Robin Wathen - Part 1
Robin is a homeless woman in Louisville, Kentucky. (Age 68, according to her).. She was gainfully employed and had a home two years ago until her Mother whom she was caring for passed away. Her right leg became inflamed - she went to St. Mary's hospital. They amputated her leg. She did not have diabetes. She was denied disability by both her employer, Cafe Press, and the Social Security Administration disability office here in Louisville, Kentucky. She said she had an attorney who is "working on it". She states she had other items in a backpack that some kids had stolen. No cell phone.
This is next to a bus stop canopy where 3 individuals were sitting waiting for the bus.
She said prior to today Starbucks would not allow her inside - I did speak with Starbucks today and they stated she could go in while waiting for help from the Homeless Coalition of Louisville, who was notified. Starbucks (and their patrons) said they could not bring her any food.
Shiraz down the street offered a bottle of water but stated they would not let her in the store until they contacted the owner. I accepted the water for her and left.
McDonalds offered a fruit and yogurt parfait.
Smash Burgers manager gave $5 which we put toward some shampoo and deodorant and a Snickers bar from Walgreens (who gave us a discount) - these are what she'd said she needed at the moment.
Eastern Area Community Ministries gave the phone number for the Homeless Coalition although she states she's already been there. They offered to help her with food and additional resources but she had to get to their location. I could not fit Robin and her wheelchair in my car and it was a long way for Robin to wheel in the rain, uphill.
Matt Bevin, our Governor, is very proud of Kentucky. Not sure why. For shame, Mayor Fischer.
There were two other people in this area looking for help - one was a Veteran looking for work and had 2 kids at home, the other was a homeless man with a disabled son - they still had a car they were living in. I asked the Vet to keep an eye on Robin while I attempted to get her help - he said he would. I felt she was in very good hands - she was very appreciative of whatever help she received today. She was not there later in the afternoon.
Louisville's Homeless Outreach Team stated they would attempt to locate her - last contact was one year ago. They stated if they see her they would try to get her some McDonald's gift cards and a hygiene pack.
This corner has also been the favorite place for "The Lord's Kitchen Ministries" - www.thelordskitchen.com/ - that is where I'd spoken to a Veteran who was standing there - Richard Schuster - who'd stated he was also denied disability benefits. Richard said The Lord's Kitchen needed volunteers to help cook and serve at their facility.
As of today, December 18, 2018, I do not know Robin's status.
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Please see Part 2 of Robin's Life and Status: www.flickr.com/photos/v-2/46031133555/in/photolist-2d8BAi...
Robin Wathen - Part 1
Robin is a homeless woman in Louisville, Kentucky. (Age 68, according to her).. She was gainfully employed and had a home two years ago until her Mother whom she was caring for passed away. Her right leg became inflamed - she went to St. Mary's hospital. They amputated her leg. She did not have diabetes. She was denied disability by both her employer, Cafe Press, and the Social Security Administration disability office here in Louisville, Kentucky. She said she had an attorney who is "working on it". She states she had other items in a backpack that some kids had stolen. No cell phone.
This is next to a bus stop canopy where 3 individuals were sitting waiting for the bus.
She said prior to today Starbucks would not allow her inside - I did speak with Starbucks today and they stated she could go in while waiting for help from the Homeless Coalition of Louisville, who was notified. Starbucks (and their patrons) said they could not bring her any food.
Shiraz down the street offered a bottle of water but stated they would not let her in the store until they contacted the owner. I accepted the water for her and left.
McDonalds offered a fruit and yogurt parfait.
Smash Burgers manager gave $5 which we put toward some shampoo and deodorant and a Snickers bar from Walgreens (who gave us a discount) - these are what she'd said she needed at the moment.
Eastern Area Community Ministries gave the phone number for the Homeless Coalition although she states she's already been there. They offered to help her with food and additional resources but she had to get to their location. I could not fit Robin and her wheelchair in my car and it was a long way for Robin to wheel in the rain, uphill.
Matt Bevin, our Governor, is very proud of Kentucky. Not sure why. For shame, Mayor Fischer.
There were two other people in this area looking for help - one was a Veteran looking for work and had 2 kids at home, the other was a homeless man with a disabled son - they still had a car they were living in. I asked the Vet to keep an eye on Robin while I attempted to get her help - he said he would. I felt she was in very good hands - she was very appreciative of whatever help she received today. She was not there later in the afternoon.
Louisville's Homeless Outreach Team stated they would attempt to locate her - last contact was one year ago. They stated if they see her they would try to get her some McDonald's gift cards and a hygiene pack.
This corner has also been the favorite place for "The Lord's Kitchen Ministries" - www.thelordskitchen.com/ - that is where I'd spoken to a Veteran who was standing there - Richard Schuster - who'd stated he was also denied disability benefits. Richard said The Lord's Kitchen needed volunteers to help cook and serve at their facility.
As of today, December 18, 2018, I do not know Robin's status.
********************
Please see Part 2 of Robin's Life and Status: www.flickr.com/photos/v-2/46031133555/in/photolist-2d8BAi...