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Until We're Home, Inc. The Harbinger March 2007 Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 3
In This Issue | Other Links & Stuff | Until We're Home, Inc - New Name, Same Mission | Would you like to subscribe to the Harbinger. Just visit our website www.savefranklinshelter.com and go to the Contact Us page. | | WLCH - Defending the Defenseless | Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless - www.legalclinic.org | | Substandard Housing, Care Nothing New For Homeless Vets | National Coalition for the Homeless - www.nationalhomeless.org |
| Until We're Home - New Name, Same Mission The Committee To Save Franklin Shelter has taken the next step in the fight against homelessness. On Friday, March 2nd, 2007 CSFS received their Certificate of Incorporation. This document certifies Until We're Home, Inc. as a NonProfit Corporation in the District of Columbia. We feel this is a tremendous step toward reflecting the seriousness of the homeless community in being their own voice, speaking up for homeless issues and concerns. This powerful achievement will allow us to build a reputable advocacy organization with influence in the community and political arenas.
WLCH - Defending the Defenseless A lawyer calls his client to tell him about his fee schedule. "Alright," the lawyer says looking through his papers. "You owe me $1000 down and $417.58 cents each month for the next thirty-six months.
"What?! That sounds like a car payment schedule," retorted the client.
"Your right. It's mine." The best attorneys in Washington don't come cheap; that is unless you visit the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless. The men and women of WLCH have worked tirelessly since 1986 on behalf of the District's homeless residents, last year leveraging over $3 million in donated legal services. The Legal Clinic has also been active in broad litigation aimed at improving the social services in the District, and has assisted in the crafting of key legislation aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness, such as the recently signed Homeless Services Reform Act. If you know of anyone who is homeless and in need of a lawyer please contact WLCH at (202) 328-5500.
Rally In Franklin Square Park To celebrate the continued operation of Franklin shelter, as well as to commemorate the date slated originally for its closure, Until We're Home, Inc. is planning to hold a celebration in Franklin Square Park on March 31st. If you would like to volunteer for the event or help in any other way (food, equipment, or a monetary donation) please contact us at (240) 566-8343 or email us at info@savefranklinshelter.com. | Substandard Housing, Care Nothing New For Homeless Vets by David Pirtle Over the last few weeks I’ve heard a great number of news stories describing the deplorable conditions that veterans of the war in Iraq have had to endure while being treated at Walter Reed medical center, including mold, rats, roaches, and substandard medical care. While most of the nation found these revelations shocking, for me it was simply deja vu.
The District is currently home to over 2,400 homeless veterans. As a long term resident of Franklin Shelter I shared a dorm with a number of them who continue to live in conditions that mirror or surpass those of the now notorious military hospital's outpatient residence. Black mold covers the ceiling and walls of the shower rooms and raw sewage drips down upon the heads of those attempting to utilize the toilets on the first floor. Rats, roaches, lice, and bedbugs run rampant in the facility, making life intolerable for residents. Water damage continues to deteriorate the structure as the District drags its feet on long-promised renovations.
 Ed, one of DC's homeless vets as photographed by blogger Michael Brooks As for medical care, according to a study by the Johns Hopkins Medical Center homeless veterans are more likely to have both chronic physical and mental health conditions than the general homeless population, but nearly half rely solely on the medical services provided at shelters, which usually means standing in line to receive less than comprehensive treatment from the back of a van.
One of my friends, a ten year veteran of the US Navy, told me that at the Southeast Veterans Service Center there are already homeless veterans filing in from the current war in Iraq. As we begin to re-evaluate our commitment to the men and women who have fought under the banner of the American flag on the other side of the world we must not forget those who continue to suffer, unacknowledged, right under our noses.
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