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Umpqua Heart: Commitment, Collaboration, and Change

Umpqua Heart is one of my favorite organizations that I have explored in my studies relating to this blog. This organization has constantly been committed to its cause. Umpqua Heart was founded in 2020 and has consistently put efforts toward its cause. This post was one of many that calls for help from the community and refers to the ways they have already helped individuals.

Umpqua Heart is actively collaborating with the community. Umpqua Heart is run by people in the community and urges the public to donate and volunteer. The organization recognizes that ordinary citizens of Roseburg have a responsibility to provide for its cause and that if civilians want to see change occur, then they must help. Umpqua Heart is also working with Roseburg Salvation Army, a charitable organization, to obtain tents and tarps so that they can work together to provide shelter to unhoused individuals. 

Umpqua Heart is undoubtedly making a difference and developing a better world for those that are houseless. Umpqua Heart is not only involved in the community and providing services, but it also developed an entirely safe, secure community, Hastings Village, solely to provide shelter to the unhoused. Hastings Village is 15 minutes away from Roseburg and provides houseless individuals with access to shelter, showers, laundry, and even testing for diseases. This is the kind of development that has the potential to save lives and create opportunities that were once impossible to find for the houseless.

Umpqua Heart (2022, October 31). [Post]. Facebook. https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067194284758&eav=Afbs8hhTQijSgVt0YQKwR9Q2MV7LAqwdvkhH70JMWOQGQusgSYUx6zlmiK1C3VavtiY&sk=reviews&_rdr

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Housing First: Controversy with Civility

Many religious organizations and foundations in Southern Oregon provide shelter and supplies to the homeless. While aid such as this is highly beneficial to those in need, the practices of many of these organizations are undoubtedly controversial. 

The Set Free Ministry, located in Medford, Oregon, has been publicly accused and ridiculed for the use of conversion therapy, which could have potentially been funded by means acquired that were supposed to be used for helping the houseless. 

Housing First, an organization in Douglas County committed to providing shelter to unhoused individuals, has publicly addressed this instance in Southern Oregon. Housing First expressed that they do not oppose the freedom for individuals to have their own beliefs and that it can be impossible for some to divide their beliefs from their daily practices. 

Nevertheless, Housing First refuses to remain neutral about this controversy and states that they are “very cautious of publicly funded programs being given to religious organizations,” and that “[religious organizations] should not use the public's dime to share [their beliefs] with others or structure public benefit programs with [...] underlying motive” (Housing First, 2022). Housing First recommends other means for religious organizations, like Set Free Ministry, to support their programs that do not involve taxpayer money, including donations and religious tax deductions.

Housing First is practicing Controversy with Civility. The organization recognizes that there are individuals that support the use of incorporating religion and faith in charity work. While recognizing that these individuals are present, Housing First is also offering ways for these organizations to spread their religious methods and beliefs without using nonreligious funds. 

Housing First (2022, September 13). [Post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/918592481558872/posts/5443180095766732/?flite=scwspnss

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Roseburg Dream Center has a mission statement that is stated as “changing lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually". This organization provides food and clothing to individuals that need these provisions. The center also offers free religious materials, such as copies of the Bible. Leaders in this organization have publicly stated that their beliefs consist of “love God, love others, and show people that God loves them”. Those that work or volunteer at the Roseburg Dream Center are strongly led by their will to fulfill God’s wishes. These individuals support unhoused or in-need persons because they believe it is the right thing to do and because it is biblically considered the positive way to live their life. By recognizing their devotion to God while also providing the means for others to have faith in Christianity, the workers at the Roseburg Dream Center are confident and transparent with the public about the root of their intentions. 

Roseburg Dream Center is practicing both Consciousness of Self and Congruence. The individuals who work there recognize that they have their own religious beliefs and act consistently in alignment with their beliefs. 

Roseburg Dream Center (2022, May 25). Roseburg Dream Center - Invitation for Churches [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/_mzJkTizcRA

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This news clip covers the issue of houselessness in Roseburg and addresses the deaths that are occurring due to unhoused individuals lacking access to shelter and warmth. The clip mentions the assembly of advocates for the houseless and their efforts to protect their lives. In January of 2021, a woman was found dead in the Umpqua River. This woman was the third person to die that month due to the cold, wet weather. The Homeless Commission is referred to in this news clip as “newly-formed,” and the news reporter interviews the mayor of Roseburg, Larry Rich. Rich voices the Homeless Commission’s priorities of sheltering the houseless, keeping them safe, and providing them with equipment. Rich also mentions the city’s affiliation with Roseburg Dream Center, a Christian center that provides food and clothing donations to the public.

