Voice of the People - January 6, 2009

Homeless problem still an issue

I read with interest your article in the Sunday paper about the nine local ministers who spent the night of Dec. 27 among the homeless. This reminded me of September 2005, when the Rock Hill Police Department dropped off a homeless male on my porch because of his claim that I was his only friend in town. The police were helpful, but at the same time, at a total loss as to what to do with this man, except to take him back to the I-77 bridge.

To make a long story short, I went to nine different agencies in town to find shelter for this man, but came up short everywhere. What sums up the entire situation in a nutshell was some of the wording on a notice effective Aug. 17, 2005, at one of the leading agencies in town: "If you are a man who is homeless the closest shelter is the George Shinn Shelter located at 1210 N. Tyrone Street in Charlotte, N.C." Underlined in bold letters was "Under no circumstances can a motel room or bus ticket be issued to anyone."

At the same time, I was told that Charlotte would probably not take any homeless from Rock Hill, which was later confirmed. By the way, I still have a copy of this notice.

After bringing my case before the Rock Hill City Council on Sept. 12, 2005, I was told the Council did get my drift. I am not so sure if they did or did not. Today we are discussing the same issue.

I have learned one thing in the meantime. Things move slowly in Rock Hill. If you want to help the homeless immediately, go to any of the fast food places close to I-77 and Cherry Road, and you will find Roger and/or some of his friends. Arrange with one of the hotel managers in the area a stay overnight, pay the manager and the homeless person will be most appreciative for a shower and a warm bed for the night.

Hubert Emsermann

Rock Hill

This story was originally published January 6, 2009 at 12:46 AM with the headline "Voice of the People - January 6, 2009."