayers, and financial support making it possible for me to serve the homeless and addicted in DTES.
This is another reminder of the despair so prevalent in DTES. Black tar heroin comes from Latin America and is made bypassing extra steps that are used to refine white heroin. This makes it less expensive on the street. Tar collapses veins worse than any other drug that is injected. It appeals to those who are most desperate on the horrific road to oblivion; that is not really caring if they live or die.
I thoroughly enjoyed the two day workshop last weekend, and left further energized about my interests integrating the science and theology of addiction. At times there was the disconnect of these two disciplines that often happens in discussions of addiction and recovery. It was a great opportunity to network. A number of folks shared an interest in coming to visit me at the Dugout and take a tour of DTES.
The Research and Policy committee of First United Church met for the first time Tuesday. Of the eight members, only the chairman Stephen Gray is staff. I am meeting some incredible folks with the heart to serve. It felt great to be included, and by the grace of God, I feel I can make a valuable contribution.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, prayers, and financial support that enable me to serve this way!
Monday Sept 26, I attended a workshop at First United Church with Dr. Ross Laird from Vancouver. He presented a developmental model of addiction and then demonstrated how specific developmental issues lead to a particular drug of choice. There is always something to learn as addiction is so complex and difficult to treat.
Monday evening I presented Part One of my own Addictions Workshop in Birch Bay to 15 folks from the area. Their responses on the anonymous feedback sheet I hand out were all very positive about the material and presentation, even though we had a few technical problems at the beginning. Next Monday I will present Part Two.
Wednesday evening I brought a message Created in the Image of God at the "Celebration" at Church. This is their equivalent of a Sunday Service. Volunteers put table cloths on the tables and serve the meals individually rather than having a food line.
This Friday and Saturday I am attending an Addictions and Recovery Conference in Surrey BC hosted by Trinity Western Seminary and others. There are some significant professional differences between Canada and the USA regarding Assessment and Delivery of Service. Also it will be a great opportunity for networking which is an important task for me right now as a newcomer to the area.
Then Monday I will play in my first curling game since 1963. I have been included in a minister's league which will promote further networking as well as having some great fun.
Finally, Tuesday I will be included in a committee discussion which is exploring addiction and recovery at First United where I am a chaplain.
Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and financial support! I now have monthly commitments of $885.00 towards my monthly budget of $1700.00
Ross
Next Monday evening I will be presenting a Workshop helping equip local churches to become a haven for recovery from addiction. We will meet twice, Sept 26 and Oct 3; each session 2 hours. It is being sponsored by a local church plant known as Waters Edge. I met the pastor Jim Carberry the first day I was here when I went to explore the Cafe next door to treat myself to a latte. We have since become great friends. He is well known in the area and contacted all the churches and pastors he is familiar with in the county.
The picture is of the gymnasium where the church meets and the workshop will be held. As you know friends, this is the emphasis of my ministry I most dearly love. Appreciate you keeping this event in your thoughts and prayers.
Ross
This is a picture taken in an alley about a block from First United Church. Each of the main streets in the DTES has an alley and usually you don't see scenes like this on the street fronts (although I did on my first visit to Hastings Street). I observed someone injecting a young woman in the neck. Wow, what an introduction to DTES that was!
I have walked down these alleys trying to make contact, but quickly realized that was not a good idea. Those there are preoccupied with their addictions and see anyone else as an intruder. It is a neighborhood with 4,600 injection drug users. Of them, it’s estimated that 87 per cent have Hepatitis C, and 17 per cent have HIV. Yet, I am continually amazed I have never felt threatened physically or that I am carelessly putting myself in danger.
I want to introduce you to a new blog written by a Vancouver Policeman who patrols the area. His perspectives are fascinating to me, and I think you will be challenged as well. Click on Policeman's blog and you will see what I mean.
I am gradually feeling accepted here, finding myself included with key committees and building relationships with staff as well as residents. I am so encouraged when I hear from you, my friends, and I am so grateful for those of you that are helping me financially.
Ross
I believe to recover the addict has an individual responsibility but also needs a supportive cultural / social / spiritual community to replace the drug culture. I believe the church can be the ideal haven for recovery. I want to introduce you to Ken Lyotier, a new friend and fellow board member of the Dugout Drop-in Centre. Ken's story represents how it is possible to help the homeless help themselves.
Starting with a $1500. loan from the minister at First United in 1990, Ken founded the non profit corporation known as United We Can. The recycling center now provides employment for 30 regular employees, and 100 part timers from DTES. Ken's contribution to the life of DTES was honored by the mayor of Vancouver who appointed him to light the cauldron for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Now retired, Ken was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of British Columbia.
