By BECKY J. FRANK on Sep 6, 2013, at 2:22 AM Updated on 9/06/13 at 4:10 AM
A few years ago, I became neighbors with Tulsa's homeless. Well, I had it much better than they did as my husband, Jack, and I had moved into a comfortable downtown apartment. We were living in the midst of a resurging downtown with a bird's-eye view of gorgeous architecture.
What we hadn't anticipated was the connection we'd make to some new friends - the homeless.
We first met J.K. She's 54 and tiny - 90 pounds at best. We'd see her scampering around downtown at rapid speed like a mouse. She seemed oblivious to other pedestrians as she darted through the sidewalks as though she was late for an important meeting - stopping only to rummage through waste containers.
In the winter we went through a certain amount of guilt. It didn't seem right that while we resided comfortably in our apartment, J.K. was sleeping under dirty blankets on the ice-cold concrete. All of her belongings were in a bag beside her. She seemed content with life on the streets. We were intent on getting her help.
For months she ignored our attempt to strike up conversation, but we eventually earned her trust. She'd call us "mom" and "dad" as well as "friend." Reluctantly, she'd accept food from us and share vague and rambling stories about her past. She admitted to having been institutionalized and spoke of her fear of being re-admitted if she sought help.
It was easier for us to strike up a friendship with Carldell. Previously convicted for drug possession, now at 55, he opted for life on the streets to escape a home where he was surrounded by drugs. Even in the coldest winter months Carldell could be found perched on a bench beneath a streetlight reading his stack of library books. Averaging five books per week - reading was his therapy.
Carldell slept in doorways, bathed in public restrooms, attended Celebrate Recovery classes at a neighborhood church, attended church services with a street ministry leader, and volunteered to feed the homeless at Iron Gate. He wanted purpose and to stay focused in the right direction.
Neither J.K. nor Carldell ever asked us for a dime.
Our interest in helping our homeless friends led us to Mike Brose, director of the Mental Health Association in Tulsa. He invited us to meet with the A Way Home for Tulsa Committee to discuss J.K. and Carldell.
While I was familiar with this initiative through United Way, I was now gaining an appreciation from a whole new perspective - helping our homeless friends. This group, comprised of numerous United Way partner agencies and other organizations, diligently works to end chronic homelessness in Tulsa.
We were overwhelmed by the response of the United Way agencies, along with several other agencies, that supported Carldell through his transition including MHAT, Community Service Council, Eastern Oklahoma Donated Dental Services, The Salvation Army and Goodwill. These agencies, along with countless individuals and businesses, helped piece Carldell's life back together.
Through the work of these agencies, Carldell was lifted off the streets. First he was given a warm bed at the Tulsa County Shelter. And now he lives in his own apartment that he maintains with great pride.
And he's employed, working part-time at Iron Gate and full-time on the overnight shift at the Tulsa World. He's a hard worker.
We recently dropped by Carldell's apartment for a visit. So many people donated items to his beautiful new home. He gave our granddaughter, Bea, a little stuffed dog and served popsicles. We laughed a lot and he talked about how good his home feels and how content he is.
We are so thankful for how our community responds each year in an extraordinary way through its generous support of the Tulsa Area United Way campaign. I've toured its 62 partner agencies and seen the services provided annually to 630,000 people.
These aren't just people - they're our family members, friends, co-workers, and those you pass on the street facing a setback. They need our help.
J.K. has disappeared but remains my inspiration in my role as the United Way 2013 campaign chair. My hope is J.K. will get the help she needs - just like Carldell did.
Becky J. Frank is chairman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank and the Tulsa Area United Way's 2013 Campaign chairwoman.
Original Print Headline: United Way cares for Carldells of the world
Reader Forum
The incarceration rate in Oklahoma is among the highest in the nation with approximately 26,000 people behind bars at any given time.
The Nov. 28, 2008, Tulsa World published my Readers Forum piece, "Antietam," in which I reported on a visit my then-8-year-old grandson, Stevie, and I made to Antietam battlefield in rural Maryland.
