In the Palos Hills homeless population is on its own

After I emailed both my aldermen, Al Pasek and William Hanson, I waited to hear what Palos Hills was doing to manage the growing homeless population. It has been several weeks since I sent the email. I’m still waiting for any acknowledgement from Alderman Hanson that he received my email. Alderman Pasek did respond.

Alderman Pasek let me know that he asked a Palos Hills police officer to call to discuss the incident that lead me to email. I did have a pleasant, if not slightly awkward, conversation with a Palos Hills police officer who let me know that it’s really only a police matter if the person breaks a law. He did say they do want to hear from citizens if there is anything questionable happening so the police can track the homeless population and (possibly) prevent problems. He was very nice and extremely professional, but I didn’t need an officer to tell me that the police would only get involved if a law was broken. It’s common sense.

I emailed Alderman Pasek again to let him know that my conversation with the Palos Hills police department didn’t answer my question. What I got in response was a lengthy voicemail message about the Constitutional rights of homeless people and how it’s not illegal to be homeless. He said (in part) that “big government and the White House say we can’t roust homeless people.”

Again, it did not answer my question, but at this point I think the answer has become clear. The City of Palos Hills does not have any formal or informal structure in place to help our growing homeless population. If there is a law broken people should call the Palos Hills police department. Otherwise these people are dependent upon finding their way to a local charity for assistance.

So, what can people do to help our local homeless population? Here is one resource from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless FAQ section: Where can I call for help for a homeless person in suburban Cook County? Phone (877) 4-Cook-15 or (877) 426-6515. Callers with hearing problems can access specialized TTY equipment at (312) 948-6817.

Together We Cope is an organization based in Tinley Park which helps individuals and families in need. As they say on their website, “Together We Cope exists to bridge the financial gap faced by families experiencing all manner of temporary crisis. We are able to help many struggling families and individuals in myriad ways because of the generosity of local people who support our efforts.” Together We Cope can help with food, medical and shelter issues. Their phone number is (708) 633-5040.

In addition, the South Suburban PADS organization offers more than just temporary shelter. There is a full array of services from medical care to placement options. You can also support PADS by donating items to the SPREE store on 151st and LaGrange Road in Orland Park. Of course, while you’re there it wouldn’t hurt to look around. You might find something to buy, which will also help the South Suburban PADS organization. The phone number for the South Suburban PADS organization is (708) 754-4357.

Overall this has been disappointing to realize that Palos Hills leaders, from Mayor Bennett on down, have no comprehensive plan for managing our homeless population. Even something as simple as having a list of resources at Palos Hills City Hall or on the Palos Hills website is not available.

It's not as if listing resources would bring more homeless people into the city. In fact, Together We Cope is an organization anyone in crisis can contact for help. There's a funny story on their website about a senior citizen who needed new dentures after the family dog chewed on the old pair. Together We Cope was able to help, even though the person couldn't afford to pay for the new dentures. Certainly there are Palos Hills residents who could occasionally use some emergency help.

While I understand that the city is not accountable to these people as they are not citizens, it seems like it wouldn’t take much effort to work with local organizations to help these homeless men, women and children.

Of course, if there’s one thing we know about elected officials in small, local governments it’s that they are extremely beholden to small groups of voters. It’s how they stay in office year after year. Since homeless people don’t vote, they don’t end up on the local government’s radar unless there is a criminal incident. It’s a sad, but true commentary on the way small, local governments like Palos Hills are run. The voters who keep the same people in office year after year get the most attention. Those who need the most attention are ignored, even when small steps would make a big difference.