Phil

Thursday, 23 April 2009 02:08

Phil came to RSLC’s Giltinan Center the later part of November 2007. He didn’t want a bed; just wanted to stay in the foyer out of the weather. Phil was not allowed into other facilities due to extreme personal hygiene issues that resulted in a strong odor. Phil had not bathed or changed clothes in over two years; nor had he had a hair cut or shaved. He was asked on a daily basis, by multiple staff members, if he would like to come into the shelter as a resident, take a shower and change into new clothes; but his response would always be that he was ok. Phil would never engage in conversation; keeping his answers short with a yes or no response.
The process of trying to get Phil to become a resident went on for over four months, as all he wanted for a home was out foyer area. This area serves as a part of the over-flow in inclement weather when the Center is full. One night in March, an individual who needed shelter came into the foyer and he did not like the odor that Phil was giving off and began beating him while he lay there sleeping. By the time staff had defused the situation, Phil had two black eyes and a few broken ribs. He was transported to CAMC where he spent two nights.

Once he was released, he visited the local Union Mission for lunch. RSLC staff went over and again asked Phil if he wanted a bed; this time Phil responded with “let me think about it.” Two hours later, Phil showed up and said that he was now ready for a bed. When he entered GC, staff immediately got him supplies for a shower and new clothes; though once Phil got undressed for his shower, staff noticed that both of his feet had severe frost bite and needed immediate attention. The healing process took several weeks; however, during this time, Phil got a shave and a haircut and began showering and changing clothes on a daily basis.

Phil also began opening up and revealing more details about his life; such as his Master’s Degree in Education and that he just turned 60 years old. During his four month stay at GC; he has applied and been approved for Charleston Housing and has also completed all of the paperwork for his social security benefits (which he is currently waiting on a decision). Most importantly, Phil has entered the work force on a part-time basis through a Federally Funded program for individuals 55 and over. He is working at the Kanawha County Library and is very set on becoming a productive member of society after living 14 years on the streets.