" Lighten up Max,it's warming up outside,and the park benches will soon be out.Plus you can read this fine paper now on line.You sound like a very caring person, so maybe you could open your home to some of the less fortunate and really make a big difference in someones life.WWJD? Oh and that aroma you speak of the city has an ongiong sewer woe problem in the uptown area, any bldg I've been in lately in that area reicks of sewage smell. "

" YOUR TAX DOLLARS DO NOT SUPPORT PADS. They are supported by private donations. Mattoon would be better off if they closed the doors to PADS forever, but if people in town want to give them their money so they can continue to operate they have that right. Too bad people don't wake up and see that place helps no one and causes the problems you describe. But to say the city or county supports them is not true. "

" Max, If we kept the PADS residents out of the Library they could lay off half of the staff. A sizable chunk of their budget goes for repairs due to the damage the PADS residents and a few kids cause. I will not let my kids go to the Library alone anymore because of the "homeless" residents lurking about all day long. "

" Max and Grumpy, so what are you proposing -- some sort of test to prove you have a home or a job before you're allowed into the library? How about an income test -- we don't want to let the riff-raff in, now do we? Maybe if you walked a mile in their shoes, you'd show a little more compassion for people in their situation. If this economy gets worse, who knows -- there may be a lot more of us seeking daytime refuge in the library. "

" Hahvahd, what I propose is a mandatory job training program for shelter residents. They should be required to attend (and pass) classes providing them with job skills. The classes should be 8-hour classes, with lunch provided, six days a week. The program could work out something with the City, County, or State where the students (the PADS residents) then could work at public service duties to pay for their up-keep.
The requirements should be laid out prior to the first night the subject stays at PADS. Should they decline the offer then they need a bus ticket to somewhere warm. No work, no training, no hand-outs.
Heck why don't we bring back the CCC and the WPA? A lot of public facilities were constructed using these organizations, many of then are still being used. If they want help and are willing to work then they should get it. If not get lost!
As for your suggestion for an income test to be allowed to use the Library I hope you were joking. The key word is use not reside. It is fairly obvious who is using the Library and who is just killing time until the shelter reopens.
I do totally agree with the idea that if the economy does not start rebounding more of us will be in trouble. Just do not look for me to ask for a romm at the Hotel Public Library. "

" Yes, Grumpy, I was being sarcastic about your lack of compassion. Hey, I'm all with you on bringing back the CCC and WPA, and for paying for the homeless or the unemployed to have job training provided in exchange for service! But you know what? Many of the same people complaining about the homeless frequenting the publicly-funded library would also complain about implementing the CCC, WPA, and job training programs that you describe. We can't have it both ways -- either we create opportunities for people to support themselves, or we admit that we're a bunch of compassionless jerks and pray that we don't ever need any help ourselves. "

" Some of you seem to have a bad case of "me". May I suggest that you become part of the solution? Have you ever volunteered at PADS? Do you know what programs are offered...what rules must be followed...what conditions apply for those utilizing the shelter??? Based on comments, I think I can safely bet that the answer is "Duh, no".

PADS is very much part of the solution to the homeless problem and without it, your homeless population would be growing and much more visible. Have you considered that the "problem population" viewed from such a high horse does not represent those willing to follow the strict program PADS enforces...one designed to assist people in getting back on their feet and rejoining the community as capable and contributing members? Logic would tell me that the "olfactory offenders" are not those who are clients of PADS...where cleanliness is required and the necessities to obtain such conditions are provbided.

Perhaps you should visit PADS....a little knowlege can bring positive enlightenment. "

" PADS serves a good cause helping the downtrodden. One of the problems they have is that some of those downtrodden who seek shelter there are the seriously chronically mentally ill. Because the state of Illinois does such an abysmal job of caring for these folks (turning them out on the streets many years ago), they have no place to go. Coles County Mental Health Services isn't adequately funded to deal with this situation. When they land in PADS, they are typically un-medicated, flat broke, and in serious trouble.

