Most homeless are trying their hardest

Most homeless are trying their hardest

I want to address Mr. Michael Routery’s letter, concerning “access to sanitary facilities and water is vitally important for homeless citizens.” statement in his letter.

I was employed, part time, at our Kona Aquatics Center — located next the gym at the entrance to the Old Airport Park. I was one of the maintenance crew that spent a lot of time cleaning the bathrooms and locker rooms at the facility. It wasn’t a pleasant job, but a necessary position in the upkeep of the center. I was employed there for about nine months, before I had to leave because my Social Security disability became effective and income from the part-time job would affect my SSD benefit.

Our supervisor, lifeguard Douglas, informed the crew of the precautions we needed to be aware of while working around the people using our facility, i.e. people with AIDS, addicts, mentally unstable, and hepatitis.

I encountered mostly very appreciative homeless folks that thanked me, and others, for our work. That was a nice perk, and encouraging. It was obvious, the very early morning influx of homeless were employed, or looking for a job, i.e. showering and shaving, and even some washing their shirts in the sinks. Of course, there were the few exceptions that displayed their IQ by using our showers as canvasses of art — painted with their own feces. Fortunately, these demonstrations weren’t often.

I think more centers like this — sans the pool — are needed. Lockers available for their valuables and clean clothes, should also be part of the design. Plus washers and dryers should be essential, and free usage. These folks don’t have spare change.

I don’t know how our Aquatics Center is doing today, but something similar, without the pool, should be implemented to prep these people to reenter the working force again. It would be money well spent in giving a “hand up,” not a “hand out.”

Dennis Lawson

Kalaoa