Homeless, But Not Hopeless
By SHELLEY HANSON Staff WriterArticle Photos
WHEELING - Paul Arthur once had everything he ever wanted: a successful restaurant, a beautiful beach house and a loving wife.
After losing his 30-year-old bride, Patricia, to scleroderma, an incurable tissue-attacking disease, Arthur realized there was no amount of money that could bring her back. He decided to give most of his earnings away and he left Florida, living in his car all across the United States.
With no more money and nowhere to go, Arthur, 61, a Pittsburgh native, read in a library book that the city of Wheeling was one of the safest places in the U.S. to live.
Soon after, he found his way to the Friendly City and the Wheeling Salvation Army's emergency shelter on 16th Street. Since living there, he has cooked at a couple different local restaurants. Then the Salvation Army offered him a job cooking for his fellow shelter residents. He also works security at the center's front desk.
"I feel better now than when I had all that money," Arthur said. "Having all that money didn't help me or my wife when she was alive."
Arthur is one of the hundreds of thousands of people the Wheeling Salvation Army has helped in its 125-year history, which is being highlighted May 18 during the organization's annual volunteer appreciation luncheon.
Wheeling was the first Salvation Army Corps established in the state of West Virginia in 1883, and continues to be one of the few Army corps statewide with an emergency shelter.
The luncheon, set for noon-1 p.m. at the Corps Community Center, 3333 Eoff St., South Wheeling, is open to the public. There is a cost. To make a reservation, call 304-233-4400 by Thursday. The gathering is the organization's way of saying "thank you" to its volunteers and donors.
Maj. Dianna Blevins, who runs the organization with her husband, Maj. John Blevins, noted the 35-bed shelter is near capacity every day.
It's the only local homeless shelter that houses men, women and families.
And as financial times get tougher, more people are relying on the Salvation Army, she noted.
"In Wheeling, we never know what the day will bring. Thank God we have this wonderful resource," Dianna Blevins said. "The mission of the Army is to help the less fortunate."
She noted the Army Corps counsels people through some of the most dire times of their lives - homelessness brought on by a variety of hardships, such as job loss, domestic violence, medical issues and more. The people in need are at their most vulnerable, their states of mind fragile.
"Sometimes you have to step back and seek prayer," she said.
The shelter is more than just a temporary roof over people's heads. The Army Corps gives guidance, encouragement and nourishment to help residents focus in the morning while on their way to find a new job, to start a new life. Milk, bread and other fast foods are in constant need, as residents are always on the go, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. when they are permitted back into the shelter for the night. Many, she noted, walk 5 miles to the WorkForce West Virginia office in Warwood because they cannot afford bus fare. Having snacks to take on the road keeps up their strength for the long journey, the test taking once they arrive, and the walk back to their temporary home.
"When my babies leave, when they find a job and get their life back in order ... when they walk out of here and stand tall - that gets me energized for the next family," Dianna Blevins said.
Two of Arthur's new friends, Bill Creely and Luke Briggs, also are living and working at the shelter. Creely, 49, originally from New Jersey, lost his job in Wheeling and sought help at the shelter. He began volunteering at the Army Corps' warehouse, where donated clothing, furniture and other items are sorted. He now is a part-time warehouse and security employee.
Creely wants to make a new life in Wheeling for his adolescent children who are now living in Weirton.
Without a car of his own, Creely noted it has been difficult finding full-time employment he can reach via public transportation. The jobs either start too early or too late for the bus system to get him there on time. Arthur noted paying for cabs quickly eats up one's wages.
But if Creely has his choice, he will stay in Wheeling.
"I like it here. It's more laid back," he said, noting New Jersey was a little too fast paced and overcrowded for his taste. He lived there for 35 years.
Briggs, 44, was born in Rochester, N.Y., and grew up in North Rose-Wolcott, N.Y. He's been homeless off and on during the past 10 years.
"I would never choose to be homeless. I'd prefer to have at least a good camping outfit," said Briggs, who also works in the warehouse.
Creely and Arthur describe Briggs as a gentle giant of sorts; he can lift a bed with one hand.
Briggs said he is thankful the Salvation Army and the Blevins exist.
"None of us are perfect. I'm not perfect, that's for sure," he said.
Arthur believes some people's misconceptions about the homeless are caused by the actions of a few. He reminds people, however, that homeless doesn't mean hopeless.
According to information provided by the Blevins, the first account of the first Salvation Army Corps in West Virginia was recorded in the organization's "War Cry" publication on March 15, 1883. The article talks about a meeting being held in Wheeling, attended by "Capt. Thomas" and "Lt. Ross." There was a march through the city to the church hall.