KEZI 9 (2021, January 27). Roseburg homeless commission, advocates find solutions to help unhoused [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCgqHB2FbL0

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Criminalization of Houselessness Behaviors and Police Response

The daily routine in the life of a houseless individual is often deemed to be criminal by law. Bans on camping, begging, loitering, sitting, lying down, and sleeping have increased in cities all over the United States (Siegel). Many have explored how this has impacted these disadvantaged individuals and whether police response is an adequate means of addressing the issue of houselessness.

The first peer-reviewed journal article I have included in this deliverable is: “How should police respond to homelessness? Results from a survey experiment in Portland, Oregon”, written by Brett Burkhardt and Scott Akins. This article evaluates how the public in Portland perceives the need for police response to the typical behaviors of houseless persons, including sleeping in a tent or public urination, or whether there should be a provision of support for these individuals. These behaviors are often considered minor offenses of the law. It is essential to recognize whether these violations should be an opportunity for rehabilitation and support, prosecution and incarceration, or to provide these individuals with the freedom to do as they please. The results of the conducted research found that many residents of Portland found police response to be highly important. Still, the focus should be on providing connections to services that could support these individuals instead of prosecuting them (Burkhardt & Akins, 2022). The average civilian in this research is found to want some kind of assistance from the police regarding crimes committed and reported, as long as it will work in favor of the safety of houseless persons. 

The second peer-reviewed journal article I have included in this deliverable is: “Criminalizing Homelessness: Circumstances Surrounding Criminal Trespassing and People Experiencing Homelessness”, written by Brie Diamond and Ronald Burns. This article addresses the criminalization of the typical behaviors of houseless persons. More specifically, the authors focus on criminal trespassing and explore how many of these offenses were committed by houseless individuals. Results in the included research in this article illustrated that almost half of criminal trespassing cases involved houseless offenders (Diamond & Burns, 2022). While individuals struggling with mental health issues were offered connections to services, houseless individuals were not. Houseless individuals are more likely to re-offend the particular crime of trespassing and “account for most jail sentences” (Diamond & Burns, 2022). 

Both of these articles focus on the typical behaviors that are a part of a houseless individual’s life. Without a house or proper means of shelter, many houseless persons must resort to sleeping in tents in public areas, building fires for warmth, urinating in public, or trespassing. These individuals often do not have another option than to live their life in a way that is deemed criminal by the law. Burkhardt and Akins explore the perspective of the public and give a voice to their preferences of how police should address reports of the crimes committed by houseless persons. The results supported using a rehabilitative and humane approach toward handling these instances and ensuring that houseless persons are not prosecuted under discriminatory circumstances. Diamond and Burns are proving that houseless individuals are disproportionately prosecuted and incarcerated for criminal trespassing. This crime is hard to avoid when these persons do not have private property to reside in legally. While Diamond and Burns are proving that houseless individuals are being discriminated against for being poverty-stricken, Burkhardt and Akins are reinforcing that the public prefers a rehabilitative response instead of the perpetuation of this prosecution. These articles portray houseless individuals as the victims of discrimination that they are and illustrate that the current practice of criminal prosecution and incarceration is unrighteous.

Burkhardt, B. C., & Akins, S. (2022). How should police respond to homelessness? Results from a survey experiment in Portland, Oregon. Criminal Justice Studies, 35(3), 274–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/1478601X.2022.2089667

Diamond, B., Burns, R., & Bowen, K. (2022). Criminalizing Homelessness: Circumstances Surrounding Criminal Trespassing and People Experiencing Homelessness. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 33(6), 563–583. https://doi.org/10.1177/08874034211067130

Siegel, D. H. (n.d.). The Criminalization of Homelessness. Social Work Today. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/exc_0518.shtml 

