Rambling Vagabond Travelogue

 

 

Hello All,

This is a newer experimental offering exclusive here as content to my core blog site of 20 years here at Atrayo's Oracle via Google's Blogger service. I'm basically expanding the horizons of the content here to include other topics that may have human interest impacts. At least through my own personal lifetime lived out loud. 

The opinions here are my own and I will attempt to disclose my bias along the way for a greater depth of personal transparency to my global readers at Atrayo's Oracle. This column of content won't necessarily be strictly spiritual and/or of psychic Inspirational automatic writing. Of which I've practiced personally for over 30 year's time now as my devotions to God and the angelic heavens.

These writings are moreso my view finder personal filter of my first time experiences of the newly homeless here in South West Florida on the Gulf Coast penisula. A travelogue or public personal diary slash expose of the Saints and Sinners I encounter along the way of my Vagabond blues as the newly homeless here in the Sarasota, Bradenton, etc... regions I'm currently residing and/or traveling on my own. 

All the while looking for a furnished room to rent at my personal Social Security welfare budget of $500 US a month. I receive a little over $800 a month from Social Security but that's what I'm working with financially right now. 

Most of the websites of rooms to rent such as "Roommates.com" and "Roomies.com" cater to rooms at over the $800 US price point. Places such as "Padsplit.com" a trendy genetrifued website for room rentals cites the rent fees in a slick manner of a per weekly basis. Versus that of the more traditional monthly basis is basically rearranging the deck chairs on the Titantic being a bit misleading to old farts like myself. 

In this homeless column of my own you'll my moreso human informal stylized version I prefer as my native own writing  style. Versus the psychic angelic automatic writing version I have practiced spiritually for over 30 years time. 

My personal writing style tends to be informal, blunt, and at times witty in a dry manner for instance with very high warmth of emotional intelligence. I always aim at being Cosmopolitan from an inclusive perspective is what the heavenly angels taught me best. 

Salvation Army Bradenton, FL. Homeless Shelter Overnight Experience:

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This was my stay for this past Monday, February 9th within the men's dormitories of the homeless shelter. For non-Manatee county residents which can include those from neighboring city of Sarasota which includes me. Can stay for 3 free nights on a non-consecutive basis. 

Otherwise, for Manatee county residents such as for the principal city of Bradenton. Can stay up to 7 nights for Free. Here at the main command compound of the Salvation Army in Manatee county serving this community for over a century in time. 

Anything in the USA that lays claim to having served for over a century's time. Is sacrosanct Institutional as American Yankee Doodle Dandy goes. For an American nation of only a little over 2 centuries and counting in existence. 

The Salvation Army is America's first and perhaps last line of defense when it comes to poverty in America. Preceeding historical periods of the American Great Depression of the 1930s for instance. Going as far back as the Victorian era in the burgeoning United States of the late 19th century. 

I was told by a representative of Resurrection House (a Christian daycare for the homeless shelter from 8:30am to 1:30pm Weekdays only) which I visited here in Sarasota the identical day of Monday, February 9th. That each county version of the Salvation Army as a main hub of a command of a compound is like a franchised location. 

I find the one in Bradenton, Florida in it's architectural footprint to be tailored as family friendly. In constrast to the one in Downtown Sarasota as more formidable feeling more like a social welfare prison environment. 

The reason why I cite the Sarasota campus of the Salvation Army as prison like. Upon admission to the color scheme of the exterior and interior building walls in a dark charcoal browns, grays, and blacks. Not very aestically pleasing and/or welcoming to the general public.

Moreover entering the main intake building which I encountered on Tuesday, January 27th. Was a bull pen of a circular plexiglass prison styled command Office. With a switch for the speaker to be used by the staffer inside the plexiglass bubble to speak at the window. Ergo a draconian aestics and not a very friendly prison esque environment. 

In contrast the Salvation Army campus in Bradenton as the architecture goes has beige white stone block exteriors. The landscaping grounds look meticulously looked after. Almost as if stepping onto a Pavillion collegiate environment in contrast to Sarasota's campus. 

However, the night I spent on this past Monday, February 9th in the male dormitories overnight of the homeless shelter. Couldn't completely dispell the prison aestics at least for the mens sleeping quarters with metal bunk beds and artificial bedding mattresses and pillows that were actually comfortable. 

The men's public bathrooms also included shower stalls separated by shower curtains. The latrines were more industrial grade polished metal you would find in a prison however. 

The ones at the Salvation Army Bradenton campus were in drastic need of plumbing services. Nearly half of the wall latrines of the 6 or so present were out of order. The bathroom stalls with toliets about 3 of the 6 or so stalls were leaking water from the flushing levers onto the bathroom floors. 