"The saloons were emptied and houses vacated while we passed along the streets. People rushed out at the sound of Captain Irons flute, accompanied by the sound of tambourines. The hall was crowded to excess, and soldiers spoke up well. A look at the faces testified of the change in their hearts. Five precious souls were rescued from the grasp of Satan. This is only the beginning, more to follow yet in the fight," according to an excerpt from the article.
In Allen Satterlee's book, "Sweeping Through the Land: A History of The Salvation Army in the Southern United States," he cites a May 31, 1883 "War Cry" article that says this about the Army's work in Wheeling: "In this land of tobacco and bad whiskey, it means something for men to give up these things; and nothing but the Holy Ghost can enable men to do it; ..."
It took a few years for the Salvation Army concept to catch on in the Friendly City. Its headquarters moved to and from a variety of buildings over the years. Its social service center, where the homeless shelter is situated, currently is located at 140 16th St. Next to it is a thrift store where sales of furniture and other items help keep the shelter running.
John Blevins noted the Army Corps is willing to pick up furniture donations in Ohio County. The items are needed not only to sell, but to give to people leaving the homeless shelter.
"When people come here, they have nothing. And when they leave here, they have nothing," Dianna Blevins said, citing the need for donations.
The Salvation Army began in the United States in 1879 with an inaugural meeting in Philadelphia. Prior to that, the organization was founded in England by William Booth, an evangelist who in 1852 began preaching in the streets of London and whose first converts were "thieves, prostitutes, gamblers and drunkards," according to the Salvation Army Web site.
The Salvation Army has 7,686 total centers of operation across the U.S., but none receive funding from the national headquarters. The organizations rely on donations from local residents and organizations such as the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. Each holiday season, the Wheeling Salvation Army conducts its Red Kettle campaign during which volunteers collect donations in containers outside of Ohio County retailers. They money is used to pay bills related to running the shelter and continue social services.
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PieSteel
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05-12-09 11:01 AM
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I know these individuals they are great people, and they are hard workers. Everyone needs a second chance in life. IF you never been homeless, or if you never needed a food order, or utility help then you would not know what The Salvation Army really does. If you do not want to give to any organization then give directly to the people who are in need, stop by the homeless shelter, or catholic chairities and see for yourself who needs what.
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popeye
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05-11-09 9:14 PM
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Charitable organizations are American as apple pie. They deserve our support. Help those less fortunate.
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RealReality
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05-11-09 8:45 PM
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Well at least I got you to research the facts. I'll take that as admission that your previous rant about UW CEO raking in $700k contained false info. Gallagher is CEO of UW of America - which IS NOT a national office that oversees Wheeling's UWUOV! Again, UWUOV is independent 501c3 nonprofit corporation and their CEO makes $45k. Bottom line is if you feel strongly about only specific agencies, you should feel free to support them. But if you are interested in making the community better as a whole, UW's the way to go - putting your $ where it is needed most. And to clarify UW has been around in the US since 1887 - hardly a "new PC charitable path".
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EllisWyatt
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05-11-09 6:19 PM
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Real Why wouldn't I just give directly to 5 charities, rather than give to the UW and let them make the decisions and skim off the top? Giving to the United Way is the new PC charitable path. It is also the lazy man's way. Do your own research and give directly to those charities doing the work. 2006 compensation for United Way-America President Brian Gallagher: $466,351, of which $55,000 was a bonus. 2006 compensation for Salvation Army national commander Israel L. Gaither AND his wife: $65,617, of which $300 was a bonus. Again, if I find the Salvation Army to be a worthy charity (and I do) why would I give to the UW and hope that they give to the SA? It makes no sense. The more steps you can cut out, the more you can reduce overhead. This means that more of your money goes exactly where you want it to go.
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RealReality
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05-11-09 11:27 AM
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sorry... local needs. Very often the family that is burned out of their home also has immediate and longer term needs around other issues. Supporting your local UW ensures that services are there to wrap that support from the community around the family to help them get back on their feet. A considerable amount funding goes into these crisis intervention, education and rehabilitation programs in the Wheeling area. Again take a moment and help yourself understand where the charitable dollar goes. Visit guidestar**** and then maybe you will be a little more informed to constructively add to the discussion.
