Thanks to reader Diane Cece, we have some questions brewing about just what exactly is going on over the Norwalk Emergency shelter. By request, your thread to organize as you will.
Norwalk Emergency Shelter Questions
by turfgrrl
October 1st, 2008 · 133 Comments
Tags: Norwalk
133 Responses so far ↓ “Norwalk Emergency Shelter Questions”
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Thanks TG for the special thread - now let’s get some facts, questions, suggestions posted here and make a difference, if we can. We’ve already heard about needs such as first aid supplies, fresh juices and milk, healthy food alternatives, etc. And already Rosemarie and company stepping up to the plate with knitted hats and scarves. If you already donate and volunteer - that’s great! If not, thanks to TG, we can organize here with the Shelter wish list and corresponding offers of help.
In the meantime, if you work at, live in, donate time to or oversee the management of the Norwalk Emergency Shelter, let’s use this space to post the facts!
Remember: this is not about “shelter bashing” and laying blame - this is about constructive ideas about what is working well, what needs improvement, having an open dialogue about these issues, and moving forward from here with a positive approach. -
Diane,
HOW do people volunteer at or donate food to the shelter (phone number, email, contact names?)
How do you volunteer at the food bank in SONO? Do they need food donations too? If so, what do they need? What is their telephone/email?
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anon #2 see anon #3, and yes, can go right to the source. Also, Joanne Romano (former councilwoman) has stepped in to help, and once we get a drop-off location (or several) set up, we will be posting here with the shelter wish list and all the drop points. For sure toiletries, and if you can go directly to shelter and soup kitchen directly, for sure we know they need real orange juice and fresh milk. If you are planning on donation clothing, PLEASE, seasonal only. I’m certain they don’t have the space for spring/summer items. Joanne is also going to assist in getting some dialogue going with management there, so that we can be sure to provide what they need, and that they can assure us the goods go to the residents.
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Don’t forget when donating, small children unfortunately live at the shelter as well and they have special needs, think about what special things they may need like diapers, bottles, pajama’s, sweaters etc. Canned/dried fruits and vegetables, healthy snacks, oatmeal perhaps. Just because they have the unfortunate circumstance of not having a real home doesn’t mean they don’t deserve good nurishment and proper clothing. If enough people come out and donate we really can make a difference in these peoples lives. If you are so inclined, buy fresh or frozen juices, milk etc and if you can’t deliver it contact someone who can. Thanks Diane for contacting me about this. I am working on a few places for drop off of non perishables and clothing/dry goods.
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I was told they have turned people away from helping at the shelter.This is not bashing the center,its asking who is in charge of it and why the sudden block on information concerned people are asking.
Now I see Joanne involved that only means something isn’t right she is the only one I trust in the city to get it right.I trusted her with my kids last summer and will again so calm down I’m not attacking the woman she deserves much more than a thanks this time she is pulling for the shelter. she is like the fire extinguisher that everyone relies on in case of fire but never helps to recharge it after its used.
I asked a councilor if the kids needed anything for back to school she asked she was lied to or placated she told me they were all set another true fighter for the people in Norwalk.The story turned out the kids needed and our councilor was treated poorly.
Someone else I knew cooked for the shelter once in a while no pay no perks just did it becuase it was the right thing to do,after years of volunteering was told don’t need ya see ya so friggin cold was how it seemed.
A vendor who donated veggies after farmers markets was assualted outside the center the area is so blighted and dangerous not even the armed officers go there alone and now mostly in three’s.Needless to say that donation was stopped.
pleaase don’t turn this thread into a sorry ass BOE thread bitching about something no one seems to be able to fix,help out Diane and Joanne and anyone else that wants to help.
Two weeks ago the fire dept found people not homeless real live residents of the city of Norwalk living in the four story cement block house on the dpw lot whats that tell you ? The fire dept uses is as training windowless and dirty.
Another man swept down a river to his death both the Hour and The Advocate talked to a month or so earlier when his house under the cross st bridge was broken up by the state.
Shopping carts with poeple pushing them with their wordly possesions,The MTA has admitted hoemless under the platforms and along the tracks.
then you have this
MTA Police Capt. Jim McKenna said transit and Norwalk police officers launched the patrols in August after homeless people were found sleeping under the platforms.