Please click on Ken's Story to hear him personally. The second video demonstrates his heart and humility.
A number of you have been wondering how things are going up here. I thought I would
use yesterday (8-31-11) as an illustration.
7:15 Leave Birch Bay for DTES (38 miles).
8:30 Arrive at First United and visit with Michael who I spot having breakfast. I responded
to the question he baited me with last week about John Calvin and the apocrypha if
you can imagine. Told him I was mistaken and what I had learned.
9:00 Lead Spiritual Focus, introduce Proverbs 1:1-7, and the four types of men
(thanks Steve W). Topic is well received and great discussion. Juan says he will
be back and wants to talk to me privately. Will start picking selected Proverbs
to discuss each week for awhile.
10:00 Visit some more with Michael who admits he has been a “scoffer” to me and
he is starting to trust me. This is BIG for both of us! Shared a warm handshake.
He is really bright and I am eager to learn more about his background.
10:30 Brief visit with Juan who has previously shared he was kidnapped and spent
18 years in a Civil War in Central America. He's been clean 3 days and struggling.
11:00 Go two blocks to the Dugout and visit with familiar folks there.
11:30 Juan shows, we visit and he agrees to stay for the AA meeting at 12:30.
12:30 Juan has been to meetings before, but seems to have renewed interest. He agrees
to come over and visit some more tomorrow. I forgot to take off my chaplain badge,
and an AA member asks if I hear 5th steps.
1:30 I walk down to the Carnegy Center and have baked chicken, small salad, and drink
for $2.25. I recognize and greet a few workers here I know from the church.
2:00 Visit with new friend Barry who manages the Dugout. He has a friend who is a social
worker and will get me a list of all the half way houses in the area. Share a little with
Barry about my interest in equipping churches in providing a vital spiritual / social
alternative to the drug culture.
2:30 Make myself available at Dugout, visit with Sharon who is 76 years old, been
clean for 40 years and sponsors women at the women’s shelters in the area. Visit
with her about a gal at the church I have been concerned about who is trying to get
clean. I will try to get them together at the Dugout if I see the gal again.
3:30 Go back over to the church and make myself available. Visit with one of the
staff who was abused in a church when he was a child. He’s been clean for 4 years
but still very suspicious about “church.”
4:30 Head for home.
6:00 Finally get home. (A major accident on the freeway, traffic really slow today).
7:00 Go to small group at local church I have been attending. They are hosting my
workshop on addiction at the end of the month. Very warm and authentic group.
Hope this gives you a better idea. Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and financial support.
A number of friends have inquired about the logic of my commuting 38 miles to Vancouver, taking over an hour each way. I've usually responded, "it is less expensive." Today I noticed an article in the Vancouver Sun showing the 15 most affordable houses in Vancouver this month and thought I would be more specific about the differences in the cost of living.
The house shown has an asking price of $588,000. I imagine in Roseburg it would sell for well under $200,000. Apartment rentals in Vancouver average over $1500 per month. Gasoline (measured in liters) is the equivalent of $3.45 per gallon where it is $2.69 in Birch Bay, WA where I live. A gallon of milk there is $4.77 versus $2.99 here.
Commuting helps me keep my living costs to a minimum. Living in my 5th wheel (which is paid for) costs $208 plus electricity for monthly rent. RV parks in Vancouver range from $600 to $800 monthly.
As I rely on financial support from friends like you, it is essential I live as economically as possible. Thanks for your encouragement, support and staying in touch!
Ross
This week I filled in for one of the men that picks up day old bread from one of the local bakeries. The picture is of a typical pick up. There are six bakeries that donate bread this way, and they are encouraged to see it not go to waste. It is estimated that the Dugout Drop-In Centre receives about $400,000 worth of donations of bread and food yearly when the original value is tabulated. There is very little waste.
180 folks show up in the early morning for the soup line. There are an average of another 700 visitors who stop in during the day. Some spend some time, and others just come for the bread and some pastry that is passed out each day. It is intended visitors will feel comfortable spending time in this environment and much of my time is visiting with them. As suggested I have started wearing a badge that identifies me as a chaplain, which to my surprise seems to have helped me getting to know folks. Relationships are beginning! Remembering names is my greatest challenge and one of the most important things I can do to demonstrate my genuine interest. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers!
