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This is a story about a man who has lived on the street corner outside of the HSC Administration office for the past couple of months.
Johnny is a reader. He likes orange Gatorade. He can be friendly, saying "thank you" and "bless you." He can also be angry and silent, or he can be frowning and yelling. He also appeared to be continually losing weight. His pants becoming looser and looser. He has a visible mass that would indicate that there is something unhealthy happening to his body. Fearing that he wasn't going to survive, the HSC team worked with a clinical team to file a petition. This process actually was started twice. Through a series of events, Johnny went to a program, left the program, and was back on the streets again. Staff talked to him about what it would mean if a petition was submitted, and that it would lead to health care for him that would help him to feel better. And that it would help him get better to move into the housing he spoke about wanting. He indicated he understood.
The last few days Johnny wasn't in front of the HSC Admin office, as he had relocated a few streets away. Then he returned to his spot on the corner. The police were contacted to pick him up and take him to care. The police were kind and patient. Our client was angry, yet didn't fight the process. The HSC team was there to tell him what was going to happen, and that we will be with him each step of the way.
As the team shared this story, there were tears and hope. Tears for the struggle of this human being who has been lacking care and attention. Hope that now he is on a path to treatment and health, and ultimately housing.
HSC has a strong team full of people who do this day in and day out. Taking the brunt of yelling, cursing, praying, thanking, all of the emotions of the people they serve. Advocating and helping even when those they are fighting for may not have the energy to fight for themselves.
Now we wait and do what we can to support Johnny, hoping and praying that he finds his way to health and housing. HSC will continue to collaborate with the clinical team, the police and other partners as needed; we will be there no matter what.
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