Robbins Report

An Army of "1" Handles the Homeless Issues for all of Cape Cod

Future Funding May Be a Problem

   An active camp in the woods inhabited by the homeless. Click on any of the images in the text below for a larger view.

Photographs and Story by Peter Robbins

For two days I searched Main Street, Hyannis for evidence of problems with the homeless. There were stories of people talking to "Satan" and the "moon" and offensive actions that appalled local merchants.  It was time to put faces on the issues.  What I found was that of these people, a lot of them are no different than you or me.  By that I mean they have simple wants and needs.  Many have serious medical issues, many have mental health issues, and most  have alcohol-related issues.  But there was one thing they all had in common, Tom Naples.  Tom is the Director for Project Outreach for the Homeless, funded and overseen by the Cape Cod Council of Churches.

Tom Naples announces himself before approaching a homeless camp. Click photo to enlarge.

What is most disturbing is not the fact that we have homeless people on the Cape--that's a fact of life and has been so in Hyannis as long as I can remember--some 50 years ago.  Most bothersome is the fact that on any given night on Cape Cod there are as many as 100 people without a roof over their head, food to eat or needed medical attention.

Who deals with the homeless?

Do you know how many people are out there dealing with this issue?  "1", Tom Naples through the Cape Cod Council of Churches.

Naples personally arranges for emergency medical treatment for over 100 people each year for the homeless as well as assisting with some 250 to get into a detox program.  Budget cutbacks have had a negative impact on all programs.  Diane Casey-Lee, the Director of the Cape Cod Council of Churches, was quick to recognize funding last year by the United Way and is hopeful they will be as generous this year to help continue Tom's work.  "This issue is a critical issue, we are looking to foundations and individuals to support Tom's work and hoping people will respond," said Casey-Lee.

A day in the deep woods

Spending the day with Naples today was like going for a walk with Daniel Boone.  We visited several camps in various location.  Talk about over the river and through the woods, but believe me, to grandmother's house we were never going!  As I talked to some of the homeless, they wanted me to understand the difference between what is described as homeless, and what it means to be truly homeless.  

"Homeless are those without a home who may live in shelters.  Truly homeless are like us, living outside in camps."

Meet John & Jane Doe

John & Jane Doe have been on the street, truly homeless, since 2000.  According to John, "Nobody knows we had a life before this.  Something happened to every one of us that made us homeless.  Some of us became alcoholics after becoming homeless.  My wife died, I had a business, and then..."  As it turns out John Doe has a life-threatening illness and cannot work.

"John & Jane Doe" have been without a home for over 8 years. They are considered truly homeless. Click photo to enlarge.

"The night's the worst, yea the night's the worst," said Jane.  I assumed it was because of the cold, then John added, "One of us has to stay awake.  If I sleep, she stays awake.  When she sleeps I'm up."

"Why?" I asked and John continued, "It only takes one bad apple to make it bad. There are some bad people out there, and you have to watch out for ass----- and animals."  

When asked what their greatest needs were, Jane replied, "Our biggest needs are a place to stay, food and to be left alone."  Neither John or Jane Doe were healthy enough, either physically or mentally, to hold any type of job. 

I had to ask  how they are treated by people on the street.  After a long and somewhat disturbing gaze John replied. "You know, some are OK.  I'll say good morning and some will say it back, others treat you like sh**.  They call you names, disrespect you, they call you bum or cripple and I even got my wheelchair stolen."

The merchants of Main Street

When I asked the couple about the Hyannis Main Street merchants, and how they were treated by them, John wanted to know if we could go for a ride.  I agreed and we first visited his camp.  Words cannot express what the photographs on this page best represent.  We then visited a local merchant who requested anonymity.  "This lady is wonderful.  She looks out for us and helps us when she can," said John.  The merchant was quick to describe Jane & John as people who have hit hard times.  "I do what I can to help.  I give them some money when I can or some food.  Sometimes I'll dry their bedclothes after a rainstorm so they can at least be dry, sometimes I'll do some laundry for them.  There needs to be something done to help these people. Whether it's housing or whatever, there just does not seem to be the right resources out there."

Growing & changing issues

Naples' cell phone rings constantly.  As we headed for the next camp he took a call from a couple on the Lower Cape who had been living in their car with their infant child.  Naples had just made arrangements to get them into a motel room on a temporary basis until all three could be evaluated, first medically, then to see if they could get additional assistance.

An old truck body used for warmth. Click photo to enlarge.

Another individual commented, "If Tom wasn't out there, there would be a huge problem. I'd do anything to help Tom.  He is the only one helping us."

According to Naples, a growing problem he is beginning to see is the increase in services needed for younger people coming from families who have neglected them.  Says Naples, "These number have shown a significant increase within the past year."

Some of the numbers proved to be interesting.  80% of the homeless on Cape Cod are from Cape Cod.  Some 20% have been here over 2 years.  10% may be from off-Cape or simply lost.  "I run across missing children as well as runaways, the lost ones.  We find a way to get them home."  Tom continues, "Funny, I have even offered tickets for transportation to Florida for the winter to some, they have no interest, the Cape is their home."

With recent reporting on the issue, and unexpected comments from those in positions that should know better, I asked Naples about how relocating services would effect concerns about Main Street.  "Hyannis is the city of the Cape. The hospital is here, the VA, Social Security, and the soup kitchen is not only for the homeless it serves low income families as well.  If the shelter were to move you would know where those 60 were at nighttime, but I guarantee they would be right back here during the day," he replied.

"Here on Cape Cod we have to stand up as one community to address the ongoing and growing homeless problem. Those communities that don't discuss and help financially are the ones that will suffer along with those they are trying to help.  Those who have been helped, and are tax-paying citizens, are too many to mention, so Cape Cod should see that and know that it does work."

Naples is a unique and dedicated individual.  His success stories, which were many, bring a smile to his face when he knows he has made a difference.  "That's what it's all about, that's why I do what I do."  The obvious respect demonstrated by not only the homeless he works with, but by merchants as well is heartwarming.

A true reality check

Over several hours and several miles of walking today, we visited many camps.  For issues of confidentiality, concerns over the ongoing trust Naples shares, and to avoid any potential conflicts, we visited these camps at times when they would not be occupied.  There were many, spread all over town.  Belongings were bagged up to be kept dry and blankets and sleeping bags were hung over trees.  Food and drink were being chilled in streams, old truck bodies were loaded with evidence of recent occupation, and fire pits were still warm from the morning.

A recently abandoned camp with evidence (including a playpen) that an infant had lived there. Click photo to enlarge.

It was quite the reality check.

The most disturbing was a remote, recently abandoned large camp.  All the belongings had been left behind, including a baby's playpen and evidence of a young child having been there.  I could only wonder, where the child was and in what condition was the family?  It was an image that will stick in my mind for some time to come.

What the community can do

How can one man possibly deal with the needs of the homeless for all of Cape Cod?  I hope we all can show some generosity, whether by personally making a donation or by pressuring politicians to make sure the Cape Cod Council of Churches is able to continue this important program.  It's the only one out there.  I can easily think of a few recent appropriations within my town that would have been better invested here.

Upon returning to his office at the end of our long day, Naples discussed the importance with his staff of  bringing in  two individuals soon.  Soon because he fears with their current condition, they will not make it through the winter.   These are not the well-known homeless who speak out at meetings and have used, abused and exhausted the system's resources for years.  These are the ones you will never read about--but they are there--living in the woods.

More images:

   Belongs are tied up in bags to keep them safe from the elements.

   John & Jane Doe's "home".

   Using whatever is available to survive.