The “directed” patrols, conducted at all hours, have included sweeps just after the last train arrives, he said.
“We’ve done numerous directed patrols of the station and haven’t observed the homeless to be a problem,” McKenna said. “Whatever problems there are we believe can be cleared up through increased patrols.”
Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling said there has notdid i read this right?
No we don’t have a homeless problem says the mayor back to helping the residents hell with Rillings and Moccia
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#6-the credit goes to Diane and the others working with her. She contacted me with regards to fundraising because she knows I do alot of it for the troops etc. Diane is the one who has been working vigilantly to find a solution to all the postings on this blog. I am just glad to help in any way I can. I have volunteered at the shelter and I have seen how humiliating it can be for those who never in a million yrs thought they would be living in this fashion. People have posted on this blog about the needs at the shelter and Diane stepped up to find solutions so I think people should get behind her and help in any way they can. This isn’t about the Mayor or the chief, this about helping others. Lets just hope with the economy and the jobless rate increasing daily that more people don’t find themselves living like this. This is not just a Norwalk problem, it is a country wide problem that only those willing to step up can help lighten th burden.
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you also collected food and can goods for the shelter last parade? Thank you Joanne for everything.Thank you Dianne for all your support.
Lets not forget those turned away from the shelter who end up on water st at DCF and state offices they too are homeless and hurting now that winter is coming.I think a true count or something close to it would help those who think it may not be that bad.Lets hear from the churches who also give to the shelter and the Pivot house everyone has been great in supporting now lets hear some numbers.How many children are involved how many still need help.
Thanks for nothing Dick and Harry.
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Well this is the way it SHOULD be, neighbor helping neighbor like we did in the old days. The City shouldn’t be in the business of running shelters and food banks, its business is governing and running the city departments. It’s not Dick and Harry’s fault; this is not their problem nor should it be.
It is supposed to be up to SOCIETY et. al., churches, local organizations like the Women’s Club, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club and so on, and donations from businesses like groceries, Stew Leonards, restaurants and such to keep shelters and food banks running.
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All of the above places help out whenever asked. Its just a good thing that some are bringing it to others attention so more people can donate. Drop offs around town sound like a good idea for those who can’t get to the shelter for one reason or other but would still like to help out. Good going you two.
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What kind of food can the shelter accept? We had a church dinner with plenty left over and thought we would donate the food to the shelter. We were turned away - we were told that if it wasn’t cooked there, they could not accept it. Good food gone to waste.
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I believe they accept canned goods.
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#11- the reason for that is that they are afraid someone may taint it or that its not fresh which really annoys me because there are so many hungry people that something like what you did would surely be welcome by those who are just tired of being fed starches and such each and every day. The shelter seems to go by the thought that if you are homeless or less fortunate you take what they give you. I actually brought down several homemade pies at Thanksgiving and they also turned me away. Its really a damn shame that they want to keep these people in a less than healthy environment.
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classic examples of whats going on,please do consider the area the shelter is located the old school on Srawberry hill would be ideal.
Why not take some pictures of the shelter show how it looks inside and out have an article done by the Brooks they seem to get it right.
Lets see what the street looks like I doubt if many readers could find the place or want to at night.
Lets not just talk about this lets give it some visual you know like the news letter that has now surficed on Norwalk’s inability to run parts of the city correct.
Lets see some pictures!
Children live hear!
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we were told that if it wasn’t cooked there, they could not accept it.
Well, they accept leftovers from KFC and pizzas and all kinds of cakes and pies from bakeries, so that is not entirely true.
Yes, something is going down there. I live there. Today we had a good breakfast- the first one in a long time- with coffee! We still need real milk and real juice. Drinking Kool Aid with all meals is not healthy and the water is often not cold. I think that now that the shelter is aware that people are concerned they may make more efforts to change things there. I will start making a list from what everyone says. Most people are distrustful and I also sense some paranoia from the staff recently….It is very rude to abruptly terminate volunteers….we should all be grateful for their help… -
when a long time professional chef would give a couple of hours at the shelter it was accepted for many years.This summer he showed up as he always did with his own staples and was told the thanks but no thanks.He assumed it was some sort of new policy.It was on the heels of asking questions on the kitchen finances and how it was run offerring yet more help a few weeks before he got the boot.Now that this thread is covering details I sent him here to observe,wonder what he is thinking now?