It was a ungodly sight to behold so much water spread unevenly in the men's bathroom floor vicinity. Their water bill must be horrendous and certainly not very environmentally sustainable in practice. 

The population of fellow homeless men I encountered was a mixture of a handful of veterans, the mentally ill, criminal backgrounds, and a minor few would appear in dress as middle class like myself in various stages of normalcy. 

Basically at least from my 1st impressions never, ever look anyone in the eyes. Which I have a bad habit as a super empath. Keep your eyes focused ahead of you or to the floors informally. 

Don't get me wrong I was safe and never in any physical danger. But, the demoralizing environment didn't lend itself very well to a social gathering of adult men. The emotional and mental anguish of some of the homeless men seemed in my opinion as brokenhearted in my opinion as an psychic empath. 

I also have never seen so many men coughing from bronchitis and mucus in their respiratory tracts that night. Then the men I slept alongside with in Dormitory F. About nearly 8 of us and over half were coughing and choking on mucus and bronchitis. I wonder during the era of the Whooping Cough period in America of the early 20th century it felt similar? 

These men needed immediate triage by a medic in my opinion. Alas, nothing like that was present in this homeless shelter of a clinician being available. I spotted a fellow homeless man pulled out a generic bag of cough drops. By chewing the cough drop loathengens with a crushing sound under his teeth. As if that makeshift medicine would assail his coughing concerns as a stop gap measure. 

I found the 2 or 3 nightly Salvation Army volunteers to be caring in their own masculine bravado. The stodgy old man firm with an iron demeanor in the intake hallway office into the male Dormitory was curt but efficient. 

The nearby attendant with the overused brown heavy cotton faded blankets dispersed by the laundry room. Was another elderly gentlemen in his 50s as disabled utilizing a walker with wheels in front of him to get around. One of his eye's was disabled but the guise on his stern face betrayed his warm countenance. This gentleman volunteer seemed to have been a veteran in my opinion. 

Their as a young adult volunteer an asian young man perhaps philoppenio, if not south east asian. He was jovial with the aforementioned disabled veteran volunteer but there on hand with basic maintenance issues I reckon.

My experience that overnight on Monday, February 9th left me psychologically fried as a psychic empath. The depressive environments corrosive to the human soul over time. However, for some inane reason Sarasota county in contrast only offers cold weather homeless shelters that only dip below 40 degrees farneheit. 

Not ones open all year long as in Bradenton by the Salvation Army. After the free nights offered by newcomers there's an affordable $15 US stay for overnighters. However, not to be paid in cash, but in money orders or going to the business office earlier in day and paying by your bank card instead. 

The last statistic I heard was there is around 17 million Americans living in poverty out of a Nation of over 320 million citizens overall. Many of the newer poor came from the Covid-19 era of the pandemic. 

I'm sure Trumps America First economic policies will only increase these unfortunate numbers. Of the everwidening disadvantaged state of the poor in America as the forgotten under class.  

Humanitarian Opportunity: "Homeless Care Packages"

Hello All,

Now that the Holiday Season is entering full swing with this coming month of December. I thought to myself what sort of concept as a non-profit organization I could envision. I thought about "Homeless Care Packages", however, this is neither a new concept nor original I soon found out. Just doing a cursory search online I found numerous socially minded compassionate non-profits down to caring solitary individuals. Doing this form of community service for the homeless in their own locality.

Here's an example of a gentleman out of the city of Chicago as a one person outfit. The crowd sourced at "FundAnything.com Homeless Care Packages" to the tune of $4,554 for a full year. Where his target was $4,500 which he met besides each individual care package cost him $17-$25 a piece. Now figure a full-fledged non-profit can stretch those dollars even further bringing down the price per care package.

A few years back my hometown of Sarasota here in the State of Florida. Received a notorious rank of the most hostile city for the homeless in the entire nation. Gladly that infamy has passed to a degree for the "City of Sarasota" itself. Everyone frowns upon the presence of the homeless in their own neighborhood. Be it panhandling for hand outs or the associated petty crimes that may occur for those desperate with drug addiction.

What I'm advocating here isn't my usual fare of innovative concepts, but rather an opportunity to engage with one's local community. A "Food for Thought" social enterprise regarding a fractional solution to every community that is being affected with homelessness. Especially families with young children sliding from the middle class into poverty stricken lower class economically speaking. The echoes of the so-called "Great Recession" feels more like a Depression for some in this 2nd Gilded Age in America.

So with that mini-rant out of the way, I would like to offer up a notion for those willing and able. As individuals, non-profits (new or established), and corporate entities that pride themselves on community outreach initiatives. To consider "Homeless Care Packages" as a worthy compassionate venture in your community be it in America or elsewhere in the world.