What's your solution to that, Max? Arent you turning a selfish blind eye to reality? "

" PADS
Is being used as a place for paroled x convicts to have a place to go when they are turned out of the state prisons. Many of the people shipped in here are caught trying to steal or vandalizing property and are sent back to jail.There is no way my children are going any where near the Library for any reason,and my wife will not go down town for any thing either.This is a black eye to the city and it needs to go away. The reason that Mr. Lumkin never got his park down town is because it would be full of people from the shelter and no one else would have ever been seen near it..Ask his employees????? "

" First...this is offensive. An assumption is made that if somebody is hanging out at the library and has an offensive odor...that person must "reside" at PADS. If you (those who hold these assumptions as accuracies) had ever been a volunteer at PADS, you would find this laughable. Personal cleanliness is required and products to assure this are provided. Showers are also mandated.

The goal of Mattoon PADS is not to provide a free "food and flop" facility. They treat people with compassion and encouragement while firmly assisting them in the process which will reincorporate them into the community as responsible, self-sufficient citizens. It is a tough job for both the providers and the clients and it requires determination from everyone involved. They do not always succeed, but giving up is never an option for the people who are committed to PADS.

I would suggest that the people you are viewing from such a high horse may be those who chose not to follow the rules and are not part of the program, some who have not yet been detected as non-compliant, and possibly some who have not yet hit a spot so low that they are willing to seek help.

I think that you may be fooling yourself if you think that PADS is the reason there are homeless people in Mattoon. The population of homeless was evident to some who chose not to wear blinders...those who chose to try to improve the situation rather than ignore and/or complain about it's existence. Those organizers and those who continue to volunteer and support PADS are a blessing to the community...all of the community.

Try volunteering...it will open your eyes and touch your heart...and you will be blessed by the experience. "

" blessed are those who haven't been put on the RRD chopping block YET, huh Max? "

" BlackBart wrote on Apr 24, 2009 1:53 PM:

" PADS
Is being used as a place for paroled x convicts to have a place to go when they are turned out of the state prisons."

Check your facts. I think you are in error on this one, although this rumor has been rearing its ugly head at regular intervals for many years. The truth, as I recall, is that backgrounds are checked and felons are not admitted. It would not be in the best interest of volunteers or clients to expose them to potentially dangerous situations. This would be counterproductive to the goals of the organization...to positively influence lives. "

" Here's an idea, people can donate their time and money to PADS then maybe they can afford to be open all the time and people can hang at the shelter instead of the library :) "

" Really, just how many crimes do you hear about that are being committed by people down on their luck,and staying at Pads?? Even homeless folks have morals. X-cons returning to this area that where convicted of dope dealings usually resort right back to dealing and for the few months they get away with it they live good.If you want to lower the crime rate in Mattoon focus needs to be on reducing the numbers addicts.And I believe Pads does everything in their power to do just that.Please don't hate on the homeless. If you want to hate,hate on the govt.for allowing dope to be brought into our country & distributed,wich in turn causes crime & poverty,death,addictions & chaos. "

" Responsible Party, if you are a volunteer at PADS, thank you.

Since I posted my earlier comment, I have been told that PADS does not accept a homeless person if they have a mental illness - specifically, if they are a client of Coles County Mental Health Services. Is this true, or not? "

" Are any of the residents of PADS longtime residents of Mattoon? "

" Old Grumpy, u make it sound like homeless people have kooties!! "

" At least the YMCA's version of the community fitness center, doesn't have the same problems as the library. Most any other city, the situations would possibly be reversed. Could you imagine the outrage, if the YMCA had down on their luck folks about the premisis.

I have been to some big libraries, in several places, but forgot to ask what their policy is for indigent use.

Perhaps a group shoud check with amtrack and greyhound to see if they might have a deal for a oneway ticket to anywhere but here program. Chartering a bus could be an option, as well. Be sure to ask for third class fares, and accomodations.

What is the cut off for third class citizenship these days?