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Exactly, if the food comes from a bakery or other establishment they may or may not accept it but when you set out to do something nice like bake homemade pies, bread etc, bring it there with all good intentions only to be turned away? I am willing to bet that the residents would have loved to have homemade pumpkin and apple pie with their Thanksgiving dinner!
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Just back from shelter, dropping off large donation of goods, and was not able to meet Carole - she was preoccupied - she did however return my phone call today, but I was out shopping at Costco for shelter goods, so now we are playing phone tags.
Did not bring camera - will next time. Did bring items you asked for including fresh orange juice and fresh milk.
In the next thread I am going to list everything we brought - not looking for credit - am looking to see if resident there can see if the goods I delivered 1/2 hour ago are still there!
I told the gal at the front office that I was very concerned the stuff would “disappear” and she said, “what do you mean, by the staff?” I said yes. She told me there are cameras everywhere and staff would be fired if caught stealing. But then a resident came up to me to ask if I was donating, and told me “they steal the stuff from us here”. He assured me it was not just his perception, that he knows for a fact.
Anyway read on…………. -
Here is the list: approximately 3:30 this afternoon my husband and I donated fresh, brand new merchandise we just bought today at Costco. I am typing the list here for the shelter residents to see if you can find out what happens to it tonite:
FRESH FOOD:
4 64oz TROPICANA 100% OJ
30 10OZ PLASTIC TROPICAL 100% OJ
2 LARGE BAGS TANGERINES
2 8LB BAGS RED DELICIOUS APPLES
2 GALLONS FRESH WHOLE MILK
ASSORTED BITE SIZE CANDY BARS
SUNKIST BAGGED FRUIT SNACKS W/JUICE
MICROWAVE MOVIE BUTTER POPCORNCHILDRENS:
16MARY POPE OSBORNE CHILDRENS BOOKS (4×4 BOX SET)
2 ADVENTURE BOOKS FOR GIRLS (PRINCESS/BALLERINA)
2 ADVENTURE BOOKS BOY (SUPER HERO/WIZARD)
1 FAMILY FUN ACTIVITY BOOK
2 9-PACK CHILDRENS FUN SOCKSHEALTH CARE:
HUGE BOX DIAPERS & HUGE BOX BABY WIPES
2PACK DESITIN OINTMENT
12 PACK TOOTHBRUSHES (SOFT)
2 LARGE PACKAGES ALWAYS FEMININE PRODUCTS
32 BARS LEVER 2000 SOAP
6 PACK AQUA FRESH TOOTHPASTE
2 VALUE PACK BANDAIDS
2PACK HYDROGEN PEROXIDEFROM HOME:
4 CASES JUICE POUCHES (25% LESS SUGAR)
1 CASE MINI PAK PRETZEL STICKS
3 PLASTIC BOTTLES BBQ SAUCE -
TO “KNOW ME NOT”:
I was glad to meet you. Please let your friends at shelter know I was there, and that I am trying to help. If they can, it is helpful to pick screen names like the ones you use, so that I can keep track in my mind of who is who.
I brought everything you guys asked for so far,and Joanne Romano and others are helping to try to get stuff collected.
We are advising folks who inquire to use the Wish List that is published on shelter website, but I would rely more on what you residents tell us you need.
While I was at Costco today to buy stuff for shelter, it was hard to get stuff for children as we didn’t know how many, what sex, what ages, etc.
Can you or someone there a rough survey of kids - aages, boy/girl, activities, if they need school stuff, etc, and I will make that priority for next shopping excursion.
Also, the weather will change quickly now, so let us know what is needed in clothes, men & women and sizes, and especially have the moms make a list of ages and size for kids clothes and shoes/boots. -
Okay, something like Day 11 or so and Carole Antonetz has finally returned my phone call - she was busy when I came to drop off donation, but returned my call promptly this afternoon:
Firstly, in the interest of fairness and full disclosure, she was cordial, agreeable, and answered all my questions, and has agreed to meet me in person at shelter next week.
