Strange Neighbor: What would you do?

[Yooper]

It has come to my attention that the neighbor across the street had his power shut off last Friday. Which means he has no heat, either. We thought he might be gone, but saw him in his yard today. He looks like crap. He's also got 2 older cats, now in an unheated home.

The local police were made aware of the situation (another neighbor called), they 'checked it out' and determined the house was vacant. NOPE! He's there. We know he NEVER, EVER answers the door. The Postal Person no longer delivers his mail, and has marked his mailbox as 'Vacant.' His phone is disconnected, too. Far as we can tell, he still has water...when the city here disconnects that, they put a sticker on the front door.

The thing is, we know he's a serious alcoholic. As in really, really serious. A couple of years ago he was walking back from the neighborhood booze shop with his supply (Everclear and Squirt ), he fell down and couldn't get up. Authorities were called, he 'blew' a .35, but the cops told me he was 'probably worse than that' because he didn't blow hard enough.

It has been fairly warm here the last few days, and the next 2 are supposed to be near records, so his house isn't freezing, yet.

What would you do if you knew this was going across the street? And what about the Cats?

 

[Alpha1851]

What would you do if you knew this was going across the street? And what about the Cats?

Wow, that's tricky. I'd probably call a Social Services, the Health Department, or some non-profit group. Cops can be scary and if he's drunk, he might be afraid that they're there to arrest him or he might be so delusional that he doesn't even realize the cops are there. If he's w/o heat, I'm assuming that he's going hungry too and the cats probably are as well. Are the cats indoor cats? If not, I'd set some food outside for them. I'd also call the Humane Society either way. They'll enter a "vacant" home if they believe animals are in it. He eventually has to leave his home to get more liquor. I'd size him up then I guess.

I'm surprised that the cops didn't knock the door down.

Wow, that's a lot to deal w/. It's nice of you to care!

 

[Apollo]

he is probably stark broke near squatting on the property. i really dont know what to do but to inform the police of your suspicions. maybe try and find what company or bank the home is connected to and talk to them.

 

[Yooper]

Wow, that's tricky. I'd probably call a Social Services, the Health Department, or some non-profit group. Cops can be scary and if he's drunk, he might be afraid that they're there to arrest him or he might be so delusional that he doesn't even realize the cops are there. If he's w/o heat, I'm assuming that he's going hungry too and the cats probably are as well. Are the cats indoor cats? If not, I'd set some food outside for them. I'd also call the Humane Society either way. They'll enter a "vacant" home if they believe animals are in it. He eventually has to leave his home to get more liquor. I'd size him up then I guess.

I'm surprised that the cops didn't knock the door down.

Wow, that's a lot to deal w/. It's nice of you to care!

I've done some research.

The city isn't worried, until they turn off the water. Then, after 3 days, they will get a court order to enter the home and make sure it is unoccupied. Electricity/heat, for Humans, is evidently not necessary here.

Social Services will investigate the problem, but to quote them:
'This does not include a competent person who decides to live in a way that may threaten their safety or well-being.'

However, the Humane Society WILL get an order for the Cats! Another neighbor has already called them--she volunteers with them too--so they will get moving on this in the morning. Then when they find the dude in the house while searching for the Cats, he'll get evaluated and either evicted (if the water is off) or allowed to stay.

It is amazing to me, that in 2009, and in PARTICULAR in this County--probably the most Liberal in the State, the CATS will get more attention than the Human.

 

[Alpha1851]

That's b/c the Humane Society is a non-profit org., whereas Social Services is a govt. agency. Different red tape and funding issues in each. It feels like no one cares about this human life doesn't it?

Will this man be homeless if he's evicted or does he own the house? If he's going to be homeless then his set up is probably better than facing the cold w/ no shelter.

What about trying a religious organization or church? I know these folks aren't popular for many people, but they're pretty responsive when it comes to helping out. Maybe someone could talk to him and get him into a rehab facility or something. Additionally, these organizations and churches often have money put away for helping folks w/ their electrical bills when needed.

I assume that he has no family. This must be pretty big if more than one neighbor is concerned. Gosh, I wish I could think of a better solution.

 

[Yooper]

In case anyone cares, there's an update to this situation.

The dude is still in his house. Last week it wasn't a huge problem, highs in the 70's, lows in the 30's.

Tonight is different, we've dropped below 0°F. Brrrrr.

Both the Police and Post Office have 'determined' the house is vacant. WRONG! Another neighbor saw him yesterday.