If I were to pursue such a venture as a non-profit depending on the budget. I would use a delivery van or a personal vehicle to handout such fully prepped care packages for the homeless. Be it delivered wherever the homeless congregate such as public parks, soup kitchens, or along roadways such an underpass location.

I would also devise a basic color-coded approach where rather than just a generic care package. I could set up care packages for men and woman, besides that for children be they, boys or girls. For example, the color green is for men, pink for women, red for boys, white for girls, and gray as the generic care packages.

Generic homeless care packages for a non-profit organization could locate community sponsors. Where the imprinted logo in terms of donated sponsor merchandise could be used as handouts. Such as T-Shirts X-Large size, Baseball Caps, Water Bottles, Poncho, Bandanna, basic First Aid kit, Hand Towel, Notebooks, Pens, cloth weave Shopping Bags, Back Packs, and a Fanny Pack. Many corporate sponsors seeking to promote a particular product such as a food stuff would be suited well for the homeless. That will utilize the merchandise immediately upon receiving such items. A form of complimentary advertising in exchange for practical items they could benefit from in usage.

Other generic items in a care package can consist of: Bungie Cords to help carry a load; snack bars; snack food in small bag sizes such as: peanuts, pretzels, and sunflower seeds; paperback travel size Bible; sample travel size bottles of: suntan lotion, tooth paste, hand sanitizer, hand moisturizer; other assorted toiletries; specially created pamphlet of local social service organizations; Ziploc bags, Coupon offers from fast food restaurants; assorted low denomination gift cards from $5-$20 in value for a supermarket, fast food eateries, long distance calling card, thrift stores (ie Goodwill or Salvation Army stores), coin rolls for quarters, dimes, and nickels that can be used at a vending machine.

In addition from the generic items for men to include in a homeless care package. I would place a: basic shaving kit, low-cost wrist watch, and cologne.

In addition from the generic items for woman, I would include in a homeless care package. Items such as hair net / shower cap, a compact makeup mirror, a cuticle set, assorted feminine hygiene products, a paperback romance novel (can purchase 2nd hand from a used bookstore to save on cost), and perfume.

In addition from the generic items for young boys up to the age of 12 years old. I would include in a homeless care package items such as candy, candy bars, toy action figures, Matchbox / Hotwheels miniature toy cars, pencils, notebooks, assorted school supplies, coloring books, crayon box set, and children books (new or used). All of it stuffed into a school size back pack for the child.

In addition from the generic items for young girls up to the age of 12 years old. I would include in a homeless care package items such as candy, a toy doll, a plush stuffed animal, arts & crafts materials, assorted school supplies, colorful pencils, notebooks, coloring books, a crayon box set, and children books (new or used). All of it stuffed into a school size back pack for the child.

All of the above is in a general sense how I would approach in a fledgling manner such an operation. Be it conducted with a few prepared homeless care packages on a weekly or monthly basis as resources and time permits. These care packages are meant to promote goodwill as an outreach method. In showing that charitable organizations or motivated individuals care about their general welfare in the community. That such persons aren't forgotten nor their plights no matter the cause makes them any less human. The homeless care packages will provide hopefully practical items that aren't cumbersome in everyday use. That will be put to immediate use as the situation presents itself.

I hope this socially minded opportunity motivates those willing with sufficient backing to consider such an initiative for themselves. Like any charitable outreach, it will teach you patience, humility, empathy, and certainly compassion as such a noble effort is accomplished.

Ivan "Atrayo" Pozo-Illas, has devoted 21 years of his life to the pursuit of clairvoyant automatic writing channeling the Angelic host. Ivan is the author of the spiritual wisdom series of "Jewels of Truth" consisting of 3 volumes published to date. He also channels conceptual designs that are multi-faceted for the next society to come that are solutions based as a form of dharmic service. Numerous examples of his work are available at "Atrayo's Oracle" blog site of 11 years plus online. Your welcome to visit his website "Jewelsoftruth.us" for further information or to contact Atrayo directly. 

Humanitarian Concept: Homeless Camps In State Parks

Hello All,

It seems during this period of America's Great Recession we're watching history repeat itself. In regards to America's Great Depression plight to a lesser degree in the rise of homelessness. Specifically families and thus children entering poverty for the first time in their collective lives. The CBS "60 Minutes" segment showcasing a single father and his 2 kids living out of a delivery truck in Orange County, Florida. Explained it all from that one families testimonial symbolically representing countless others in America.

Case in point the city of Saint Petersburg Florida in the county of Pinellas. Had the 2007 national public relations disaster of an impromptu tent city built by the homeless being torn down. By police with razor box cutters shredding private property tents on public city park land. I bet many drew parallels of the terrorists aggression of 9/11 using razor box cutters to hi-jack the airliners. But I digress. Afterwards that same year in 2007 the local Catholic Church Diocese used their own private property to open up a 250 tent city of their own. With regulated controls put in place for the proper governance of such a homeless shelter facility run by the Church.