2) Apologized for not getting back to me but had been out of office and then swamped - no, did not se my emails, but will go back and read them.
3) Has read some of the blog stuff but stopped reading when she felt the stuff residents were writing was ridiculous (her opinion)
4)Perception of stuff walking out the door: she vehemently denies this, and has some sound explanations for what “looks” like walking out the door, such as goods that get delivered to residents in housing who have moved out of the shelter, and pantry food items for the poor,etc. Cameras everywhere, anyone caught stealing would be fired on the spot.
5)Shelter almost always has more food than it knows what to do with, but yes, perpetually short on fresh juices (orange, apple) because so expensive. All meals are produced fresh, has fulltime chef on duty, serve 3 hot meals a day, eat better than most. Said food is so good that some residents remarked about fearing to need reservations to get in….
6)Complaints and issues are resolved when brought to her attention, and yes, admitted she is in office most of day, but will see resident with appointment, and keeps a suggestion box outside office that only she reads, and is anonymous.
7)Will discuss further with her, but reluctant to discuss or distribute financial data (although required by law to do so), and said that no one during her time there has ever asked to see their financial or annual reports. hmm
Is willing to meet with me to discuss issues and provide tour - will call me tomorrow or Monday to schedule for next week.I will reserve judgment on how much of this is true vs. resident issues, but at least at this point I want to speak seriously with Carole about a client liaison who residents can trust, about the financial accounting of the organization, about quality of life issues like endless noise and unsafe conditions. I don’t expect a Ritz Carlton atmosphere, but I don’t expect Abu Ghraib either.
In the meantime, residents: please enjoy the apples and oj and popcorn as you all watch the vice-presidential debate tonite (school kids: pop quiz tomorrow!)
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Good job Diane! I spoke to quite a few people last night at a gathering I was at and also asked if they could bring milk, juice and healtht non perishables to the shelter and they assured me that they would do that this weekend while out shopping. I have also spoken to a couple people about a drop off in different sections of town for those who would like to donate but would otherwise not be near Sono. Glad to hear you were able to talk to Carol and I hope now that this situation will get the attention it diserves.
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I work near the shelter and don’t understand how they all seem to get money for liquor and cigarettes. Many of them look very capable of working and making a life for themselves. I do understand some may have unfortunate circumstances but certainly not all. We should teach them to fend for themselves rather than give them handouts to keep them down. I work and I don’t make a lot of money you do what you have to. If you can’t afford to live how do you afford to support smoking and drinking? Teach someone to fish and they will always have food.
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#23- I don’t think anyone wants to keep anyone down but in order to go out in the world you need good nutrition and you need decent clothes on your back. Some of these people are on social security, some have jobs and some are on assistance but what they make will not afford them a place to live because of the cost of housing. Small children really have no choice where they live, the only alternative is foster homes and I doubt very much if they would want to leave their mom’s. I agree wholeheartedly that we need to push them in the right direction but until such time as they are capable of going out on their own I will do what I can to help. I figure with the way today’s economy is many will not have jobs and circumstances can sometimes be drastic and we never know, it could be us.
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#23 anon: Smokes and alcohol not cheap, but “generics” always accessible. Social security disability, unemployment, etc supplies some income, and for some in the pits of despair the smokes and beer numb the pain. Some really need psychological help, and some will live an entire life “in the system” and sadly die within it, too. Believe me, I know from where I speak.
Many have just made poor decisions, or lack good decision making skills altogether. But your patience and goodwill run thin when people make the SAME bad decisions over and over. I also have very little sympathy for those whose poor decisions result in bringing innocent children into the world, but have enormous respect for those who realize their lack of parenting skills and entrust their children to the safekeeping of others. And even more respect for those “others”: the unnamed heroes who so selflessly step up to the plate to love and nourish children in need.
Most people don’t want a hand out, they want a hand up. But I think after months and years of hopelessness, they just plain give up.
