Jackson Free Press

July 14, 2006—[verbatim] Jackson is a city of Grace and Benevolence where we treat all people with respect and dignity. Today, we are taking a new approach toward establishing a dialogue with Jackson's homeless population.

We recognize that there are a number of homeless persons in our community who still have skills and talent that can be shared in a productive manner. Through the new initiative announced yesterday, we hope to identify these persons and open some new doors of opportunity for them. In addition, we hope to identify any homeless individuals who are in need of medical attention.

When we meet with the homeless individuals who choose to come to Champion Gymnasium tonight, we will have social workers and other volunteers available to gather information and help start the dialogue that we hope ultimately will improve the quality of life for many of these men and women.

Our officers have been instructed not to force anyone to come to the gymnasium against his or her will. By offering our homeless population another alternative to being on the streets all night, we intend to create a setting that will encourage open communication and help us better understand the needs of our homeless.

We recognize and appreciate the continuous efforts of Partners to End Homelessness, and hope to work closely with them in improving the quality of life for everyone.

###

Previous Comments

ID

122657

Comment

Woah. Did Frank write that?

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-07-14T15:28:52-06:00

ID

122658

Comment

Somebody did on his behalf, at least.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-07-14T15:29:56-06:00

ID

122659

Comment

I suppose so. It makes for a much better sounding idea than saying Homeless have a 10pm curfew. Now we'll see how it actually works.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-07-14T15:34:23-06:00

ID

122660

Comment

What he NEEDS to be offering is good FREE mental health care. I mean, opportunities? PLEASE. I'm sorry you guys, but most of these people are on the street for a reason. So many of them have undiagnosed mental health issues, or they are diagnosed and off their meds. The problem of homelessness is a LOT more than just "I lost my job and then everything." which is what I'm betting Frank thinks it is. He has so little knowledge of real issues of homelessness that he literally thinks one night in a gym with some social workers and a few jobs mowing lawns and washing his cars is going to FINALLY get the streets clear of the homeless. Well, I wonder why nobody thunk that thought before? Not that I don't support helping the homeless. I do. But, I guess we can now add Director of the MS Department of Human Services to Frank's ole name tag. Getting kinda long there, ain't it? Mayor Chief of Police, Professional Child-Hugger, Director of DHS, Director of Media, Director of City Council, Supreme Being Extraordinaire...FRANK MELTON. Farthead.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-07-14T16:05:48-06:00

ID

122661

Comment

Are we expecting an important visitor? This is the kind of thing that happens when places want to hide their homeless from plain view... "out of sight, out of mind"... "sweeping the dirt under the rug"

Author

Tre

Date

2006-07-14T16:10:05-06:00

ID

122662

Comment

Yeah, well, someone needs to blow Frank's rug up and take a look at what's under there.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-07-14T16:17:05-06:00

ID

122663

Comment

He'll probably have them all over for a BBQ, and then everything will be A-OK. Maybe they can watch a movie afterward in the big-ass TV room, while the police chief cleans up the kitchen. Melton's muck gets more mucked-up by the day. Sigh.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-07-14T16:21:19-06:00

ID

122664

Comment

I recall from an earlier JFP article Melton remarking that he'd like to trade places with the homeless for a while and, as he put it, have no worries.

Author

Brent Cox

Date

2006-07-14T20:28:01-06:00

ID

122665

Comment

**We recognize and appreciate the continuous efforts of Partners to End Homelessness, and hope to work closely with them in improving the quality of life for everyone.** <-- Melton's statement, last paragraph Ladd and Ironghost: I'd put my money on the fact that Melton's statement was the handiwork of Michael Raff, the Deputy Diretor of the city's Department of Human and Cultural Services, and a good, compassionate, decent man. Hinds County Human Resource Agency helped set up the "Partners to End Homelessness" group that Frank referenced and it hosts all of their meetings, and Mike has been a faithful participant over the past four years, starting under the Johnson administration. Ali: you're right on the money that more attention needs to be paid to the mental health issues that plague many in the homeless population, including drug and/or alcohol dependence and/or abuse. No doubt about it. There are other medical issues that must be addressed, as we've seen some common maladies among nearly every homeless person we've assessed/served/referred: chronic podiatric problems, diabetes, malnutriton, poor general and dental hygiene (irregular/sporadic access to bathrooms and toileting facilities), to name a few. I'm glad to see Melton acknowledging the need for health care, but like you, I think he needs to broaden the continuum of care to include the gamut of mental health inerventions as well. I'm optimistic over the Mayor's statement; however, I remain disheartened that he will probably not follow through, as evidenced by his past actions. Dealing with some of the issues facing the homeless will not make a difference unless and until a holistic approach is deployed to get at the systemic core of their needs and problems: issues, medical, mental dental..., and otherwise. The fact that I detect Mike Raff's fingerprint on this issue makes me more hopeful that something good just might happen.

