HOMELESS STUDY

I included this Abstract regarding the Homeless Problem in Franklin County in our March/2020 Newsletter –

FRANKLIN COUNTY HOMELESS SHELTER

What began as a simple commitment to help fix the Smartphone of a homeless individual, morphed into how to get the people off-the-streets of Louisburg. While doing so, a broader concern evolved that questions “Why Franklin County lacks a Homeless Shelter?”

My work thus far to help Bob Shiles has been incredibly revealing. Why should a college educated, career investigative reporter, be homeless and living at fast food restaurants on the Boulevard? In a County with over 100 churches, community outreach police, EMS and social service resources, and an new animal shelter – “Why is there no Homeless Shelter available?”

The common answer I have found is that we don’t have a homeless problem – although Franklin Times editor, Gary Cunard, has reported that the FC School System reports it has over 200 homeless students. I also hear that Franklin County simply transports the homeless to neighboring counties that have shelters – like Wake and Durham.

I discovered that Bob Shiles, now age 63, qualified for Social Security and should not ever have been on-the-street. Many advised him to get Social Security, but IT IS IMPOSSIBLE when you don’t have a permanent address. In fact no one can get a PO BOX, Checking Account or file for Social Security if you do not have proof of a Resident Address.

It would appear that an overnight walk-in shelter could very economically be provided, that provides basic heat/light, bathroom/shower facilities and security – no food service is necessary – with daily hours restricted from 6:00pm to 6:00am. Why can’t this be provided?

Since then, I have refined and refocused my thoughts about what I believe should become a Ben Franklin Society Project.

I would like to examine why a US Citizen or Veteran who becomes Homeless is prevented from receiving Earned Benefits ( Social Security, Military Pensions ) because they lack a Verifiable Resident Address. That issue was crucial to my decision to become involved in helping Bob Shiles. It remains a mystery why this is so!

Is it a matter of Law or Policy? – Postal Service, Banking and Social Security Regulations

What can be done to remedy this injustice?

That remains the essence of what this Study will endeavor to determine.

Aug-24-2021 – Recent Afganistan news coverage caught my attention – how do NGO’s handle resettlement of individuals to the USA? – how do such individuals acquire a Verifiable Resident Address? Perhaps this existing process can provide insight into a solution to the Homeless problem at hand.

May-26-2022 – Update on Bob Shiles: Last fall I worked to help Bob apply for Medicare. By encouraging him to qualify for Medicaid at the same time, his monthly SSN payment was not reduced by the monthly cost of Medicare. With help, we found a free Supplement Policy with no deductables, and with the annual Medicare Inflation Adjustment, he now receives more each month while gaining sorely needed health coverage. SSN payments ar eby direct deposit into the Chime internet bank account I setup for him two years ago. He is still trying to locate a room to rent in an urban setting to compensate for his lack of a motor vehicle.

August-2022 – Exploring collaboration with Beverly Kegley – associated with the Franklin County Partners in Health and Interfaith Council. We are hosting a Volunteers Event organized by Bev at the Lynch Creek Farm Cabin on September 28, 2022.

August 2022 – Research new Wake County “Community Action ID Cards” for people without government issued identification. Accepted by Wake and Raleigh Police Departments. Is this helpful for Homeless Individuals?

September 2022 – Our September BFS Newsletter featured a Progress Report on our Homeless Project. Use this link to read Bob Radcliffe’s Report. We also hosted a Vounteer’s Luncheon for the FC Interfaith Council at the CABIN.

October 2022 – The Franklin Times Newspaper reported on the Franklin County Commissioner’s Meeting held on October 3, 2022. Use this link to Read the Article.

November 2022 – Bob Radcliffe gave a video interview for the documentary “Journey Through the Storm” being produced by NC Interfaith Council & Executive Producer, Gauri Singh, RVP Charitable Organization and NCISAFF, North Carolina Indian and South Asian Film Festival.mber 2023

December 2023 – a HUD subsidized efficiency apartment lease was finally secured and Bob Shiles is no longer homeless. The Ben Franklin Society membership donated all necessary furnishings and supplies to put Bob back on his feet.