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The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan wrote this song, often referred to as an anthem for change, in 1964, reflecting on the political movements of the 1960s. Some of these changes involved anti-war perspectives and civil rights movements that put pressure on the government. Dylan urges listeners not to criticize the social and cultural changes occurring in their time and to instead approach it with a will to understand. He urges those stuck in the past and resistant to change to step aside and make way for those who want to do good for others. Dylan highlights the growing tensions in the United States and urges that the pressure will only increase regarding a need for change. He also wants listeners to recognize that the divide between pro-war and anti-war and Black and White people will become colossal if society does not move forward and advance with change. Dylan urges writers, poets, and critics to join him in his effort to speak out against social justice and social change. Dylan encourages others to influence the public and change the perspective of resistant folk before it is too late to make a difference. Dylan, in this song, values the act of making efforts toward change, influencing and educating

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The Outsiders, Episode 5: Let’s Dance

This podcast, spoken by Sam Miller, tells the story of a man from Olympia, Washington, who was able to win the fight against his drug addiction and overcome houselessness. In this podcast, Miller has a comedic approach as he tells his story regarding these issues. Miller explains that the reason for his houselessness was his addiction to crystal meth. Miller’s father died when he was 12 years old, and he started experimenting with substances at an early age. He first tried smoking marijuana, and then the substances he experimented with, following his use of marijuana, were most commonly inhalants, like gas, glue, and markers. Miller voiced that he only felt okay by using drugs and alcohol. Miller had been prescribed Ritalin for his ADHD, but this drug did not satisfy his desire for retreatism, and instead sold his prescription drugs to pay for his other escapist activities. 

Miller was arrested in high school and hurt his mother’s heart. He soon gave up on regulating his abuse of substances and ended up couch surfing. Miller spent $17,000, which he earned working in the forest service as a firefighter, on cocaine in Upstate New York. During this time, Miller got a tattoo across his chest that read: Let’s Dance. Miller made a hobby of going downtown to get drunk and high, which almost always led to him sleeping in a doorway downtown. 

His mother was not letting him back home as she was not supportive of his substance abuse, and Miller did not intend to get clean. Miller ended up being houseless for a little over a year. There were some days that Miller claimed to his mother that he wanted to get clean so he could have a place to sleep, but Miller never followed through with efforts toward sobriety. 

The podcast mentions one night, on June 9th, 2008, when Miller was drinking and doing meth at a friend’s apartment. Miller had a blurry memory of what went on that night. Miller remembered opening his eyes late that night, and he was having sex with a seemingly houseless and strange woman under a tarp on the streets with no recollection of how he ended up there. 

This moment was Miller’s rock bottom. He returned to his mother’s house in tears and explained that he wanted to change. Although she didn’t believe him, his mother still let him in. Miller went through a withdrawal from all of the substances he was using and stayed in a room for about four days, during which he was extremely sick. He thereafter sought help. Miller’s journey was not easy, and he had suicidal thoughts during the first year of his sobriety. He worked three jobs and lived an unstable life in an effort to repair his life. Over time, things became easier for Miller. He joined a support group that changed his life. 

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This article is the second of two articles covering opposing views on the affordable housing discussion. This article by SFGATE lists some of the pros and cons of affordable housing on topics such as below Market Rental Prices, Land and Resource Utilization and Safety and Property Maintenance.

For the market rental prices, they list the con being that affordable housing would mean more people housed which may stretch out community resources. This in itself is also a pro, however, as it means more people are housed and utilizing the community. This article also fails to highlight that low income households not able to afford rent and those experiencing homelessness would put more strain on the community resources. The pro the article lists is that more people in the community would have more disposable income, thus increasing the local economy.

Regarding safety and property maintenance, the con listed is that stating that affordable housing does not always mitigate high crime rates. The article states that the Justice Policy Institute report on Housing and Public Safety found some evidence of association between affordable housing as well as decreased educational performance, higher incidence of drug-related crime, and negative health outcomes. However, this article fails to explain how affordable housing can lead to these things, instead of these factors being in place for those with low income who affordable housing would serve. The article lists the pros in regards to safety and property maintenance that members of affordable housing receive benefits such as safe spaces for their children to grow up, property cleanliness and maintenance upkeep, with some also having surveillance and security.

The article brings up some of the cons for land and resource utilization being that some people argue the type of people utilizing affordable housing will bring down property value to the neighbors. This ideology in itself lacks empathy and is basing low income individuals as ex-convicts and a danger to the neighborhood. The pros the article lists however is that building affordable housing facilities allows increased in employment increase, and economic growth from construction.

APA Citation:

Starr, G. (2020, November 17). Pros & Cons of public housing. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/pros-cons-public-housing-8497.html

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How the Media Portrays Houselessness

Please refer to the most recent Reblogs on this page before reading this particular piece.

