"Dean"[/caption]Carol Forsloff---Homelessness is a big problem facing people in every country. And while some of us turn away, most people may want to help but believe they either can't or they don't know how. A single man in Missouri offers the tragic evidence of how hopeless and helpless people feel as they reach out to help others. Perhaps, however, someone somewhere will recognize the man called "Dean" so that he doesn't become a victim of his own misunderstandings and disabilities.
Part of the frustration people feel when they try to help individuals like Dean, who live on the streets, comes from government agencies and social service agencies who are supposed to be the refuge and support for the most helpless among us. But somehow they fail to provide the guidance needed to help the most tragic victims who have disabilities and who don't have the capacity to understand the terrible risks of living in conditions where they might be killed or die from the problems in the environment, including cold weather.
All over the world people live on the streets, but in some areas doing so can risk an individual’s life and health in a major way. Whereas the problem of homelessness is rampant, it becomes even more serious when someone lives on the streets and does not have the capacity to understand or follow advice, consult or even the offer of a warm bed, as is the case with Dean.
Experts tell us that 48% of the people who live on the streets are there because of mental health problems. And these figures were offered six years ago, even as the numbers of homeless people have increased. There are many stories of homeless people being beaten, shot, raped and terrorized; and often these people are defenseless and incapable of understanding their situation or even to call for help.
Add to these problems, the recent inclement weather in various parts of the world, the terrible cold and freezing winds that can slice through the fabric of the most healthy body. This is Dean's status, a focus of this magazine in order to help find someone who can help this man before it is too late, a friend, a relative, an agency, somewhere.
Dean is a man among millions, yet he represents social failure. For those who have interacted with him believe he may have autism.
Autism is a complicated disorder, on a wide spectrum of behaviors and limitations. Often the autistic individual lacks the ability to communicate coherently or to understand language and follow directions. Change is difficult for these individuals and in fact is one of the hallmarks of the disease. Moving from one place to another can be a frightening and even devastating experience. So as even mentally ill people with other diagnoses are sometimes able to comprehend and get help, the autistic adult’s limitations go beyond the ordinary and present a barrier, and a challenge, for those who try to help.
Those who have interacted with Dean define his behaviors as representing many of the characteristics of autism. It’s a good faith estimate based on his behavior and communication difficulties.
A woman known by her musician friends as Kathy Songbird and by others her real name, Jan Jackson, has been trying to help Dean, and offers this background:
"This man, who says he is 27, calls himself Dean. He sits near the ToysRUs on 40 highway and Noland road every day. My husband and I have been trying to help him, taking him food and clothing. He seems to be mentally disabled as his speech is very hard to understand.
I came home crying when I saw him. It is heartbreaking to see a man in the cold like this. He kept saying "appreciate it" My husband asked him questions, but his speech is almost unintelligible so most of the time we can’t understand what he is saying. I asked him to tell us where he lives, and he answers 3:30-4 o'clock, almost as if someone is going to pick him up at that time. But no one comes, so what he says is likely unrelated to anything except maybe what goes on in his mind.
I have a bag that has a zipper on it and putting bananas, cookies, nuts and such in it. He had gloves yesterday but taking an extra pair today. He has a plastic bag he holds on to, as if he is afraid someone will take it.
On one occasion I sat with Dean, if that indeed is his name, while he was eating then I parked some distance away so I could watch. I called 911, but no one came. I called again, and the person who answered told me they were so busy but would get there at some point. But no one came.
I called three different places and the people who answered the phone and spoke with me said Dean has to be seen at a hospital and get a recommendation to be sent there. I called the hospital, and the personnel there told me to call 911 which I did and got nowhere.
Finally I contacted HOPE Ministries here in Kansas City, and they didn't know what to tell me. Someone at the ministries told us that if we brought him in, they could find him a place to sleep for the night. We were also told that might stress him more if we did that. We explained he was mentally challenged.
On one occasion, we saw a police officer who told us there is nothing we can do. He mentioned the police have had a number of telephone calls about “Dean” but that he always refuses to be helped. But when we offer Dean food, he takes it. On one occasion, when we have noticed items missing, including his raincoat and a hat we bought for him, as well as gloves.
Authorities excuse all this by saying Dean is where he wants to be. But it’s cold, and I feel a man who can’t communicate or understand, and may be fearful as well, is likely not where he would really want to be.
I just wish he could communicate with us. He tries hard to get the words out but only a few come out. Sometimes he walks away from my husband and me and occasionally he becomes agitated, when there appears no reason for the behavior. Everything we gave him to help him survive in the cold has disappeared, potentially stolen.
I have contacted the media in my town, two television stations where folks said they would check their resources, but they never called me back. A local mental hospital simply told me to call 911, but again they say they can’t do anything. I believe there is something people can do, and that he needs help. No matter who I contact, seems to put me in a circle from which there appear no answers. I can’t, however, walk away without one.
Can anyone help?
A close-up picture is provided with this article. It is urgent that someone help given the fact that at least five homeless people froze to death last week. Additional information about Dean and his status can be found here. Contact this magazine or the authorities near the address where Dean sits 4545 S Noland Rd Independence, MO 64055 or offer a private message for Kathy Songbird, whose love and concern inspired this article.
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