Geoff is Home (Client Story)
Please note that the names used here are fictious and any representations of actual people is coincidence.
Geoff is back home, such as it is.
Geoff was born and raised in Anniston. He graduated from Anniston High School and joined the Navy. His military career was short lived and he landed back home in Anniston. Mental health issues keep Geoff from being as successful as one would hope. The mental health court in Calhoun County works closely with Geoff to help keep him on track with his doctors appointments and medications so he is able to function in society and keep him out of jail.
Geoff doesn't have a home. He bounces from place to place. Sleeping with various friends and when they aren't available, sleeping right on the streets. In the spring and summer you can find him pushing a lawnmower from job to job, trying to make a few dollars.
When Geoff takes his medication, he is able to function. He can mow the yards, make his doctor's appointments and interact properly with others. Sometimes things get away from him and he can't keep in control. This is when Geoff heads to the hospital. He's been in and out many times.
The last time he went to the local hospital, they transferred him to a Birmingham hospital. I don't know the specifics of his medical case. I do know he left the hospital in Birmingham and went to a local mission there. The caring folks at the mission liked Geoff, but with his "psycosis", they regretfully told him he couldn't stay at their mission. The mission helped Geoff contact Interfaith Ministries.
Interfaith Ministries often helps displaced people with transportation costs to return to their families in other states or relocate for employment elsewhere when a family connection or job can be confirmed. As far as I know we have never transported a homeless person to our county, but Geoff is one of our people.
Left on his own in Birmingham the chances of his ending up in jail or worse was a real concern. So we bought him a bus ticket and Geoff was at our front door this morning to get a cup of coffee, a snack and a shower. He also asked for a pair of pants so he could get out of the hospital scrubs hes been wearing for three days before he goes to court later this morning.
Geoff is home, such as it is.
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