How the Media Portrays Houselessness:

There are two common perspectives of houselessness in Roseburg, especially concerning the cleanup of camps in areas all over town. While some have approached this issue with empathy and considered that these people have nowhere else to live, some individuals are more focused on the danger of the camps. There are two specific articles I will be exploring in this piece of writing: “Homeless people respond after police cleanup at Deer Creek Park in Roseburg” and “Roseburg gives notice that homeless camps will be cleared from City Park”. Interestingly, Scott Carroll is the same author of both of these articles. Carroll is the official business reporter for The News-Review, located in Roseburg. The fact that both of these articles have opposing perspectives and that the same author wrote these articles reveals that Roseburg is a smaller community that does not have as many people to cover the news in this area. Carroll takes on the responsibility of giving a voice to the different perspectives of Roseburg citizens concerning this issue. 

The article “Homeless people respond after police cleanup at Deer Creek Park in Roseburg” emphasizes the brutal nature of ‘cleaning up’ unhoused individuals’ shelters. In this article, Carroll gave voice to Max Stafford, an advocate for the houseless. Stafford downheartedly voiced that “to displace the displaced is just wrong” and that “[cleaning up the camps in this way] is just wrong in so many ways” (“Homeless People Respond”; Carroll, 2021). Stafford has a heart for houseless people and wants to highlight how inhumanely cleanup crews treat unhoused individuals in Roseburg. Stafford also shared that crews were putting the unhoused individuals’ possessions in the garbage, even as they were trying to organize and take their items elsewhere (“Homeless People Respond”; Carroll, 2021). Angry residents of this town often see these camps as a mess and a disturbance. Whereas, camps are home to those that reside in them, and many of these tents and structures have their property inside them. This article illustrates that the camps are people’s homes, not just garbage and litter. 

The second article I mentioned had a different angle when covering the issue of ‘cleaning up’ the camps in Roseburg. The article “Roseburg gives notice that homeless camps will be cleared from City Park” paints the occupation of houseless individuals in public areas as a threat to the community’s safety. Carroll explained in this article that in City Park, where youth league sports occur, used needles were found and drug deals were occurring in the parking lot (“Roseburg Gives Notice”; Carroll, 2021). Speaking about the issue of houselessness in public parks in a way that illustrates the unhoused as criminals who use and sell drugs incites fear in the citizens toward the houseless. This article does not allow the citizens of Roseburg to empathize with the unhoused people living in these camps or give background information on why many of these individuals are using drugs. Instead, this article criticizes these individuals and attempts to warn parents or others of the dangers of these camps will only broaden the divide between the housed and the unhoused. Carroll shared that a man named Danny Quinn, who has been working to clean up parks in Roseburg, shared that many of the enraged parents were instigating arguments with the campers, threatening them with violence, or physically banging their hands against the unhoused individuals’ vehicles (“Roseburg Gives Notice”; Carroll, 2021). 

The news that covers the issue of houselessness influences the perspectives of its readers. For example, one can consider the houseless individuals that struggle with substance abuse as sick individuals suffering from addiction with many reasons and stories that led them to struggle with this illness. While others could picture unhoused individuals with addictions as ill-morale criminals with poor self-control who sin unapologetically and threaten the community’s safety, Authors need to consider whether they are painting the individuals they are speaking about as victims of society or as enemies. These humans have nowhere to go. The public should approach this issue with empathy, and it is the responsibility of the news and media to influence the public to feel for the houseless.

References

Carroll, S. (2021, July 15). Roseburg gives notice that homeless camps will be cleared from City Park. Oregonlive. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2021/07/roseburg-gives-notice-that-homeless-camps-will-be-cleared-from-city-park.html Carroll, S. (2021, July 22). Homeless people respond after police cleanup at Deer Creek Park in Roseburg. News-Review nrtoday.com. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.nrtoday.com/news/government/city/roseburg_government/homeless-people-respond-after-police-cleanup-at-deer-creek-park-in-roseburg/article_9407ca49-85d1-5db3-8a29-924b3adbbbd6.html

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"Parents were enraged when they saw what had happened to their beloved park, and understandably so [...]. During cleanups of the ball fields, used needles were found, and there were what appeared to be drug deals in the parking lot" (Carroll, 2021).