I myself proposed a blog concept back in December 2007 called the "Community Homeless Campus" as one potential solution.

http://atrayosoracle.blogspot.com/2007/12/society-concept-homeless-community.html

Now back in the Fall season of this year 2011 again the city of Saint Petersburg has opened up a 500 bed homeless shelter facility calling it "Safe Harbor". It mirrors some of the elements of my own homeless solution concept of December 2007 on this very blog site.

Here is a link to an Associated Press article dated September 5th 2011 discussing the new "Safe Harbor" facility:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44398996/ns/us_news-life/t/st-pete-making-progress-legions-homeless/#.TvMQrvL5mSo

My concept today is similar to my former concept of the "Homeless Community Campus". However this one is set in preexisting State Parks with full facility campgrounds. The Florida State Park system consists of 160 wondrous and unique environments not seen anywhere else on this world of ours. Fifty plus of which of these State Parks include full facility campgrounds for traditional camping and RV (Recreational vehicle) electrical hook-ups.

What I am proposing as a pilot program to see if the model can be replicated elsewhere in the United States State or National Parks inventory. Is to allot a percentage of these full facility campgrounds that includes: public bathrooms, showers, laundry machines, public telephones, electrical hook-ups, and most likely a nature center. Say as an example here in Florida in my county of Sarasota the Oscar Scherer State Park would qualify.

http://floridastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/Oscar_Scherer_Sp/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=FL&parkId=281062&topTabIndex=CampingSpot

The "Oscar Scherer" State Park has 94 campground and RV mix of slots for campers under reservations with a fee to utilize. Where selected volunteers at 3 to 6 month stints are given a free campground slot to make sure the campgrounds facilities are well maintained. Under my proposed Homeless Camps in State Parks concept solution. Via a program run by the local county and applicable State agencies. Such as: State Parks Management, Health & Family Services, Veterans Affairs, County Commissioners, etc... Where homeless families and individuals that may qualify that are under the supervision of case workers. Receive temporary housing via camp sites and RV campers from the program in lieu of making the pledge to improve their lives overall. Such as finding a permanent housing solution elsewhere and maintaining a steady income with a job placement.

The homeless population best served are those families and individuals through no fault of their own now find themselves homeless during this "Great Recession" period. Instead of them getting permanently stuck into homelessness cycles they receive public and private social services assistance. To dislodge such an unfortunate circumstance they are finding themselves within currently. Case workers assisting the homeless members or clients of this proposed program. Would make sure the clients are utilizing local free medical clinics, children are in public schools and receiving the free school meal programs (breakfast / lunch), are on food stamps, have access to counseling services, higher education be it a vocational school (grants / scholarships), are utilizing the local county job resource center, have access to transportation be it public transit or otherwise, religious services if so desired, etc... Everything that may be needed in the basic needs of any dignified person living in our present day society.

On the part of the homeless member / client of this proposed program. There would be no public smoking / drinking within the campgrounds or State Park itself. No violence, which would would be a near automatic ejection from this program. A nightly curfew would be put in place. Any homeless client with substance abuse addiction must be fully engaged in their own outlined sobriety. Such as receiving access to substance abuse counseling, and be enrolled in a 12 Step self-help program and have a designated sponsor. All homeless clients would be required to help the State Park Rangers in maintaining the overall park. Not unlike the WPA (Works Progress Administration) of the late 1930's and early 1940's during the Franklin Roosevelt presidency. Homeless participates may even earn themselves minimum wage and get access to other grants and scholarships for higher education. All homeless clients would receive a crash course in camping and outdoors man survival skills. Homeless individuals would be furnished with camping equipment be it a tent and other miscellaneous camping gear. Homeless families would be allotted a RV (Recreational Vehicle) camper with access to an electrical hook-up. Not unlike the victims of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina received from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Where individuals and families were placed within camper trailer parks or situated next to their former devastated residential property.

If this temporary housing solution proves successful after its initial pilot program implementation. It can be transplanted to other States in the Union. Where the customary user fee's the State Parks would collect from visitors and campers. Would be paid for through a block grant for this homeless temporary housing program. Besides the added boon of homeless members in the program. Aiding under supervision State Park officials in maintaining the parks they'll live within for a time. This is a proposed dignified solution for the new working poor that have found themselves homeless. To be able in our meritocracy society to climb right out of it and back into the middle class as productive citizens. Let's hope for all of us novel and applicable solutions are mandated to fix this social crisis not only in America, but across the world. If America is to lead the world by example as a model Democracy, it best start with the most vulnerable in our own society.