North American society seems to operate on a conceptual socio-economic framework that might be described as three concentric circles of social positioning. CIRCLE ONE:
At the centre is the circle that reflects mainstream society. It is the space in which one feels included, accepted and relatively comfortable if you ”fit” with the core values, culture and generally accepted ways of behaving. It is also the space where you most easily find others to be acceptable and reasonably comfortable to be with. CIRCLE TWO:
Outside of and surrounding the central mainstream circle are the people that Society regards as “marginalized”. These are people who don’t fit with Mainstream values and behaviours. Despite the significant difference between those in the central “Mainstream” circle and those in this circle of the “Marginalized”, there is a Rational aspect to this circle. Either the folk in this socio-economic space are themselves rational (can be reasoned with and comply with what the “Mainstream” regard as logical thinking) or their challenges can be described and understood rationally (have scientific reasonable explanations, such as being caused by mental or physical illness).
People in the central “Mainstream” circle typically adopt one of two approaches to the outer “Marginalized” circle. One common approach is to ignore and/or avoid marginalized people. The other typical approach is to engage by “fixing” or “containing” the individuals who are in that group. In this latter “fix or contain” approach, the efforts are aimed at restoring “marginalized” individuals to being able to fit with and function comfortably within the “mainstream” circle. For those who cannot be helped back into mainstream functioning the approach is to provide them with demarcated facilities and communities of their own distinct and separated from the “Mainstream”: for example mental hospitals, prisons, supportive housing, ghetto neighbourhoods etc. The effort at containment is particularly evident when a “marginalized” group are seen to pose a threat to the wellbeing and/or safety of the “Mainstream”.
CIRCLE THREE:
Beyond the “Marginalized” group and often hidden within it, there is a third generally unacknowledged group. It includes the individuals who we can neither “fix” nor “contain”. It is the socio-economic group where the constructs are not rational. People seem to behave irrationally and there is no rational (scientific or logical) explanation for their decisions or behaviour. These individuals do not meet the criteria for being apprehended under the Mental Health Act yet their decisions and actions seem to be ridiculous, destructive and disruptive. They are usually not criminals but often end up breaking the law because of the inner challenges with which they are dealing. This group includes those who inevitably end up not being able to fit with or be accommodated by even the supportive housing geared for the “hard to house”. It includes those who for myriad other reasons are chronically homeless. For those in this group there are no simple rational explanations or labels, just behaviours that “Mainstream” society find disturbing and/or threatening – but which they can neither fix not contain.
In North American society we do not seem to have clear strategies for or informed approaches to those within this third circle. Such individuals are either cycling in and out of prisons and other institutions or are in the shadows of the streets and lanes.
SHELTERS VS REFUGES:
Our collective response as a Society has been to provide Shelters for individuals who might be described as being within Circles Two or Three. These Shelters are interim places of accommodation, warmth and care in which the wellbeing of the majority in the facility is ensured by excluding the few who are a threat to safety and wellbeing. As such Shelters are therefore essentially about the “marginalized” in Circle Two. The “few” who are excluded as a potential threat are from the “irrational” Circle Three.
WE URGENTLY NEED: a) clearly articulated and comprehensive strategies that are integrated across disciplines and departments to address the needs and realities of these “few” who do not fit even amongst the “marginalized”. This includes going beyond the present practices of temporary detainment and/or prison to leverage those practices towards ensuring actual assessment and effective treatment.
b) places of Refuge (as distinct from Shelters) where those who have nowhere else to go (“the few” excluded from the Shelters) can find accommodation, care and support that actually address the real issues with which they are struggling – and where we can create the critical first steps in engaging with folk who may be deeply distrustful of and disconnected from mainstream society.
c) inclusive communities in which there are no margins, rather than more communities of the marginalized. Our collective need is to connect the three circles and to relate across the socio-economic divides. Despite the need for Shelters and separate Refuges, we need to find ways to build inclusive communities in which all individuals feel they belong, and are not simply being tolerated.
d) a National Housing Strategy and sufficient appropriate housing across the complete housing continuum: from Refuge, through Shelter, through Supportive Housing, through Affordable Social Housing, through Market Housing
FINAL ANALYSIS: In the end, we instinctively know three core truths.
1) Deep within our beings we know we are interdependent across the divides of social circumstance and despite the differences between us. Desmond Tutu’s frequent references to “ubuntu” remind us that “I am only fully human, when you are fully human – what happens to you, directly affects me”. We belong to one another across the socio-economic divides.
2) Very few people are permanently located in one of the three circles, but instead move across, into and out of the circles over time. Some cycle back and forth. In that sense many of us have personal experience of someone we love who has been in Circle Three. Those in Circle Two and in Circle Three are not a ” them” but an “us”.
