Do They Really Exist?

I try to walk outside as often as I can to take in the beautiful Corvallis scenery. It's absolutely beautiful here; especially when the sun is shining and the flowers are in full bloom. Being away from Corvallis for 11 years has taught me to appreciate with even greater fervor this creation of God that he has given us to take care of. I've always loved the outdoors, but was more partial to the ocean which is one reason I would like to retire in a coastal community. Having lived in a congested, polluted metropolis with skyscrapers I have come to love the green, clean, pristine Corvallis.

People work very hard to keep the city pristine and clean. I am no longer talking about it's nature but the people that live here in Corvallis. The work that I do with the Church has led me to see how the city and it's members take care of "the least of these". On the surface and on paper one will be very impressed with the services available in the city. Medical services are provided to the low-income, the homeless have a temporary shelter they can turn to that also houses a rehab center, meal services, etc. Sounds good, right? Sure, as long as you meet its stringent criteria that's meant to serve only those who are capable of pulling themselves out of their situations anyway. I've been told that their doors are open for all those who need, but they, of course, don't mention the fine print that states all those who are not allowed their services.

We have a growing homeless population in Corvallis. When I was in high school 20 years ago (when did that happen?!), the homeless men lived under the bridge. I've been told that at one point the city decided they didn't want any homeless men in Corvallis so they raided under the bridge continuously until they all packed up and left. They didn't quite leave town, but simply scattered to other open areas and parks. Now we have individuals and families who live in cars, areas that haven't been built on yet, under park bushes -- anywhere the cops can't find them. A number of the men and women who are homeless are dealing with serious mental illnesses and/or are veterans. There is no service that will address the mental illnesses of these people that leads them out to the streets. Contrary to what most people believe, these people do not choose to be homeless. It saddens me to hear priviledged, educated adults talk about how these people have a choice and they choose to be homeless. Possibly because of my exposure to mental illnesses, I understand how so many aspects of their lives are beyond their control. Possibly because of the way my life has fallen into place, I understand that even those without illnesses still fall under circumstances that prevent them from meeting their basic needs.

Let me tell you about Laura. She is Mexican, but is legal and has her papers. She, however, has diabetes and anemia. Her diabetes has taken away the sight of one eye and has placed her in the hospital so many times -- sometimes near death. She suffers from the complications of diabetes and is no longer able to work. Her sole financial support comes from her son, who is in the US illegally. Through the work that he has been able to do, he has been able to provide her with her basic needs and the medical attention that she has needed. He was recently picked up by the police and was sent to Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) to be deported. With the efforts of Catholic Charities, they've been able to delay the deportation process and are in the process of facilitating his freedom and possibly get him a charity visa of some sorts. As a mother it must be heart-wrenching to think of your son being detained, almost certainly not being treated well, and could possibly be deported to Mexico. Our Los Embajadores group had the opportunity to visit a shelter in Tijuana that houses those who have been deported to Mexico. They are dropped off with nothing but the clothes that they are wearing. I can't begin to imagine what Laura must be feeling and going through right now. What will happen to her if her son is sent away? This is a situation that is beyond her control and is life-threatening for her. What services does our city have to offer her? None that will be able to give her a hope of surviving through her illness. How do I know? Because we see people on a regular basis who need this kind of financial assistance. It's the churches and other non-profit organizations who are catching all those that can't be served by our system.

On a different level... Our schools are supposed to provide free and accessible public education. Something which a good number of our children are not receiving -- including Vincent. Your ideal Corvallis child would be busy with soccer and involved with 50 other activities. My Vincent struggles with the sensory issues that come with a crowded classroom, is very literal (he has an excellent vocabulary, but almost always applies the very literal meaning of these words), has problems with social skills -- everything that comes with Aspergers. Coping with these issues can be taught and managed, but it would require a smaller group setting and a teacher who can communicate well with students like Vincent. By law the schools are required to provide this setting and the capable personnel to provide this education. What happens when your principal is a former military man who believes that each student conform to his demands? You have an overwhelmed student who goes beyond his tolerable anxiety level and is no longer aware of his actions. What happens when the school district would rather not have these kinds of students in their system? Then you find yourself as a parent being made to believe that they are on your side, but realize as summer fast approaches that the school district still has not replied to your pleas for a better setting. I've been told too many times that they've never had to deal with a student like Vincent. NOT TRUE!!! I've learned that Vincent is one of plenty of children who are out of the school system and being taught by tutors an hour a day because they do not fit the mold of your ideal Corvallis student.

Fast forward this to high school. The drop out population of our high schools consist of students who are not able to conform to the college-track system that has been set in place. Some even feel that attending the local community college means that they are not smart enough to attend a university. Rather than face this shame, some drop out and obtain their GEDs in order to get into vocational courses at the community college. This does not make them any less smarter than your average university student. In fact, I've spoken to a few who are very smart. It just means that they have different talents that have been given to them. Some simply don't go back to school. What happens to them? A few of them become the ones who turn to the system to provide for their basic needs. Could something have been done to prevent these students from dropping out? Most certainly. Are these precautions being taken? From what I've learned -- no. Who is tasked to take care of students who struggle with conforming to the Corvallis mold? The non-profit organizations, counselors (if their parents can afford), or just brave souls who reach out to at-risk students.

The language of your typical Corvallis resident shows that the city has done a good job at pushing the least of these aside. They're the people who "live in the south side of town". They're the illegal immigrants who are generally referred to as "Hispanic" -- not all Hispanics are illegal and not all illegals are Hispanic. They're the children we don't want our children to play with. They the children you no longer see in schools because their parents can't control them. They're the ones whose parents choose to spend their money on alcohol and cigarettes. I wish I could tell you that I'm making this up, but these are statements I've heard from people around me.

Do they really exist? It depends on who you ask. I say yes. What do you think?