Just try to think of your own life, getting up, shower, get dressed, into car, off to work, and home for a warm dinner and good night’s sleep. Now think of your morning routine if you had NO sleep due to constant noise, maybe a clean shower maybe not, no clean nice clothes to wear, no makeup or hairspray or perfume or cologne or nice shoes, no pocketbook, no transportation, no lunch money, no address, no phone number, an offer of a ride home that you must refuse lest someone know you reside at a shelter or on the street…..omg, the list goes on and on of just how devastating homeliness can be. Still, hard to discern between those who have chosen this lot in life and those whose unlucky circumstances have crippled them, so I still choose to give, lest the truly needy get nothing because of the bad rap of the others. -
FYI-the face of homelessness has changed and there are working families in the shelter, along with disabled people, mentally ill, substance abusers and “dual diagnosis.” The last is the name given people who suffer both mental illness and addiction.
There is nowhere else for these people to go folks, and it’s going to get worse.
Many city governments are planning to build supportive or affordable housing with money available from the state. The Moccia administration is opposed to this despite the fact that a Republican governor and budget directer (Bob Genuario) are offering funding and technical assistance. Other cities like Stamford, Bridgeport and Danbury have a mayor led task force to end homelessmess. Too bad Norwalk lacks the leadership or concern to address the homeless problem and try to prevent more people falling into it due to job loss and foreclosures. -
Northeast Community Church (good people) have set up 2 drop points for donations to Norwalk Emergency Shelter as part of their annual 1010 Community Day events. Hour reports donations will be accepted on October 10th at Stop & Shop 380 Main Ave from 2pm-7pm, and at Sunoco Ultra 336 Main Ave from 5pm-7pm. Contact Church @ 838-4708.
Also posted in Hour’s Volunteer Corner column is call for kitchen and pantry volunteers at shelter - contact Frank @ 866-1057.
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from long time lurker. Well, I can tell you that we did receive the orange juice and the apples. I can also tell you that NO one is beating down the door to eat the shelter food. And yes, staff do steal the food- they have told me so. They feel that 10 dollars an hour for part time work, with no medical benefits- at least they can get some help for their families. Not all of the staff, but some. I made 10 dollars an hour while in college! A long long time ago!
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All meals are produced fresh, has fulltime chef on duty, serve 3 hot meals a day, eat better than most. (WHO ARE YOU KIDDING- almost all starch and grease)
Said food is so good that some residents remarked about fearing to need reservations to get in….(She must be joking)(or delusional)
(6)Complaints and issues are resolved when brought to her attention, and yes, admitted she is in office most of day, but will see resident with appointment, and keeps a suggestion box outside office that only she reads, and is anonymous.
(No, she does not resolve issues because she won’t make the appointment to do so. She reads the suggestions but never acknowleges them, much less answers them.
7)Will discuss further with her, but reluctant to discuss or distribute financial data (although required by law to do so), and said that no one during her time there has ever asked to see their financial or annual reports. hmm
(HARDLY BELIEVABLE- where is she living Fantasyland?)
Is willing to meet with me to discuss issues and provide tour - will call me tomorrow or Monday to schedule for next week. (Good luck)
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#26 don’t feel bad leadership or concern has always been an issue with mayor Moccia.The running records of most mayors in the surrounding cities and towns even if they have made mistakes they have done something to improve the quality of life. We now need a mayor who can work with the system Rep or Dem at this point most don’t care who as long as its someone else.
Its sad a blog has to uncover and show what may actually be going on there,is everyone saying complaints have fallen on deaf ears?
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It seems that alot of what has been going on at the shelter has been ignored by the powers that be- or even worse, deliberately covered up.
We have established that the regular staff are mostly part time workers who only make about 10 dollars and hour and are mostly priced out of the “medical insurance” plan they are “offered.”
We have also determined that items are missing- numerous items. We in the shelter have SEEN food, clothing, furnishings (including an oriental rug someone donated) WALK OUT with staff.
We are aware Ms. Carole has the capability to observe from home what is taking place in view of all the cameras at the shelter and surrounding areas…..what is the place—NSA? It is said that she called to have someone suspended who was “standing in the wrong area”.
It is rumored that there is 9 million unaccounted for. This is just what we hear from everyone. This rumor needs to be traced to its roots.
The “Books” were removed from Carole’s office- so how can she maintaine noone has ever asked for them? I guess this group did not ask politely…perhaps a subpoena was offered?….