3) Some of the most effective healing is best achieved when integrated with and not separated from everyday mainstream life. This has been powerfully reflected in the work of the “anti-psychiatry” movement of the 1960′s and the immense contribution of Jean Vanier’s L’Arche communities. The deeply troubled individual and the rest of us are all more whole when we can find healing in a shared space within which we are are all fully present. The three circles need to live in creative dynamic relationship with each other.
To build off the recent mantra of the housing strategy of the City of Vancouver, we need to ensure “a home for everyone”, – and a community in which everyone feels at home.
PICNIC Last Thursday, three buses carried residents from the refuge at First United Church to Deep Cove Park in North Vancouver. It was just great to see them away from the crowded facilities at the church. I had such a profound sense of being part of a community for the dislocated. There were lots of activities including face painting, canoeing, swimming, soap carving, snacks, sandwiches, and hiking. The day was full of folks laughing, chatting, enjoying the beautiful sunny day and each other. Such a wonderful break for them being away from the ever present chaos and despair on Hastings Street. It gave me a chance to get more acquainted with staff, the majority of whom are volunteers. WORKSHOP A new friend and local pastor is encouraging this and contacting other churches in the Blaine area where I am living. The workshop presents a training opportunity on "Becoming an Ideal Setting to Treat Addiction." The training comes in two parts. Part 1 is examining the roots and causes of addiction, and Part 2 is how this information can be applied to encourage the church in becoming a haven for recovery. It will be offered two Monday evenings on Sept 26 and October 3 and two Saturday mornings on October 15 and 22. It is open to church leaders and anyone interested or affected by addiction. Group size is limited to 25 to encourage interaction. For more information click Workshops Hope you will remember me in your thoughts and prayers. Ross
DTES is the site of the most IV drug users in North America. The other day at the church I noticed this poster. Note the reference to Insite, one of the most controversial programs in North America.
Then I noticed another poster with a facial picture of a native woman in her late 30’s. It identified her by name and noted she was a “mother, wife, daughter, and sister to many” followed by “May She Rest in Peace.” Just then another woman about the same age noticed it too, and called her friend to “Come and See.” The friend noted flatly, “I saw her last week and she was hardly using any more!” One of the symptoms of advanced addiction is oblivion with little concern whether one lives or dies.
There are relevant articles about Insite on this blog as you scroll down near the bottom of the educational link at http://rossbanister.blogspot.com/p/resources.html Note particularly the statistics on interventions. Please post any comments you might have.
Ross
Pictured is one of the resident hotels in DTES. The rooms are 12’ x 12’, share a common bathroom on each floor and are deemed SRO (Single Room Occupancy). Residents at the First United Church say they are reminiscent of the dimensions of Jail Cells in Canada. Although there are video cameras in the halls, residents use and sell drugs rampantly and prostitution occurs regularly in the rooms. First United is facing a dilemma with funding cuts from the city and 214 residents will be relocated to SRO. This removes them from a social / cultural / spiritual community that is essential for recovery from addiction. It also forces a reduction in staff. First United functions as a refuge, not a shelter which means all are welcome but requires extra staffing to deal with disruptions and safety issues. This last week I have enjoyed being introduced as a Chaplain or Minister which allows me to share more spiritual principles than my former identity as a counselor. I have been quite amazed at the number of residents here that identify themselves as Christians. This again challenges my thinking about alternatives possible for them to be part of a church where they could feel like they belong.
Thursday I met with Bob Burrows, a former minister at United who is still active as a volunteer. He has recently written a history of First United and its 125 years of ministry in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver on Hastings Street titledHope Lives Here.
Bob was the founder of the Dugout Drop in Center in 1987 which has been open every day since. Alcoholics Anonymous started noon meetings there in 1968. The Dugout provides a morning soup line and passes out day old rolls and other donated items. Today they shared fresh raspberries. Bob is there at 6:00 AM to put the soup on and make the coffee before the doors are opened at 7:15. The soup is made daily from scratch with fresh chopped vegetables and lots of meat. People from the street stop in regularly during the day for a cup of coffee.
I have been encouraged to be a presence at the church, to participate in meetings and groups to get to know staff and find “my niche.” I will be spending some time as I did Friday at the Dugout. My task is to befriend and serve the visitors spiritually and emotionally.