There are those who abuse the system, in their access of it. There are those that abuse the system in administering it or it benefits. Greed at the expense of the poor, is probably the lowest of lows in my book.

Often the difference between subsistence on programs, and getting up and out of them, is driven by the level of hope the individual has. Some programs are better at turning hand outs into a hand up, than others. Some have priorities that are less than productive.

What if it were you, your family, your child, or someone you know? Would you mind society kicking them while they are down, and decreasing the likelyhood of raising hopes and aspirations to rise above their circumstances, or washing their hands of involvement by a oneway ticket out of sight and mind, or a shove out the door. Should they stop looking down their nose at the less fortunate, and be at the very least less obviously offended at their sometimes obvious existence in their midst, if they don't have the compassion to get involved in contributing to a solution. "

" It seems like our society is always ready to kick those on the bottom of the heap the hardest. The letter that started this thread was callous and mean spirited. And of course there are those ready to join in and put down the very people Mr Kingery seems to delight in berating.

And to my fellow posters who made good and decent responses to this letter writer, thanks for proving that not everyone feels it necessary to put down those that need our help. "

" What if it were you, your family, your child, or someone you know? Would you mind society kicking them while they are down.

Mike P

If it were my family, they would not have to stay in a homeless shelter. "

" Old grumpy I'm not going to let my kids go to the library alone now that i know you lurk around there. "

" Kamfong, If you are serious about not allowing your children to go to the Library because I often use the facility you need to add the Mall, Wal-Mart, and County Market to your list because I also go there. The plan seems somewhat "over-kill" but you are free to make the choice and your plan will make it safer for your children. One big benefit fror your family will be the additional time you get to spend with your children. "

" Gringa YES there has been people with mental problems staying there and was a client of Coles County Mental Health Services. He lived at PADS for about 2 years give or take. He now lives at the high rise.
Medic YES is the answer to your question also. The same man I talked about to Gringa is a life long Mattoon resident and is approximately 60 now. "

" Old grumpy I don't want to spend anymore time with the brats than i do,why do you think i want to drop them off to the libraries free babysitting service. "

" As a former Mattoon resident, I spent many hours at the Library. I remember when it was a nice place to study, read, work on projects, etc. I also remember how it changed once PADS came into existance. It got to the point I hated to go in and out because of the people hanging around outside in nice weather; but worse was the same crowd hanging around inside during lousy weather. Not one of them was there for the purpose for which libraries were intended.

Homelessness is a very sad state of affairs, but it must be commented that some people are homeless by choice and their occupation is working the system. These are the problem people, causing fights, vandalism, and being a plain nuisance. The truly homeless did spend time searching job ads, working on their reading skills with tutors, and generally tried to be productive in some way.

It's a real shame that people can't feel safe bringing their children to the Library. Good reading habits start when children are young. "

" My EX was resident of PADS,,,,he
beat me, verbally abused all of us,
drank to excess, gambled when had some money, made meth and used that, he had money for marijuana and cocaine, but never had a cent due to his lifestyle.
I got an OP on him, so he is out and trying make some women think he is such a wonderful man. If they have good looking daughters, be WEARY.
I am glad rid of the jerk. Life is happier but we having other problems like no food but that would happened with him living off of us.
Son put applications at places, but no check two weeks and then another two weeks to get a first check. God has to handle it. Im tired and wornout and not able to worry about it all. "

" Mamma says: Hang in there,keep your faith & it will bring you through this<:) "

" Mama > "If they have good looking daughters, be WEARY."
As in a molester?? If so has he been turned in?? Do tell us more. "

" Does anyone know if PADS helps their residents find jobs of any type? Or even helps them to get back to school if they don't have a GED? I think that if the residents could find employement , hard to do in this economy but probaly harder when you're homeless, but maybe helping PADS residents find schooling and or employment could be a wonderful and productive use of their time for those hours when the shelter is closed and would help pull them out of the ranks of homeless people. Mama hugs, hang in there, I've been where you are now and it will get better, just hang in there. "

