A California woman took matters into her own hands after calls to the city for help with an elderly homeless man went unanswered. Kate Monroe, the CEO of VetComm, found Barney Chapman living under a tarp in Oceanside after he had been homeless for 17 years. Determined to make a change, Monroe provided Chapman with shelter and successfully facilitated a reunion with his long-lost sister.
Barney, a 65-year-old man who had lost his leg in a car accident, was the last person Monroe interviewed during her research on the region’s homeless crisis. After the local news aired the video of their meeting, Barney’s sister, Marjorie Chapman, recognized him and immediately contacted Monroe. Overjoyed, Marjorie traveled to California to see her brother for the first time in decades.
While the reunion was a heartwarming moment, Monroe expressed her disappointment in the city for failing Barney. Despite Barney’s efforts to seek help through the city’s department responsible for homeless services, he never received a response. Monroe and others attempted to contact the city on Barney’s behalf, but their calls were also ignored.
The City of Oceanside claims to have served 622 homeless individuals last year, with only 39 individuals finding permanent housing. Monroe and another generous woman decided to split the cost of a motel room for Barney since the city’s support was nowhere to be found. Fortunately, Barney has now been off the streets for a month.
Monroe stressed that Barney was one of the easiest people to help, as he did not have any drug or alcohol problems and had a strong desire to find shelter. She questioned how many others were struggling without any assistance, emphasizing that the government’s approach to addressing homelessness is failing.
In response, Oceanside Housing Management Analyst Salvador Roman acknowledged the frustration and expressed a commitment to improvement. However, he mentioned that demand for help often surpasses available resources, making it difficult to cater to everyone’s needs. Roman also highlighted that services are typically requested by the individuals themselves and advised homeless individuals to contact 211 or visit a resource center for assistance.
The homeless crisis extends beyond Oceanside, as downtown San Diego witnessed over 2,100 people living on the streets in May. Despite increased spending on homeless services, the problem persists. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget for homelessness allocates $81.7 million, while Oceanside has received substantial government funding for a homeless shelter project.
Reflecting on their success in transforming Barney’s life within two months, Monroe emphasized the need for collective effort. She called on the public to stop relying solely on the government and to actively contribute to helping the homeless.
Monroe’s ultimate goal is to find permanent housing for Barney. With some government benefits and $2,000 saved, he plans to purchase an RV and live in an RV park with full amenities.
Barney’s remarkable transformation demonstrates the impact individual efforts can make in addressing homelessness. While the government’s assistance is necessary, it is crucial for citizens to step up and take action. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need.
