A Day in the Life of Downtown Daily Bread
DDB Mental Health Homeless Outreach Counselor, Stephen Heller, Ph.D. shares some of his insights about the challenges facing the homeless population: “You can walk into Downtown Daily Bread almost any day between 9AM and 2PM and find and identify what you would call “homeless” men and women. These homeless individuals may be living on the street, in a shelter, in a relative’s basement, in a friends spare room, an abandoned building or a room in a SRO (single room occupancy). According to the legal definitions of homelessness, each of these individuals IS homeless because they have no legal status in their place of occupation.
Having worked in Downtown Daily Bread for approximately three months, I have come to know many individuals who come here for a variety of services, including a hearty lunch voluntarily served by individuals, showers three times weekly, clothing, lockers for extra clothing and personal articles, medical attention, legal services and referrals for case management and medical assistance and cash assistance. We also provide referrals for employment as well as transportation to and from jobs through the YWCA. These services open the door for a variety of programs available in the Dauphin area, as well as state and federal assisted financial help including cash assistance, food stamps, and medical and housing assistance.
I find the challenge of working with DDB clients a most rewarding one. At the very least, I can offer a listening ear, a helping hand, and the patience to help a client work through the myriad of obstacles each of these individuals confront on a daily basis. It is said that the best way to help yourself is by helping others in need. That statement has held most true for me in my life.”
Client Report—Christine Patrick, Caseworker
Chris shares the story of one specific case that occurred recently:
“It was a gray, gloomy Saturday morning with the start of snow flurries when I received a call from CBHMP (Community Behavioral Healthcare Network of PA) that a bed was available for one of our clients. I then faced the task of finding this client so they could complete a medical assessment over the phone. I ventured into an alley in downtown Harrisburg where I found him under two blankets sleeping on top of a piece of cardboard. He awakes and sips on a bottle of beer to keep from getting sick. He has been going through withdrawal for about a week now; he's been in and out of the Harrisburg Hospital four times in the past week for alcohol related seizures, and vomiting. The beer keeps him from getting so sick and potentially preventing a fatal seizure. He needs to be admitted into a medical detox program so that he can come off of the alcohol safely.
Our new Mental Health Outreach Counselor, Stephen, and I worked on this particular case about 10 days before finally getting the client admitted into White Deer Run Treatment Center. I spoke with the client after he left the treatment center and he is doing very well. He is moving into an 28 day program. It is a slow journey, but he is making progress and we are very proud of him!”
Did You Know?
DDB served 2957 meals in January & 2947 meals in February! Thanks to our cooks & volunteers!
DDB Wish List
Please help our friends living in poverty enjoy a nutritious meal. You can be a part of the DDB experience by donating items or making a pledge to pay $2 to pay for one lunch. $50 for 25, $100 for 50 and for $200 you can pay for lunches for a whole days’ worth of meals. TO HONOR YOUR MOTHER OR THAT SPECIAL PERSON OR EVENT, DONATE $1500 TO PAY FOR A WEEKS’ WORTH OF MEALS.
Lunch Plus Wish List
Disposable razors, deodorant, shampoo, large bars of soap, laundry detergent, men’s & women’s spring & transitional clothing: sweat shirts, socks, jeans, slacks, light jackets, underwear, women’s skirts & dresses. From our kitchen to yours, Happy Spring!
All Night Skate For The Homeless
GrindLab Indoor Skatepark hosted an all-night skate to benefit DDB. Elaine & GrindLab Skatepark event were featured on the local TV news. GrindLab Skatepark proudly displayed a DDB poster in their business and selected DDB as their charity of choice. Thank you GrindLab Skatepark! We appreciate your support!
Online Communications & Social Networking
The Downtown Daily Bread website is currently under construction, but look for the new, improved site to be unveiled soon. The new site will feature user-friendly options & access to convenient links. Log onto www.downtowndailybread.org to check out what changes we’ve made and discover the latest news.
