I delivered blankets to an elderly gentleman this afternoon. He is someone I have met with numerous times assisting with paperwork and connecting to community resources. A disabled Marine Veteran, he is a gentle soul that holds so many stories and experiences it is always a pleasure to visit him. He constantly has a kind word, is very thankful for any help he receives yet tries to stay as independent as he can. His income is $985/month from Social Security and VA benefits. He pays $300/month rent plus cmp, phone (we got him the basic lifeline) and heat. He does not own a tv, he reads, listens to music and a scanner. He has a small car payment for an older car and car insurance plus gas. There is absolutely no way this man could make it on his own, without community, state and federal resources to assist him. He is only one of many I work with that struggle on a daily basis. He is the 47%. He receives $60/month in food stamps, LIHEAP (low-income heating energy assistance program) assistance, Meals on Wheels a few nights, housekeeping help 2 afternoons through Elder Independence of Maine, Mainecare reimbursement for mileage (and Mainecare obviously). He is on a waiting list for subsidized housing for the elderly but in the meantime utilizes local fuel funds, clothing sources, and the food pantry to assist him so he can continue to pay the bills he does have. Lately he has had many deteriorating health issues, drs visits and tests. He is consistantly in pain. He admitted he is depressed and sought out services at the VA hospital. Yet his sweetness still shines through. Sitting in his wheelchair on the small sunny deck he talks about how blessed he is and thankful for the small things in life. He was touched by the blankets I brought him for his bed today. I showed him a smaller blue fleece one he could use as a throw over his legs in the living room. His eyes sparkled then clouded over. I have a problem he said seriously. I sat down and asked him to tell me. He has $140 in credit at his fuel agency from last spring. He doesn't have any oil in his tank right now. They won't deliver unless he pays $20 for delivery. He turned his head away from me. I sat quietly for a minute. He turned back to me and said "I just don't have $20" and put his head down. I assured him I could find $20 from a church or other local resource so we could get him his fuel. He looked right at me and tears just poured from his eyes. Thank you he whispered and squeezed my hand. These are the moments that keep me motivated, touch my heart, fuel my passion and feed my frustrations with our government. We should all be taking care of each other, not pointing fingers or judging. I am thankful I work in a community that takes care of it's people and has the resources to assist those in need.
