Public libraries helping the homeless!!!

Written by: David Reed on Dec 6, 2007 3:04 PM EST

How?  As I am writing this to you from an internet terminal from the Lansing Public Library, the main mens' bathroom in the basement is closed (like it usually is)!  That means that the only bathroom available to the men patrons is the one on the second floor which only contains one toilet and one sink!!  Earlier this week I was nearly in combat with another male patron because I got the toilet before he did!!!  Of course even written complaints do no good because all the staff here has to do is just "look laughy" knowing that it "serves the patrons right" if they caused a problem to shut down a bathroom (like a plugged toilet that a plunger would fix).  So, going to the Lansing Public Library means having to plan on not using the bathroom!  How is the helping the homeless?  Because that is what it is like in Michigan's overcrowded rescue missions and now the general public is able to experience that for themselves!!  In said missions it is so crowded that the people bristle, glare, and slam things to fend off other bullies which keeps everyone on the verge of a nervous breakdown!!!  No weapons checks is why there are frequent stabbings!!!! At the Lansing City Rescue Mission and the Volunteers of America Rescue Mission in Lansing, Michigan; there is no laundry service for the homeless so they have to climb into their dirty, stinky clothes after a shower!!!!!  Being barred from a rescue mission means that you are banished temporarily or permanently.  In the winter time that means that a barred person is in danger of freezing to death which is in fact what becomes of many!!!!!!  Suicides are a frequent event, also!  Click here to get an idea of what staff personnel are like at facilities that house the homeless:  http://messages.yahoo.com/Cultures_%26_Community/Issues_and_Causes/threadview?m=tm&bn=18067484&tid=972&mid=992&tof=10&rt=2&frt=2&off=1   

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