Carroll, S. (2021, July 15). Roseburg gives notice that homeless camps will be cleared from City Park. Oregonlive. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2021/07/roseburg-gives-notice-that-homeless-camps-will-be-cleared-from-city-park.html

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“They have nowhere to go, they don’t know what to do with their stuff [...] They’re disoriented. Crews are here throwing their stuff in the garbage as they are trying to pick through it. It seems like there could’ve been a better plan to land these folks somewhere else. ... This is just wrong in so many ways” (Carroll, 2021)

Carroll, S. (2021, July 22). Homeless people respond after police cleanup at Deer Creek Park in Roseburg. News-Review nrtoday.com. Retrieved November 1, 2022, from https://www.nrtoday.com/news/government/city/roseburg_government/homeless-people-respond-after-police-cleanup-at-deer-creek-park-in-roseburg/article_9407ca49-85d1-5db3-8a29-924b3adbbbd6.html 

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"Every part of Roseburg’s city is populated with homeless people"

October 2022: Roseburg, OR

"I am originally from England. I moved to California 27 years ago. I worked as an engineer developing pacemakers and ICDs for St. Jude. I have raised three children as a single mum. I am married and retired now, living in Roseburg, Oregon. I came here because I wanted to retire in Oregon. Roseburg seemed like the perfect place to do exactly that. I live in a more rural area of Roseburg, which there is less evidence of homelessness. Every part of Roseburg's city is populated with homeless people. It was impossible to ignore. My husband and I walk downtown every day on the way to the gym. There are many homeless people in this specific area. I believe that it would help to have government-funded residential homes for people with mental illness. A lot of homeless people urinate and defecate on the streets of downtown. I think for this issue, public restrooms downtown would help with this issue. There is also a clear need for more homeless shelters. It's obvious that many of the homeless people my husband and I see suffer from mental illness. Their behavior mimics the behavior of those with schizophrenia. Also, many of them are disabled. On occasions, I have crossed the street in town, so I didn't have to walk next to them. I only do this when they are shouting erratically, either at someone else or to themselves. When I used to walk in the park, and they had campers all down the river, I used to walk a different way. I am not comfortable walking alone in camps. I am not scared of those that are homeless, but as mental health issues and substance abuse issues are prevalent in the homeless populations, the behavior of some has led me to be cautious. I have seen feeding centers, or soup kitchens. I have seen food pantries in Roseburg. There's one that I specifically know of, i believe it's called the Fish Pantry. I would be more than willing to take part in the provision of clothing and shoes. I would also be up for supporting homeless shelters, by doing things like volunteering or donating food. I just don't think there's enough homeless shelters around here."

-Resident of Roseburg OR

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"Jeff Marotz stands near homeless camps at Gaddis Park where posted notices warn that campsites in the area have been deemed illegal and a public nuisance. The notices posted by the Roseburg Police Department warn that unauthorized shelters, personal property, bedding and litter will be removed by Friday at 9 a.m." (Carroll, 2021).

Carroll, S (2021, July 15). Roseburg gives notice that homeless camps will be cleared from City Park. oregonlive. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2021/07/roseburg-gives-notice-that-homeless-camps-will-be-cleared-from-city-park.html 

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948 SE Mill Street: Roseburg's Newest Homeless Shelter

Above Pictured:

Roseburg's newest shelter for the houseless run by United Community Action Network.

Ursini, N. (2022, March 18). Roseburg moves forward with Navigation Center for Homeless. KEZI 9 News. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.kezi.com/news/local/roseburg-moves-forward-with-navigation-center-for-homeless/article_0101cb00-a657-11ec-a907-03b46f1fee5a.html 

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Stakeholders: Houselessness in Roseburg

When looking deeper into the issue of houselessness in Roseburg, it is clear that many stakeholders are present in this issue.

The most drastically impacted and of the highest importance would be those that are currently houseless in Roseburg and also those that were formerly houseless. The houseless population includes those that have lost their homes, lost their jobs, left domestically violent homes, suffered from mental health issues, and/or struggled with substance abuse. These stakeholders need assistance and are at the root of this issue, as they require resources to survive.

Local government staff and officials are also notable stakeholders of this issue. Mayor Larry Rich of Roseburg, Oregon is also on the Homeless Commission and leads their monthly meetings.

The Homeless Commission is important to mention as well. The organized meetings for this commission focus on researching and gathering information on the current state of homelessness in Roseburg and works to recommend solutions or ideas to the City Council. This organization also oversees relationships with agencies pertaining to the houseless and listens to the general public's concerns (Homeless Commission).