Keep on digging. You are only at the surface.
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What does this mean about those of us in the homeless shelter?
“Two weeks ago the fire dept found people not homeless real live residents of the city of Norwalk”
Don’t we count as real live residents of the city of Norwalk?
Interesting. There was a Church picking up some of the people from the Shelter each Sunday. The Church- St Pauls in Darien- had given a Christmas dinner last year and only a few of the residents felt welcome enough- or comfortable enough- to go. Well, suddenly it appears that there is no one available to pick those people up at the Shelter any longer. We asked the Churchgoers why (they raved about the church) and they told us that the drivers just did not show up one Sunday. When they called to find out what was going on, they were told no one wanted to pick them up because one of them had spread bed bugs to the church. And now, no one wanted to pick them up- um-er- we will work something out—hmmmmm. And one ddriver said that they did $1000,00 damage to someones furniture? Or close to it.
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“nokd”…..not our kind dear.
But- WWJD?
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I just want to play devil’s advocate for a minute again. As to stuff “walking out”, including oriental rugs, is it at all possible that the staff member is taking it to a resident’s home? What are the logistics for getting donated foods and furniture to those who have since moved into apartments?
Also, while I wait to hear back from Carol on scheduling an appointment to meet this week, I have more questions for you guys:
1) Does anyone know who “took” the books?
2) When and where do Board of Directors meet?
3) Does the shelter own any vans or SUV’s? If so, do they transport residents to doctors, churches, jobs, etc? If so, why can’t the shelter staff provide transport to the local churches for special meals? And why do some of the residents go to St. Paul’s in Darien. Is this the only local church that welcomes them for Sunday services? -
Is the news of the shelter important to print?
Here is another news flash as far as The Hour reporting anything there is talk a couple more reporters have jumped ship but will still cover Norwalks news and the new editor on the Advocate has quit,No one can wonder now why this stuff doesn’t make the news,we don’t have newspapers who can keep anybody employed long enough to know the city.
No one has reported the three stabbings this weekend one on the street of the shelter,only the Advocate covered 1 but not the shelter incident or the bar on Ely.
There was one vehicle that the city was using for the shelter it went to LAZ for meter maids,most of the councilors got the pictures seems they are keeping that a secret, I wonder why?
As far as the fire dept at the shelter can anoyone fill us in on the last fire there? A police officer went in and evacuated the building didn’t see him get one of the monthly awards for saving lives I wonder why?
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You were right, Just Me #29: The director did not call me today to schedule our appointment for this week, and this in spite of my email earlier today reminding her of our discussion last Thursday.
Plan B. -
Whatever happened to packing up and moving when you can’t find a job where you are at?
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Or maybe India or China? That’s a big move, friend, but if you want to find the jobs that used to be here or your gasoline is paying to create, then better start packing.
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There might be jobs in Norwalk if they clean out the lowe st bridge get rid of the ilegals ,here is one article that was launched an hour ago,
GREENVILLE, S.C. - Federal agents detained more than 300 suspected illegal immigrants all in one business.Maybe if ICE was invited to our city like Bridgeport and Stamford we would see less stopping in Norwalk and taxing our system.
#37 there are some of us that look for second jobs why move when your fisrt one isn’t enough?
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getting the money for transportation to move and a place to stay once you get there.
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Okay, back to other serious stuff here folks, as the stock market crap is our current administration’s crisis du jour. The problem of homelessness and shelter shenanigans will still be here long after the market rebounds.
Since there has been no attempt by the executive director to contact me for the promised tour and meeting, the next step is letters to the editors and the board of directors. Those residents who have access to computers to post to us here also can send letters regarding your plight to the 3 local papers: letters@thehour.com, nrivard@bcnnew.com and letters.norwalk@scni.com. I am still trying to find out which state and local agencies oversee the operations of shelters, and will post that info soon. Also, I will look up and post public email addresses for as many Board of Directors as I can find. The city website lists the emails for all members of the common council and the mayor, so you may want to copy them, too. norwalkct.orgJoanne R: that they “dis” me is totally okay, but to disregard & disrespect a former city councilwoman is not very nice. They don’t HAVE to answer to anyone, but they should WANT to answer these questions, thoroughly & publicly. And just so you know, they have not provided any of the financial documents I’ve requested, either.
