Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Homeless find help in Charleston

CHARLESTON -- Nancy Mangus needed help, but she was afraid to ask for it.

The Summerville woman said she had few options after an expensive custody battle over her granddaughter emptied her bank account. When a friend told her about the 10th annual Stand Down Against Homeless event Thursday and today, she initially resisted.

"I've never had to ask for help before," she said.

It appeared she wasn't alone Thursday as a record number of men, women and children lined up at the door of the Armory Park in North Charleston to receive food, clothing and a multitude of other services ranging from dental screenings to haircuts.

Volunteers for the event, sponsored by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Goodwill Industries, served more than 1,000 homeless or at-need people in just the first two hours Thursday. Last year, a total of 1,915 people were helped over the course of the two-day event.

"I'm really glad I came," Mangus said afterward while holding a bag of clothes and books. "It's nice to see all of the smiling faces and no judgment. That's what I was afraid of: judgment. But there was none at all."

Organizers said they had a feeling there would be a large turnout this year, given the sorry economy and high unemployment rate. Hugh Myrick, associate chief of staff for mental health at the VA, said he initially panicked when he saw all of the people waiting at the door.

"In some ways it makes one a little bit sad that we have so many people coming through," he said.

Myrick said once the event is over they will have to evaluate whether they need to move it to a new, larger location next year.

Despite long lines, most people appeared to be happy and relieved they were getting help. Some got flu shots and haircuts, while others soaked their feet or learned about what services were available for them.

Tonya Lobbestael, public affairs officer for the medical center, said Veterans Affairs participates in the annual event because veterans make up

35 percent of the homeless population in the United States.

Organizers said about 25 percent of the early arrivals Thursday were homeless veterans.

Jeff Hollis of West Ashley is a former homeless veteran. In June, the VA placed the Vietnam veteran in a home where he lived since and taken classes to help repair his credit.

He said Thursday's event was just another way the VA has helped him.