" devilishangel61401, there is reportedly a program or requirement that requires the PADS residents to seek employment. The big problem seems to be the enforcement of this rule. Since all residents are "kicked out" each morning training or schooling is impossible to deliver.
The bottom line is, residents are housed and fed each evening, scattered each morning, and then readmitted the next evening. No training, no improvement, and no end in sight. The problem does not seem to be addressed.
Each morning when the residents are "kicked out" they roam the streets looking for a place to stay until the shelter opens the following night. The Public Library offers a nice warm, dry, quite place to nap until the shelter opens. The result is an endless cycle that drains the shelter's bank account. Unless PADS offers/requires training and education for its residents the cycle will not be broken. Good intentions will only help so much. "

" The only services that I know for sure that PADS provides or least will help those staying there is to assist them in obtaining a state ID card and a social security card if need be.

Also I do know for a fact the there is a limit to how many nights you can stay there over a certain period of time.

PADS is far from a perfect solution for the homeless in this area, but it is better than nothing.

Another thing I know is that as the job situation in this area continues to stink the more people are going to wind up in the street.

Finally we need to remember what PADS mission really is, and that is to provide a safe, dry and warm place to sleep for those who have no other option. There are other programs in this area to help provide job training and education for adults who wish to partake of it. "

" PADS provides what they can. There is an effort to do more, both in training and assistance in linking to other agencies that provide services. Funding is a huge issue since many services are provided in areas that cannot be easily accessed--such as Sarah Bush or Charleston.

If monies were available, there could be a 24 hour shelter where clients could receive in-house training or transport to outside services. There have been attempts to accomplish some of this with the availability of donated computers and some extention of hours during extreme weather.

With the strict length of stay and compliance to services rules, additional resources could allow residents to more quickly return to the job market and get started in their own apartments. There are some who do not have that as a goal, and those will be eventually eliminated...you cannot help someone who does not want to overcome their circumstance. These are the people who will be burdens forever, but they are not the targeted population PADS is hoping to reach.

With the economy, the cost of food, power, and transport alone makes this step even more difficult....think of yourself and the impact of the past couple of years in terms of food, gas and electricity, and transporation. Can you imagine trying to absorb that when you start with nothing?

The hot lunch program was added initially to make sure that the many children in the area who qualify for school lunches have an opportunity to get a nutritous meal during the summer months and on days when schools are out. Most of these children are not homeless. Since PADS already offered sack lunches for anyone who stayed overnight, the lunch program was not targeted for them. It did, however, offer them a chance for a hot lunch in the colder weather if they chose to return for it.

If people would join the effort to fix a problem rather than whine about its existence, things would get better. If you are a whinber, why not call PADS and see if you can join their effort....even it it is something as small as donating supplies. And while you are at it, maybe you should stop by and notice the cleanliness....after all, do you wash all of your bedding everyday and mop all floors? Do you thoroughly clean the bathrooms and sanitize the kitchen?? They do. "

" Come on guys. We can't put homeless people to work on public projects. Remember the big stink when volunteers helped erect a school sign?

Careful now, talk like that will get your kneecaps busted. "

" Well, did I say my property taxes supported PADS, no I said "I am proud to pay property taxes where we have two homesless shelters". If PADS wants to operate in Mattoon, fine, but my complaint is that the homeless are allowed to use the library for a purpose that it was not intended!! It is there for the use of the residents of Mattoon to research, read, and entertain themselves through the use of books, magazines and newspapers. I would like to read the various "out of town" newspapters I do not personally subscribe to, but find this impossible!! I have complained about this problem to a library board member, police, and the librarians...without satisfaction. I just got my tax bill and a good chunk of it goes to a library I cannot use because of this ongoing problem....and obviously others feel they cannot use it either. My original complaint was about this continuing problem not PADS.

A solution for the idol residents of PADS would be to train them to work in a community service effort within Mattoon. I see lots of trash along the highways, weeds in beds with "Welcome to Mattoon" signs, cigarette butts in parking lots and leaves and sticks along gutters.... "