Tampa - By Steven L Donaldson
It's been more than a year since I first met Russell -- one of our early homeless recovery success stories.
It's a Sunday morning and already sweltering when I decided to stop by and visit the brat pack: neighbors Albert and Russell and Greg Gingeleski who gave the two former homeless men each a home of second chances.
The two men along with their benefactor and landlord live in a small collection of homes on a rural strip of Town N' Country's west side. These smaller cottage-sized homes sit among much larger contemporary housing across the street and it seems they have blended in seamlessly with little or no disruption -- In fact, the homes have become a compliment to the neighborhood.
It's been over six months since the Homeless Initiative and the Home Depot Foundation stepped in to help refurbish the homes that would soon lay the ground work for residential recovery -- an investment that would later deliver a substantial return in the name of self-sufficiency for both Albert and Russell.
"I can't believe it was a year ago I was living out of a church bathroom," Russell reminded me during our late morning conversation.
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| Sweat equity:Russell installed a bamboo flag pole |
Since this time Russell has dusted himself off, his bills are paid in advance -- and, now after six month of Gingeleski's benevolence Russell even pays market rent. It's about assimilating back into a level of normalcy and simply reclaiming a former life. Both men were given this chance with free or reduced rent in exchange for their sweat equity while they repaired the homes.
The most enduring sign of recovery from the streets is Althea, Russell's nine month old Catahoula Leopard dog that he recently made part of his home. When you have a stable life you can begin to acquire things again and pets are a fulfilling form of therapy for someone on a come back like Russell.
Before I left he delivered the most startling update -- after fifteen years of not owning a car Russell recently purchased a used Chevy S-10 pickup truck and hopes to have his license restored within the next month.
I always had confidence in our Homes of Second Chances rehousing model but I didn't expect the likes of Greg Gingeleski to bolster its momentum and success in the way he has. It has become a commune of mentorship, personal recovery from the streets, and forward movement for both Albert and Russell and I thank both of these men for making me proud to be a part of their successful come back from the streets.
Deputy Steven Donaldson
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Homeless Initiative
District III Office: (813) 247-0330
Email: sdonalds@hcso.tamp.fl.us
Facebook.com/HelpCopsHelpUs
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Homeless Initiative
District III Office: (813) 247-0330
Email: sdonalds@hcso.tamp.fl.us
Facebook.com/HelpCopsHelpUs
As an officer of the law and the community we live in you give true meaning to the phrase, ' To Protect and to Serve'.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't have to choose this role when you signed up as a deputy here in Tampa. You could have been out on the streets writing someone a ticket and making life miserable for law breakers. Instead you decided to put our tax dollars to good use by
extending a helping hand, accompanied by
community support and resources of those more fortunate than the victims of homelessness.
It is men and women like you who serve our streets daily and somehow, you and your peers continually go unnoticed for doing what not many of us want to do now a days - work!
When you received the highest honor the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department had to offer - Deputy of The Year Award - who really found out besides a closed group cops and firefighters.
So in return, when the event arises (and I know it will again) I will continue to sit on a lawn mower in this hot Florida heat and manage my business accordingly, so that I may help you - Help others, help themselves. I will stand by your side and find new ways to accommodate to less fortunate than myself.