Autumn Odyssey moves group further along pathway toward inpatient treatment facility in Tuscarawas County
Summary: The link between drug and/or alcohol addiction and homelessness is strong, and exemplifies the proverbial question of which is the cause and which the effect? One Tuscarawas County group of volunteers is striving to find a solution that works.An Autumn Odyssey with Art, Wine, and Music’s dazzling inaugural event took place at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts on November 5. The fundraising evening, sponsored by Pathway to Wellness, a committee of the Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County, is part of a comprehensive effort fueled by the group’s goal of “nurturing, assisting and advocating for individuals, families and communities affected by substance abuse, homelessness, mental illness and/or abuse.”
“There is not a family in Tuscarawas County who has not been affected by someone they know or love who has struggled with addiction issues in some way,” stated Jeannine Kennedy, director of the Center for the Arts. “We believe strongly in what this group is doing for our community, and this is why we have partnered with them this evening.”
2003 statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed that 38% of homeless people are dependent on alcohol, and another 26% percent use drugs. With the devastating results of the recession in recent years, experts feel that these numbers are rising. For many, substance abuse causes them to lose family relationships, jobs, and their housing. For others, the loss of a job and the subsequent loss of a place to live results in an individual turning to drugs and/or alcohol to cope with their situation, and from there, everything spirals downward.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless’ report on Substance Abuse and Homelessness, “Since substance abuse is both a cause and a result of homelessness, both issues need to be addressed simultaneously…stable housing during and after treatment decreases the risk of relapse. Substance abuse treatment on its own is inadequate and needs to be combined with supported housing opportunities. In addition to housing, supported housing programs offer services such as mental health treatment, physical health care, education and employment opportunities, peer support, and daily living and money management skills training.”
“We see that so many of the men who seek our help have a problem with drugs or alcohol,” noted Dave Marsh, who serves as house manager at Friends for the Homeless. “We have to try and find them a place at a treatment or detox center in another county, and we are always last on the list. It’s almost impossible. We need to be able to provide treatment on site.” Marsh also noted that the homeless shelter in New Philadelphia is currently at capacity and has a waiting list. “We need more space, and separate areas for families who need shelter while getting the help they need, too.”
This is the goal of Pathway to Wellness: to raise funds to establish an inpatient treatment center right in Tuscarawas County that combines the benefits of shelter housing and a way out of the drug and alcohol centered lifestyle. Events like the well attended Autumn Odyssey gathering are moving them toward that goal.
“We are getting closer every day to having an inpatient treatment facility, and we continue to go forward,” said Anita Davis, a Pathway volunteer. “Tonight we had about 100 people turn out, and we already have the 2012 Autumn Odyssey event on the calendar, to take place the first Saturday in November, right here at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts again.”
The evening featured catering from Trax Diner, participation from several area wineries, live music and artwork, as well as a silent auction of generously packed gift baskets. A basket containing tickets to the January 1, 2012 Browns/Steelers game was auctioned off for over 600 dollars.
“There were so many people who donated to make this night possible,” added Davis. “The community is very supportive and recognizes the tremendous need for an inpatient treatment center. I believe, with everyone pulling together, that we are going to see this become a reality.”
Information on the project can be found at www.pathway2wellness.net