Another neighbor called Adult Protective Services and the Humane Society today. Both are going to launch investigations, but this will take time. At least until the beginning of next month.

So as a last resort, I found the City website and a link to send a note to the Mayor, City Manager and ALL City Council members. I let them know what's going on. Here's the automated response I got:

Thank you for contacting the \ City Government and its elected
officials. The Council Members and Mayor have each received your
correspondence via e-mail and will take any action they feel is appropriate
from this point. Staff have also received a copy of your e-mail and will
process it promptly if it is a request for City service. If you would like
to speak with City staff about your request, please contact the City
Manager's Office at (303) .

I will go to bed and sleep soundly, I think I've done all I can.

And I included this link in my email:
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2009/01/autopsy_bay_city_man_froze_ins.html

 

[Tadaa]

Pray for him!!! Anyone that reads this, PRAY FOR HIM.

 

[tommyj]

Good job Yooper. Yes you did all that you could but so many people "wouldn't want to get involved"...I saw the Bay City, Michigan story about the 93 year old man freezing to death after power was cut off to his home. I think as we go forward, tragically, there will be more of that scenario.

 

[Puzuzzu]

i think i'd go over there and talk to him, try to help him...

 

[tommyj]

Dude, he wont answer the door. Unfortunately, its going to take a governemnt presence to do something here.

 

[Puzuzzu]

Dude, he wont answer the door. Unfortunately, its going to take a governemnt presence to do something here.

oops didn't read everything through and through

 

[Yooper]

A final update: My e-mail box has gotten a ton of replies, the situation is solved.

The e-mail bomb worked; finally got the attention of the Code Enforcement folks which got a court order to make sure the house was empty; of course it wasn't (and was 20° F inside). Results in a nutshell...from the City Manager to one of the council members:


: The safety net system successfully dealt with this case within
hours after receipt of the information from Mr. . Contact was made
with the resident, the OUR center paid for utilities to be restored, and
case management has been initiated to connect the individual with
additional services and support systems.

 

[Huskerboy]

Good for you, Yooper! I'm glad you were finally able to bring this matter to someone's attention! Sad to think that something like this has been falling through the cracks in the system all this time.

You did good!

 

[LatinoSTAR]

Maybe hes a serial killer...

 

[Alpha1851]

Yes, you should. Cannot save the world.

True. True. No one can save the whole world. But, Yooper saved this guy.


This reminds me of the Star Thrower story.

"Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"


You're an inspiration Yopper and you are a true "neighbor." Your actions probably kept this man alive! Now, he'll hopefully get the help he so desperately needs and the cats will find a new loving home

 

[star-warrior]

I'm glad that the authorities stepped in to help that guy. You're one great guy Yooper! He's more than lucky to have great neighbours like he has.

 

[FPNY]

Yeah,hem the guy up on some bullshit felony charges..That'll learn him.

I guess that what he should expect for being a poor man with an illness.

if yooper makes a false report of a crime he is guilty of a crime himself. it's called filing a false instrument AND it is a felony. why would you (lurchinurchin) suggest that someone do that?

I think Yooper did a stellar job here. he had perserverance and conscienceness of his neighbor who was in need of some assistance. i say hip hip horray for yooper.

 

[PabloZed]

I think we owe it to ourselves and our neighborhoods to at least pay attention to what is going on around us. Yoopers situation is very similar to one in my own neighborhood that did not end as well. A guy lost his lover a couple years back and fell into a deep depression. He began drinking heavily and taking drugs and was often seen wandering the neighborhood completely out of his head. Everyone, including his family, knew he was descending into an abyss, but he would not accept help. About a month ago neighbors heard loud noises in his house and his front door was off its hinges, so someone called the police. The police entered, found him holding a knife and swearing at a phantom. When he refused to drop the knife, they shot and killed him.

 

[Joshua_me]

Wow.

Sounds to me like you are one of the angels on this earth I keep hearing about, Yooper !

While it's true that you can't save anyone from themselves, it's also true that following what your heart tells you to do is a very noble thing.

I've had experience with alcoholics whose disease is so severe they'd barely notice if they were freezing to death.

It's sad beyond all words. Lord knows what sort of shit that man has been dealing with all his life to let himself sink that low.

But by the grace of God go the rest of us.

 

[uflyguy]

Congrats Yooper. Sometimes with society like it is these days, its hard to determine if you should get involved in things because you could end up being the one needing help. I'm glad you decided to try to alert someone who would actually pay attention and get the guy some help he needs. At least if things turned out differently, you know that you did all you could to help a fellow human being in need.