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RealReality
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05-11-09 11:24 AM
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Great article highlighting the best of the human spirit: individuals maintaining hope in the face of hardship, and the tireless efforts and compassion of a longstanding beacon of support – The Salvation Army. Yes, this agency receives funding from UWUOV, as does the Red Cross. They are able to respond to local fires because of support received from local UW. Do yourselves a favor and visit ****guidestar**** where you can see all of the financial dealings of non-profits in USA with annual IRS tax returns. The most recent posted salary for CEO of UWUOV is $45k – considerably less than what “EllisWyatt” has posted and a few more have commented on. Many don’t realize that UWUOV is one of 1200 independent UW’s in USA. The money raised in UOV stays in UOV supporting programs helping people like in the story. Also the real value of UW is that knowledgeable vols. & staff continually assess needs in the local community & make funding decisions to best apply available resources to loc
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hollis1us
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05-11-09 10:39 AM
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I'm homeless and not by choice. The Salvation Army here is kind enough to take me in for awhile while I try to get back on my feet. The staff are very considerate and helpful to the guests, and do not deserve any condemnation; no, on the contrary, they deserve praise for their genuine interest in helping the less fortunate. So let us all be supportive of them and what they are doing! Ed
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TheRealityPolice
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05-10-09 10:58 PM
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The CEO of United Way make HOW MUCH???? 700 THOUSAND DOLLARS??? WOW - I am in the wrong business - I need to get in the "charity" business! lol...Dayum
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wheelingme
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05-10-09 10:31 PM
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jesus didn't rely on the tax dollars of thos ewho work for aliving!!! jesus had a purpose and yes he did work!!! don't confus ethem numb n-uts
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EllisWyatt
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05-10-09 9:46 PM
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The Salvation Army is a great charity. They are on the spot, they work in your local community and they provide needed services. You do not have to go through the United Way, which is the current fashionable charity to which snobs donate. I'm sorry, I know this offends many of you, but why should I donate my money through a third party that does nothing more than pay its' CEO $700,000 per year? Give to the people on the ground, those who do the work. You can see the Salvation Army at work each day. I have yet the see the United Way show up at a fire or take in the homeless. If you are smart enough to accumulate enough money that you can afford to donate, you should be smart enough to donate the money on your own, without the United Way's input.
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Joanie1982
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05-10-09 8:54 PM
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This story was very touching. I too have been "homeless, not hopeless", and trust me, a person has little choice in the matter, especially given the current economic and housing crisis... And like Paul Arthur, I too lost my car when the domestic violence shelter came only with metered parking--at the exact time I was struggling to regain my footing--I escaped with the clothes on my back, much less with a job to pay the meter! And trust me, losing a car while homeless does make getting back on your feet difficult around here, given that most poor people won't be offered the 9 to 5 jobs,when the buses are running. I wish everyone in the article only the best.
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Graysongs
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05-10-09 3:39 PM
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good4u - I just wnt to give to them directly amd not have it go through UW. Far more good is one that way.
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good4u
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05-10-09 2:17 PM
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Gray, FYI- The Salvation Army is a United Way Organization. But, please don't let that prohibit you from donating or volunteering for Salvation Army. But I know how you feel. I don't think they are 'worthless' its just so many services that were once available ( like rental/utility assistance, bus passes, etc) have been cut by social service organizations due to lack of funding. It is such a shame. It is a shame that the services got cut and it is a shame that so many people are in need of the help.
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Graysongs
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05-10-09 1:55 PM
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Thje Salvation Army is the only place where I will give money outside of my church. They are truly worthy and useful to those in need, The rest of these organizations - uespecially United Way - are less than worthless.
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lurkergrrl
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05-10-09 11:26 AM
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Jesus "chose" to be homeless too... I think it's awesome when people walk in his footsteps and give away their belongings and put their faith in God. One day I hope God gives me the strength to do that.
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corgitoy
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05-10-09 10:59 AM
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wheelingme-two words, spell check.
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shastacooper
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05-10-09 9:28 AM
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wheelingme...look at yourself in the mirror.....LOSER
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Beernutt
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05-10-09 7:58 AM
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wheelingme - I pray you never require the services of the Salvation Army. As misinformed as you are, the great thing is that the Salvation Army will still support and assist you. Be supportive of a great organization, you just never know when you may be in need of their services.
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wvufan
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05-10-09 7:41 AM
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Did you even read the story? The luncheon is for volunteers... Yes this one man did choose to be homeless and so do others, but many find rought times and need the shelter in order to get back on their feet. The Salavation Army is a good organization and they deserve our support for the work they do.
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wheelingme
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05-10-09 6:01 AM
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He wasn't left hopmeless he chose it!!! as many of them have, looking for a handout to a point soem cause of this economic down fall through tax dollars used to support them and thier habits that could eb sued to strnegthen and support the economy so yeah go ahead wheeling throw them a luncheon!!!
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