Many residents, businesses, and visitors in Roseburg have developed their own views and opinions on the issue of houselessness. The general public is also a stakeholder that has a general interest and concern for this issue. Some residents of Roseburg have developed a fear of those that are houseless, as many unhoused people have camped along the river, which is considered to be a residential backyard of many. Businesses have grown tiresome of vandalism and loitering outside of their businesses that seems to scare off potential customers (Roseburg Homeless Commission Agenda).

Law enforcement in Roseburg interacts with the houseless on a daily basis. Officers of the law must address reported crimes, approach suspicious persons, and ask illegally camped, houseless people to move their belongings. It is more than typical for residents to report houseless people to the police. A notable individual of the Roseburg Police Department is Police Captain Jeremy Sanders. Captain Sanders is a participant at the Homeless Commission meetings. 

Many behaviors of the houseless are criminalized, such as camping, loitering, sleeping, and urinating in public (Siegel). Also, substance abuse is a significant issue on the streets of Roseburg. Many of the houseless individuals participating in these behaviors end up in the local jail. The local jail, Douglas County Sheriff's Office Jail, would also be considered a stakeholder as well.

Roseburg's local hospital, Mercy Medical Center, is where sick or injured houseless individuals are taken. A significant concern of the hospital and the jail is where to drop off incapacitated individuals (Carroll, 2022). 

Umpqua Heart is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with community leaders to provide services to houseless individuals. Umpqua Heart has also developed living facilities for the houseless and provided access to resources to the individuals residing there (Umpqua Heart).

The United Community Action Network (UCAN) is another nonprofit organization that assists the homeless by providing them with food, housing, and shelter. UCAN prioritizes providing resources, equipment of skills, and opportunities for the houseless (UCAN).

References

Carroll, S. (2022, March 27). Homeless falling through the cracks is "a big mess". nrtoday.com. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.nrtoday.com/news/government/homeless-falling-through-the-cracks-is-a-big-mess/article_bce2cf08-02ba-5f52-ba3d-9b9502fe40d6.html 

Homeless Commission. City of Roseburg. (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.cityofroseburg.org/your-government/commissions/homeless-commission 

Our accomplishments. United Community Action Network. (2022, April 22). Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.ucancap.org/our-accomplishments/ 

Rich, L. (n.d.). ROSEBURG HOMELESS COMMISSION AGENDA. Roseburg. 

Siegel, D. H. (n.d.). The Criminalization of Homelessness. Social Work Today. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/exc_0518.shtml 

Umpqua Heart. (n.d.). Our approach to housing equality. Umpqua Heart. Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://umpquaheart.org/our-plan 

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Some clustered bushes shelter me, In loneliness and misery, They shield me from the wind and cold, And help keep what hopes I hold.

I gave my best for Uncle Sam, And came back dead from Viet Nam, When afterwards at home again, Just one among forgotten men.

My world had changed, I was alone. Nobody cared. No welcome shown. From eyes of strangers, eyes of friends My heart was broken, would not mend.

Such awful scenes of dead mankind Blood-soaked the regions of my mind. For me the loss of days, long gone, Leave me no choice, but to wander on.

What do I seek and do not find? Where is the comfort for my kind? No cheerful hearth awaits for me. My days plod on eternally.

But wait, I say, don’t pity me. I have the mountains and the sea. I’ve watched the cities sprawl and grow, With “people-boxes” row on row.

I’ve seen men slaving lives away. Pursuing money night and day, Confined in concrete kennels high, Commercial treadmills in the sky.

I too need money, that is true. In meager bits I beg from you. I am not proud, I have no wealth. I am thankful just to have my health.

My wants are few, but this I’ve found, What peace is mine, comes from the ground. God’s friendly bushes are my “pad” They gave what little ease I’ve had.

They know full well I sometimes cry. They know, as I, that men must die. Before that time I want life With simple comforts, kids and wife.

For now, I live the life I’ve got. A victim of the war I fought. The bushes know, I’m sure they do They shelter me, and others too.

They always greet me as a man. They keep me warm as best they can. They shade me from the blazing sun. And welcome me when the day is done.

But how long will my bushes stand As urban growth spreads cross the land? I pray for bushes. Let them be. They make a “home” for now, for me.

Ballad of a Bushman by Wendell Brown