Master Jay had another not-so-good experience in Chicago (Skokie, Oak Park: employment, safest area)

[Master Jay]

Robert9, ironic isn't it? Someone says they'll work for food, and you offer them a job application and they refuse!

They don't know the saying: TEACH a man to fish, and yadda yadda yadda, we all know. ...

[Robert9]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Robert9, ironic isn't it? Someone says they'll work for food, and you offer them a job application and they refuse!

They don't know the saying: TEACH a man to fish, and yadda yadda yadda, we all know. ...

lol yep I know

[Icebucket805]

Then he advised me to give my breadstick to a bird

That's actually pretty funny.

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Good morning,

While dining outside on 24th and Oakley yesterday, there was a gentleman who appeared to be homeless and dealing with mental health issues. He was moving his seating location along Oakley Avenue frequently and appeared to be talking to himself. He had no shoes on. And he was NOT asking anyone for money or food, as their were about 30 tables in the closed-off-for dining section of the street.

At one point he walked and sat down on one end away from everyone. I thought this might be the best time to approach him since he was not near anyone (and I understand EVERYONE deserves to have respect, and has a sense of pride).

I quietly asked him if I could share a breadstick with him since I had a fresh basket delivered to my table. THAT ended up being a mistake! He went on to say that he was homeless until the end of the year, and he is a Chicago man, and he needs some real food. Then he advised me to give my breadstick to a bird and to get out of his face before he really shows me what he thinks. He proceeded to say these things as I walked away. And then I just avoided him.

I told my children that trying to share with him came from a good place, but sometimes even good intentions can backfire, but we should not let these kinds of experiences stop us from doing what we think is right (en route to lunch, I gave a man at the stoplight a couple of coins and made some quick pleasant talk).

Curious if anyone else would just say "F-it" going forward, or would you keep trying??

Apparently someone called the police, because 2 officers drove up and spoke with him, but did not force him to move on. And it also seems that one of the restaurant staff from Bruna's DID give him a meal. So I guess he was happy, then.

Sorry that happened Master Jay. You are a great guy and you definitely were coming from a good place there!

Your experience shows the extreme difficulties presented in dealing with the mentally ill. It's very trendy right now to call for defunding the police. Proponents make it sound like it's a simple matter of just redirecting the Department budget into programs, getting some social workers on the street to deescalate everything, and it'll all be good.

But that does not always work as you experienced. You approached someone while not wearing a police uniform and with a very disarming and friendly attitude with an offer of peace. Yet it nearly went sideways anyway. That's a situation when the authority of police may have to come into play. It is a balance that has to be employed sometimes, as much as we might wish it didn't have to be.

[devdaen]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

devdaen, I have an older brother. And he is NOT about sharing. I love him and respect him and admire him. We are very night and day personalities. I took him on a couple trips with me to Chicago. Anytime I offered to help someone in need, he would be about a block ahead of me. He never waited for me. .... so you are NOT alone in your thinking. Thank you for sharing.

Just for the record: I give back to my community in sweat equity.

[Master Jay]

BRU67, thank you for the kind words!

My first experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental health illness goes back to 2003-2007 when I worked in Waukesha, Wisconsin in what is called "The Clubhouse Model." It sounds like a bar, I know! But it is an actual model of rehabilitation for adults with mental illness. I believe it started in North Carolina, and is now worldwide!

And I certainly have had my experiences of working with people with mental health diagnoses, in the jail, over the last 10 years.

It does have it's challenges. And I appreciate the police department for what they do, and their own struggles they face daily.

As far as trying to help the homeless I see, I am Catholic and not that I ever push religion on others, but there is a quote in the Bible where Jesus said, "That what you do for my brothers and sisters, you did for Me."

As a Tae Kwon Doist, we have an oath to "strive to build a more peaceful world."

And I think just in general, "it is nice to try to do good things for others." no matter what your background is.

BRU67, have a great day, Sir.

[Master Jay]

devdaen, please forgive me.

I did not mean to imply that you do not give to others, or the community, in other ways.

Please accept my apology. I am certain you are a very good person.

[ToriaT]

Sadly, although you meant well, its best to steer clear of these kinds of people. You were well intentioned but these kinds of things often backfire. Perhaps you are a bit naive? I think most Chicago people are street smart and don't interact. Sometimes I have seen people give others a buck or so and then move on.

[Master Jay]

ToriaT, good morning. I sure HOPE I'm not behaving naïve. I'd be ashamed of myself.

I once was riding my bicycle near Lincoln Park. I saw a woman digging in the garbage cans. I offered to take her across the street to the Subway. I told the guy behind the counter to give her whatever she wanted to order.

Another time, I was walking from Chinatown to Armour Square, and I saw a man going through the garbage. I offered him my take-home after leaving Moon Palace. He accepted the food, and we exchanged some conversation.

And I also remember driving through Bridgeport. It appeared to be a homeless person sleeping on a bench. I drove to the Walgreens and brought him some donuts.

Personally, I have many positive experiences in Chicago. Maybe that's why I felt comfortable to at least approach the man on 24th ad Oakley, this past weekend.

I can see why if most of my experiences were like last weekend's, then I probably WOULD just keep walking by.

I just always try to give food versus money. I understand why people are taking drugs or booze, but I'd rather assist someone on need with their hunger pains versus drug pains.

[ToriaT]

Master Jay, you are awfully nice to do what you did. So I will not discourage it. However you never know what can happen. Unfortunately most Chicagoans have became some what hardened to homelessness and they just walk on by. On the other hand, I've seen people make sandwiches or meals for them and deliver them to lower wacker drive.