On the importance of creating a strong, comprehensive, safety net.
(Originally published in today's Cincinnati Enquirer.)
There is no shame in seeking help. In fact, there are few things that are more courageous.
Many Americans suffer from some sort of mental illness. Many struggle with addiction. Many live from paycheck to paycheck. To reach out to another human being for support is extremely brave. It reflects an amount of self-knowledge that is admirable, and demonstrates a readiness to grow that is inspiring.
The safety net is imperfect, but it exists to provide folks with a place to recoup, and to get back to their right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. The safety net is actually a bedrock of capitalism, because it attempts to make adjustments in an otherwise merciless Darwinian system. If properly funded and considered, it could allow full and fair competition that would do a great credit to our system.
We have a good system in Cincinnati. The CAP Line (381-SAFE) has provided us with a single hub for services. Lighthouse on Highland is the most recent feature of the Homeless to Homes Plan to become a reality. Over the past few years, the Drop Inn Center has reformed and re-energized itself with the creation of a four-tier case management system, greater accountability and data management, a new commitment to ethics and advocacy, and the creation of two new single site step-up shelters, also in accordance with the Homeless to Homes plan, all the while maintaining our commitment to care for the “hardest to serve” by providing the city with its only “safe” shelter.
There is a system in place for folks who fall on hard times, and it is ever improving. It is important to remember, however, that the system exists not to keep people “trapped” in it, but to enable them to regain equilibrium, and carry on as they are able.
There are individuals who will always require assistance. Requiring help doesn’t make a person less important or free than those who do not require help; accepting help does not mean that you will always need help, and it doesn’t necessarily lock you into future obligation. If you find yourself in a tight spot, or feel that you may need to reach out to someone, please do so. There are many resources available to you; you just have to seek them out.
So make yourself knowledgeable about our system. Challenge the system where you see a need for change in it. Be aware of the resources that are available to you, and most importantly, always remember that you are your best and most loyal advocate. Speak up for yourself, and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
The system grows out of community, and for it to be its most efficient, it requires all of our participation.