the mole people

I just finished reading the book "The Mole People" Life in the Tunnels", which is a book by Jennifer Toth that tells the story of the homeless who have taken residence in the subway tunnels of NYC city. Strongly recommended.

First, let me say that before I started this book I was the kind of person that would rarely shed a nickel for anyone who approached me with their coffee cup and stinky scent. Maybe I was selfish and wanted that nickel for myself, or, maybe I didnt want to contribute to the vicious cycle of depression and unproductivity which is flamed by the purchase of drugs/alchol, whatever. I never actually thought about it, I just avoided reasoning completely.

I attribute some of this to my upbringing. I remember as a child my mothers constant fear of disheveled beings. Whether we were driving or walking down the streets, i could feel the fear in her as she grasped my hand tighter and pulled me closer to her body or if she rolled up the windows to avoid confrontation all together. The panic in her breath stated, to me, that these were "bad" people and that I too, should avoid them and be fearful of them. Then, there was daddy's view.

He was more vocal about the guys sleeping in the parks than mom was. Oh yes, he has the "they asked for it" mentality. What this means is that, everyone has the capability to get a job, get a home and make something of themselves. If you cant do that, then your lazy and you deserve what you got. This is usually followed by the "i walked eight miles in the snow" story. Needless to say, hes a super sensitive guy.

I'm different now. I never took the time to educate myself on the systems and procedures of the state/federal government as it relates to homelessness, but as I read through this book, I found myself online for many hours researching the happenings and history of this epidemic.

A brief overview of my findings: An estimated 3.5 million people experience homelessness in a given year, 39% of them are under the age of 18 and approx. 40% are families with children. (for us NYCers, its approx 50K on any given day and only 30K spend evenings in shelters)

Reasons:
* Poverty (58% cannot afford to eat daily)
* Serious Mental Illness and Disability (22%)
* Foster Care Background (27%)
* Escaping Abuse (25%)
* Prison Discharge (54% were in prison at one time in their life)
* Drug/Alcohol Addictions (30%)
* Personal Choice (22% are reoprted to have regular jobs/28% have been to college)
* Natural Disaster (we have all seen first hand how we deal with this)

Sad, huh? The average length of homeless period is five or more years for 20% of the homeless popualation. What gets me most is the children. Imagine being born into that sort of poverty and never knowing anything else. It truly breaks my hurt.

So many of these families and children are living in these conditions because they are terrified to be seperated. Whether or not they should be having children at all is another argument, but when they do, they know that if they come to officials for help, they will be seperated and most likely never see each other again. With the love for their children in their hearts, they cannot bare to be without them or to put them in the dangerous hands of our foster care system.

One of the most striking parts of this book was the interviews with these people living in the tunnels below. According to Toth, there are many "communities" underground that are functioning networks of their own society. For example, the book claims that a few hundred people live under Grand Central Station. These people have set up an entire functioning city, including seperate areas for families and individuals to make a "home" for themseleves, stolen electric from active and forgotten lines, water from pipe leaks, etc. They even have specified job requirements or chores within the community.

When interviewing these folks, it seemed that most of these people preferred to live in the conditions that we would consider foul. Why? Because it is safer than a shelter or being in the streets. That and pride.

These communities have rules and leaders and there is a mutual understanding of right and wrong. Its sort of their own little democracy and culture. Now, this is by no means similiar to what you and I know as normal standards, but these people have creative a lifestyle structure to suit their own needs. Of course, this does not apply to all the tunnel dwellers. There is definitely a share of crazys and violence, but within these communities, they protect each other and care about the well being of those they share their life with.

To the people that live in these communities, this IS their best option. How are we living in a country where THAT is the best option? Think about it. Here I am a 28 year old, educated, experienced, bright woman trying to get a job in this city and I am having a hard time. I wonder how hard it would be for a person with no phone number, no permanent address, a possible impact with the law. I cant imagine its very easy. No job, no money, no home, no food. They are trapped.

Where have we gone so terribly wrong?

While I am not yet an expert on the subject, I have begun a new chapter in my life just from reading this book. More than anything, it has made me curious and eager and these days I am not so hesitant to spare a dime.