Harsh realities of Downtown Eastside were very evident my first day. I saw three young prostitutes on Hastings Street in the middle of the afternoon. Hardly in their twenties, two were nodding off probably from heroin, and the other, given her complexion and mannerisms, was tweaking with crack or meth. Later I observed an ambulance coming to treat a middle aged Native woman unconscious on the sidewalk. They gave her an injection of Narcon to prevent her dying from a heroin overdose and rushed her to the hospital.
My traveling home arriving July 7, 2011. Its been a year since I first visited the Downtown Eastside and First United Church.
This is a view of Birch Bay across the street from where I live. Steve Loosley thinks I am really on the Sea of Galilee
My new hang out and access to WIFI until I can work out some difficulties. A lot of Canuck tourists here, relaxing for the day and filling up with much cheaper fuel. Learning lots from them, the NEXUS pass does allow ease in crossing the border.
First United Church in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Probably won't get there until Wednesday as I sort out my living situation here some more.
After a series of calamities including the transmission going out on the car and the truck not starting the next day, I arrived and got set up in Blaine Washington (actually Birch Bay, a bit south). Have not been able to get on the internet and WIFI I understood was part of the package, but may have a solution this Sunday. I'm writing this from a cafe next to where I live and was able to find a young "techie" who will also make sure some other lesser problems are taken care of. Realizing how dependent I am upon the Internet with it rapidity of communication and access of updated information. Hoping to start getting involved with First United Church on Monday. With all the changes in travel dates I can't get the border pass that saves most of the grueling wait until next Friday.
Reminded how comfortable I am living in my 5th wheel trailer. There are 600 square feet with the slide outs and enough features that more than satisfy all my living needs. I am so grateful for your thoughts and prayers for this challenging mission. Once I get access to Internet, I will have lots of pictures to share. My goal is to keep you informed weekly.
Today 26 were in attendance at the workshop on addiction hosted by Redeemer’s Fellowship. The interest and enthusiasm of the group was inspiring. What was intended to be an introduction and overview became such a high level interaction we only covered two of the four topics intended. We discussed what is addiction from an integrated, multi-discipline approach and then how one of eight people becomes addicted and why. Understandably the group was eager to learn more about the principles of recovery. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of Redeemer’s folks who are interested in coming to Vancouver for more training, exposure and ministry to the homeless and marginalized in Downtown Eastside.
Consequently we will have another training on June 25, 9-11 AM with the focus being on intervention, recovery, and preparation for service to those suffering from addiction. Roseburg has its own population of homeless. Participants are asked to carefully read the articles handed out in class, and become familiar with the material on this blog under the headings DTES Videos, Dislocation, and Educational. Also read as much as you can of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction written by Gabor Mate MD. The book covers his analysis of addiction particularly in Vancouver BC. This is a critical book in understanding addiction.
If you missed today, contact me for the materials handed out today, as the material will overlap at the next workshop. I can email them to you. Hope you can join the group.
Most importantly, today the group caught the vision that the church can be the ideal setting for treating addiction!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Kick Off Day: (May 22, 2011)
Sunday I went “public” about the plans I have been making to move to Vancouver B.C. early in July. The ministry was presented at my local church and the conversations were very encouraging as I visited with folks at a table set up to sign up for this blog. Thirty two also signed up for a workshop on a Faith Based Integrated Program of Recovery from Addiction I will be offering June 4 at 9:00 -11:00 AM at Redeemers Conference room at 729 SE Jackson in Roseburg. Contact me if you would like to attend.
Thanks for becoming acquainted with this blog describing my association with the ministry of First United Church in Vancouver BC beginning in July 2011. They are actively involved helping the largest population of homeless alcoholics and intravenous drug addicts in North America.
I will be joining their staff as a Chaplain and "Called Partner" (that is responsible for my own financial support similar to missionaries). This will be a major change of direction for me but one I feel uniquely prepared and very passionate about.
Please take time to become acquainted with all the pages of the blog which I trust will explain the details. I welcome your comments and hope this blog will become a vehicle for interaction with all aspects of recovery from addiction.
Thanks for checking in and I hope you will sign up as an email subscriber at the bottom right of this page. I will provide regular posts about this adventure to keep you informed. I greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
I also hope we can have an continuing interaction on this page about all aspects of addiction and recovery. Click on comments below and share your thoughts and ideas.
I was also able to meet with old friends while in Fresno. My friendship with Larry & Sharon File began in 1968 when I was at Fresno State playing football. Later, they introduced me to Christ. About two months ago I got a surprise phone call in Vancouver when they made a trip to visit me and tour the DTES. Sharon is a newly published author and I have asked her to write a few words about their experience for a future blog.