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comes out- people in Norwalk and surrounding areas are going to be absolutely shocked and disgusted by the policies of the Shelter. And by the management and their policies which change from day to day to suit the situation. And by the actions of some of the “regular” staff- a step away from homelessness themselves.
The “inmates”…I mean “residents” are subject to so many unfair practices and abuse- some from staff but mostly other clients. Harassment-verbal and physical. Outright theft despite all the cameras etc.
A Womens right to be free of sexual harrassment is a joke…The “money” issues are going to be a unbelievable and take a LONG time to soak in.. The backgrounds of some of the people working at the shelter will be the icing on the cake.
The digging has just begun.
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What I meant is one of the first things a woman hears each day in the Shelter is sexual comments from some of the males about their “needs” and how “good it would be”. You catch my drift. Said in a much more graphic way…..
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Left with a casemanager who said it would look good in his/her apartment. (names confused so as to protect the innocent)
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Here is a strange policy the shelter has. You havae to sign in to get your bed. If you fail to do so, you get overflow arrangments- if you are a female you sleep on a mat on the floor between the jail bunkbeds in the female dorm. If you are a male you have to go to the male overflow and lose your bed.
Now, since residents are to be in at either 730pm OR 830PM—that obviously does not give an adult any time to have an adult nightlife. Pizza and a movie? Forget it. So normal hours are out.
Some of the clients prefer to stay out all night ocasionally and “party”—usually crack. Now, the sex day they sign up for a bed they usually get a mat but within a day or 2 they almost always get their bed back.
So, the Shelter is okaying the in and out policy which makes NO SENSE! If someone was out all night doing dope, why should they be able to get “bed rest” all day like some do (doctor’s note) or wait a little and go right back to a regular bed.
Meanwhile, Joe Schmo smokes a cigarette in the “wrong” area outside NES or uses the wrong door for the wrong time—Schmo is out and suspended and cannot comback until he meets with his caseworker. Usually Schmo’s will get hit on a Friday so they have to wait until Monday to try to get back in……..
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and I stayed at the Shelter. It was NOTHING like it is now! Staff and clients got long. The food was decent. Clients were allowed to cook sometimes. We did not have to be up at 6am every single day of the week- we got a reprieve on Saturday (8AM) and Sunday (9AM) morning and had a brunch those two days.
Now there is no respect for anyone in there, staff or client. Some female staff dress like hookers. Even the clerical staff…..why?
It used tohave more of a family type environment rather than the war zone atmoshprere it has today.
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Oh, wait, that’s right! Board Treasurer is a CPA who, according to his firm’s website:
“has developed specialties in auditing non-profit organizations and corporate pension plans. Nate is active in several non-profit organizations including the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.”
Board member Mr. Nathaniel Yordon can be reached at nyordon@capossela.com, an accounting firm in Southport.
Residents: perhaps you should send Mr. Yordon an email requesting audit of shelter financials and and a register of donated goods received vs donated goods provided to residents…….
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Maybe the article on homeless in todays hour deserves its own thead,its a good article but what about some of teh facts seems they were left out or cut out of the article.Its shame some mothers worry about thier kids when they are in sight from the house isn’t it?
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Residents, you may want to kick off your common council emails by starting with your district rep Reverend Phyllis Bolden, a compassionate and can-do kind of person. According to Hour article she is setting up a small group to look into activities outside the shelter, but I think she would be a good choice for addressing the needs of the residents, too. The article also mentioned a public hearing on the issue. I don’t when that is scheduled for, but it would be good if as many of you as possible attend.
You can email her at councilwoman.bolden@yahoo.com. May as well add your other district rep, Carvin Hilliard, too and he can be reached at carvin06854@yahoo.com -
Diane a meeting has been set into motion its at the South Norwalk library,I’m not sure when and what time maybe someone out here could help us out and post it.
It seems the city denied any problems with homeless at Sono train station but an article in the Advocate showed the MTA police found that was not the case.I find it odd Rillings is the last to know this stuff doesn’t he run the police dept?
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