Author

Kacy

Date

2006-07-14T20:45:00-06:00

ID

122666

Comment

Kacy, thank you for at least putting an idea on the table. Before your comment I read nothing but bitchin and moaning.

Author

EatMoPie

Date

2006-07-14T20:57:23-06:00

ID

122667

Comment

I was trying to hold the cynicism back; that didn't read like anything I've heard from Frank, so it made me wonder. The writing style didn't have that "Ready Firefirefirefire AIM!" style of thought we've come to know and groan at from Frank. The fact that there's someone in there that knows whereof he speaks is a good sign. Now, if it'll all happen...

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-07-14T21:19:47-06:00

ID

122668

Comment

Gotta give credit where credit is due. Kudos to the speechwriter!

Author

EatMoPie

Date

2006-07-14T23:16:16-06:00

ID

122669

Comment

I know message boards are informal but why would the words Grace and Benevolence be capitalized? Just wondering if I missed something in school.

Author

EatMoPie

Date

2006-07-14T23:37:07-06:00

ID

122670

Comment

Wow! That was written by a highly paid professional to disguise Melton's real intentions. Melton came out and said that the homeless would be included in his state-of-emergency curfew. Now the way that I see it is that curfew means that you have no choice. Does the mayor think that we are all stupid (or is it him)? For months the city has been crying that we are broke. Now who is going to fund that great act of human kindness? Does the city have insurance to cover any possible mishap? Has King Melton ever considered that some people are homeless by their own choice? Finally, did the legal department advise him that this is okay? In my opinion, this boils down to nothing more that a veiled attempt at legal kidnapping.

Author

lance

Date

2006-07-15T09:06:54-06:00

ID

122671

Comment

Hmmmm............... Ali is right. We've discussed on here how many of these are mentally ill. And it is a complex problem. Having said that, let us be realistic. It takes time to get things in place. First you file bills, get the money appropriated, then 2-3 years from now you get that and then work on actually setting up the programs and facilities. This is not a bad thingi necessarily. Living as they do has to be horrible for them ( I know I am stating the obvious). Its hard for the ones that are not mentally ill to get started up in life with a job or anything if they are living on the streets. Not to mention they are at higher risk of being victimized by criminals or turn to crime because they think they have no other options. So they stay in a gymnasium with some supervision. If done right it can work for awhile. If they can be screened for mental illness and thus we can see if they need to be somewhere, that helps everyone concerned. If it keeps those likely to think they have to commit a crime from doing so in order to survive, so much the better. However, knowing FM, this will last only a few weeks, be done half-azzed, and after attracting a bunch of attention, just fade away like his other high profile schemes that never get followed through on. HEY, just had a though, THIS is how he is going to save Mary who lost her home.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-07-15T09:19:39-06:00

ID

122672

Comment

Kacy-I only hope that's true. I do agree with everything you said about Michael Raff. Is there anyway that maybe HE can run this? We'll just remove Melton from the equation. Eat-I get paid to bitch. I've managed to turn it into an entire occupation. Don't be jealous. (RAY- I need you to get on this thread and call Eat a "hater")

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-07-15T09:25:03-06:00

ID

122673

Comment

"Kudos to the speechwriter!" EMP Uhhh...OK? Maybe the speech writer can let Melton read the speech next time. It's pretty obvious Melton is not on the same page when he is quoted saying: Melton maintains that the effort will not cost the city money because he is going to have the homeless people who stay in the gym pick up litter and mow grass on public property. He said teams of workers will begin in the Washington Addition neighborhood. "I don't believe in a giveaway program," he said. "People are going to have to earn their keep." Yep, I see the speech writer and Melton are big pals! Looks like Melton wants to institute slavery just like I pointed out in a thread I started the other day. And about Mary's House. Yesterday, the contractor, Dennis, called into Kim Wade and said that the Mayor has come down and *now* he is on board with the project and always should have been! WTF!!! Typical, typical, typical!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-07-15T10:58:07-06:00

ID

122674

Comment

Piker, and some of these people gripe about Barbour. Imagine if this crew was in charge of recovery on coast.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-07-15T11:55:25-06:00

ID

122675

Comment

Jimmy it would look like this! You got to love those "I can do it better types!"

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-07-15T14:14:21-06:00

ID

122676

Comment

actually Piker, Snopes is wrong on that one. Times Picayune was the first one to report it. was a huge story. by crew I meant Melton and company.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-07-15T14:21:58-06:00

ID

122677

Comment

Can you tell me how they are wrong? Snoops only purpose is to confirm or not confirm internet stories, rumors, emails, etc. They are just confirming the story. If you want to post the Times story, go ahead. And, yes, I knew who you were talking about. Doesn't the way Nagin handled this sound just like the way Melton would? I'm sorry, but, I think you are missing your own point? Melton doesn't have a "exclusive rights" to being a stupid mayor.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-07-15T17:45:53-06:00

ID

122678

Comment

I hate to say it but I'd rather have nagin than melton. Nagin does call everyone a criminal, bring out their personal life, and criminalize everyone he disagrees with. i was being nit picky. ;-)

