Housing the Homeless

Housing the Homeless - Lutherville-Timonium, MD Patch

As county officials grapple with homelessness, a local man's story of living under a bridge, panhandling and recovering from drug addiction shows how entrenched the problem can be.

Jeff Lindelof, 53, lives under a bridge. He likes it that way.

Raccoons, possums, foxes, deer and even a bobcat that he named Sable comfort Lindelof. He likes them more than he likes most humans.

If you've ever traveled York Road crossing into Cockeysville, you've probably met Lindelof and he has probably told you to "have a blessed day," even if you screamed at him to get a job.

Three or four times a week, he can be found at the intersection of York and Padonia roads, either sitting on two milk crates or limping up and down the median strip asking for change. He is homeless, aside from his encampment he shares with two others. He is also part of a growing trend in Baltimore County, where more men and women are finding themselves without shelter.

In response, county officials are hosting a series of meetings throughout the weekend to develop strategies for solving the issue.

But, Lindelof said he is skeptical and doesn't want the government's help.

"What are they going to do? Seriously, what are they going to do? They're going to come out, put us in a house or an apartment? They can't afford that," he said. "There are too many like me that want to be out here—that are more comfortable out there than they are in society."

When we help another in homelessness we may find those who are reluctant to accept help or may be happy with their life. We must respect the human dignity to choose ones way. But we can learn and gain insight by their story that will perhaps help another. We must neither reject nor scold them but befriend and help them in anyway we can. [Ed. please see also this related editorial.]

Brother's Keeper now has training opportunities on new ways of working with the homeless and underprivileged on it's Education and Preparation page.