Tales From Sand Island

Sand Island Homeless Shelter

Keeping a low profile has been maintained. Only one attempt has been made to interact with any of the other "guest." A gregarious Filipino guy, yet anonymous, is the first gateway to understanding the workings of the Sand Island shelter. Yesterday, prior to dinner, he had a run-in with Bobby, an African-American staff member, who was already suspect as being a two-faced dickhead.

The anonymous Filipino buddy was queried this morning in the community tent about the duration of his stay. Two months, he said. He has not been homeless, but was on the verge of homelessness due to complications related to late stage kidney disease. He has retained an attorney to obtain disability benefits and retroactive wages.

Later, an African-American woman and veteran, chatted with the anonymous Filipino buddy. The overhead conversation revealed and substantiated many of the observations made in the past two weeks, some of which are posted in previous footnotes. Overall, she detailed some of the bad conditions at the facility and the problems with the wage slave staff members. Of particular interest, though, was the issue of housing placement. She mentioned that she has been "guest" for three months, the long duration most likely because of problems with obtaining SSI and veteran's benefits.

Problems with the wage slave staff members, incidentally, involve inconsiderate and unprofessional behavior towards "guests." The African-American woman has observed more appalling behavior. Pilfering by wage slave staff of donated hygiene products and food for the "Continental Breakfast" was also witnessed. Wage slave staff should not be confused with case managers and housing specialists. They are low paid workers who are probably close to homelessness more than they are aware.

There are a number of employed "guests," some working at two wage slave jobs, that was confirmed by the African-American woman. Yet, they have not been placed into housing. Thus, there is legitimate cause for concern. More investigation is necessary.

As more stories from Sand Island are heard, the latter will be posted in the footnotes. More observations, as discovered, will also be posted.