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-07-15T19:36:46-06:00

ID

122679

Comment

oops. I meant "does not". and I was sober.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-07-16T00:11:44-06:00

ID

122680

Comment

"Eat-I get paid to b****. I've managed to turn it into an entire occupation. Don't be jealous." Awww I think I may have a crush on you. ;)

Author

EatMoPie

Date

2006-07-16T03:13:11-06:00

ID

122681

Comment

Here is a little CL update on this. Looks like they have been moved to a shelter and Melton thinks he is going to "put them to work". Eat-Stand in line, honey. :)

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-07-17T09:30:15-06:00

ID

122682

Comment

This was in The Clarion-Ledger's story this morning about The Birdland closing: Officers found the drugs around midnight while doing a curfew patrol at the downtown business at 538 N. Farish St., Lewis said. They stopped at the nightclub to make sure no teen-agers or homeless people were there, he said. Wait a minute. How are they going to know that grown men who might happen to be homeless are drinking at the bar at The Birdland -- not that his is likely scenario. This homeless curfew is absurd. Sound bite after sound bite from these people. Also, Jimmy, you're not convincing when you just declare something "wrong." Please provide back-up links and evidence when you are accusing others of being wrong. That's something we ask everyone to do.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-07-17T10:57:34-06:00

ID

122683

Comment

So the Homeless Gym Party has ended with Melton having to move the homeless to another location and at this moment, he hasn't an idea. This is simply more of the same: FIRE. READY, AIM. Why in the sam hell didn't he talk to someone and work out the logistics of this action before he initiated it? How can he possible think that a two night stay with pizza and soda will do anything to address the issues of homelessness. Again, "he shoots first and never ask questions, later." The mayor of the City and the Chief of Police slept with the homeless - NOW WHAT? Are they going to pick up paper, clean out ditches and cut grass as a role-modeling behavior? By the way, what did the City Council say about this issue or were they even told?

Author

justjess

Date

2006-07-17T11:03:57-06:00

ID

122684

Comment

Maybe they can all go live with Mary Johnson, and work on her lawn or something.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-07-17T11:08:47-06:00

ID

122685

Comment

How can FM give the homeless a curfew? This is economic, racial and class profiling. He is not going to be satisfied until the National Association of Homelessness is marching on Jackson with the attention of the world on us. Haven't we had enough negative publicity???? Here we go again closing businesses. The Upper Level, the club that was given so much attention during his (FMs) first few week in office, was closed also with the claim that there were also drugs found. He promised to close the Upper Level "down for good" during his fixation on the owner. This guy finds crazy stuff to do or say everyday. The sad thing is that he does not learn from history.

Author

justjess

Date

2006-07-17T11:16:22-06:00

ID

122686

Comment

I clarified it later down below. I meant to say TP reported it first and had th e main story. I use snopes alot myself. BUT who predicted it last week that Frank would not follow through with this? me and half the posters here on this forum. ;-) sorry to hear about boxes that is pretty crappy.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-07-17T11:17:26-06:00

ID

122687

Comment

OK, Jimmy. I'm trying to catch up and reading fast. Carry on. Justjess, no one is going to be able to complain about negative national media coverage. Melton is bringing it on us. It seems everything is a spur-of-the-moment decision that his staff has to try to clean up. It is no way to run anything, much less a capital city.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-07-17T11:31:22-06:00

ID

122688

Comment

I was of the impression that if a guy has a dollar in his pocket he can't be caled a "tramp" or vagrant and subject to being picked up, wether he has a home address or not. Sounds like a handy pretense to shake down night clubs. I suppose he'll be checking strip clubs for homeless people and teenagers next.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-07-17T11:58:47-06:00

ID

122689

Comment

**It seems everything is a spur-of-the-moment decision that his staff has to try to clean up. It is no way to run anything, much less a capital city.** <--ladd Agreed, ladd. Based on the 'city of grace and belevolence' statement, it appeared that, for once, something was going to be handled properly. But, oh no! Melton had to get involved and mess it all up. Too bad he doesn't appear capable of listening to anyone on his staff. That said, I don't see how things will get any better.

Author

Kacy

Date

2006-07-17T14:45:34-06:00

ID

122690

Comment

"Grace and benevolence" is probably Mr. Melton's most Orwellian phrase, yet. There is *nothing* graceful or benevolent about telling lies, for one.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-07-17T14:46:39-06:00

ID

122691

Comment

Lo and behold, FM, the MCC full of kids and the usual JPD escorts showed up at Babes late monday night,

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-07-18T23:38:56-06:00

ID

122692

Comment

Lo and behold, FM, the MCC full of kids and the usual JPD escorts showed up at Babes late monday night,

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-07-18T23:39:28-06:00

ID

122693

Comment

If I decide to publicly mourn for this city and sit in the streets wearing sackcloth and ashes, will I be confused for a homeless person even if I show my driver's license and AAA card? Waaaah.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-07-19T07:49:42-06:00