UNTOUCHABLES 17/07/21
Some people have claimed the entity of the self to be a demon! Whether the demon is independent and external or an integral part of the human psyche, I don't know. In My Social Relations, I am describing the entity a state of mind; a phenomenal aspect from the perspective of social science.
It is best to enquire about demon existence to those experts and not in here. My statement follows that unknown phenomenon may exist or may not but if they do, we don't have a conventional method to prove their existence.
When I established my Charitable Trust over twenty years ago, there were many genuine community organisations offering similar voluntary work for those in need. I became familiar with a category of clientele made up of those who have been seeking help from mainstream and well-funded community agencies.
Some of them don't get anywhere, so they seek my help as a last resort. I realised that these folks rejected from mainstream agencies are the ones with the most urgent needs. They are declined help because of their criminal records or because they suffer from a form of illness.
And here's me advising anyone to join a voluntary agency in order to help themselves kick their selfish addictions. In fact, potential community helpers have to pass a police criminal clearance first. And if you are seeking help, those you deal with have access to your personal or criminal record.
One cannot help but wonder why he/she is made to wait for hours in the waiting room to see a nurse or a case manager as if he/she is punished. So it might be easier to commit a crime and serve time inside than to endure humiliation in so-called public services. Or even forage on the outside than seeking help.
Is avoiding institutional racism therefore keeping dignity intact part of the homeless rationale?
Those with challenging behaviour made up the shortlist for eviction, along with addicts and those enduring mental illness. HNZC used to throw them out too, but soon realise these folks have to be housed somewhere. Under National, they don't even make the waiting list as their incomes and background don't meet the threshold.
Now, these folks have to be housed somewhere. Citi Mission services cannot accommodate all of them, so HNZC is forced to find somewhere else in another area to take them in.
Addicts, Mental Illness, Gangsters or reformed ones all have criminal records of sorts. But they are only reminded of their crimes when seeking help even for help to quit or rehabilitation. I'm sure the age group of the Untouchables is trending younger as the highest rate of suicide is among male between the ages of 15 and 24.
I understand the most difficult time for an addict is withdrawal symptoms usually when trying to kick the habit. He/she needs all the support one can get. But this according to the general and collective experience, is too stigmatised for anyone to come near, let alone being seen helping. Thanks to the PM for a bold statement in the face of adversity, she is not afraid to reach out to the untouchables.
It is from this understanding that those who seek help to quit or to hear them out are only found among those who had experience in alcohol and drugs. No one in so-called public services are genuine about helping the untouchables. And it has been mentioned that memberships of group increases for their understanding.
My community group is only a small one, but our advocacy had taken us into corridors of Justice, Landlords and Health. And we were dealing with professionals including lawyers, doctors and landlords.
My community group was established years before registration with Charitable Commission. We operate on a small budget compared to millions granted to other groups for what kind of voluntary services they deliver I'm not sure. But one thing is certain, should those groups succeed in making a profit, voluntary organisation has thus become an incubator for the business private sector.
You see, the business private sector gets a healthy start by diverting resources away from those with social needs. The business private sector continues to receive funding from public revenues. At the same time, those with the most needs are not only deprived from public services, but also somewhat punished by institutional racism.
It's all very well for businesses to supply demands to satisfy consumer addictions, but when folks need help, they are left on their own accord.
And for that, I think it's time New Zealand develops a specialised centre for the treatment and research of addiction and its effects among consumers. This could go a long way in direction of production, social media and suicide prevention.
Since the voluntary sector has taken over by Charity Commission for the private sector, this specialised centre obviously connects to existing services of Citi Mission. Citi Mission has a proven record for caring for the needy irrespective of background. It's time an institution for humanity is established to enhance our shared values. At least it's a place we call home. All humans matter!