TRAVERSE CITY - People who experience homelessness can be especially lonely for the holidays.
“I don’t think I ever want to feel again, because it was it was it was cold and clinical and, inhuman,” says Justice Cicotte, experiencing homelessness.
With many places closed up on Christmas day. Many find themselves with nowhere to go. There are some churches hosting community meals and safe harbor will be open all day long.
“I really don’t have no place to go for holidays. All my family is in different states, so no, I’m alone,” says Deb Habian, experiencing homelessness.
The holidays can be a time of joy and belonging but others in the community experiencing homelessness can feel the exact opposite.
“I’ve got osteoarthritis and it’s really hard during the holidays because the stuff I took for the chronic pain doesn’t help for it. And no support system here. I’ve got one friend gal…she’s been like I call her my second big sister or like sister because my first sister Kathy passed away. But, she’s been the only person,” explains Habian.
Deb Habian isn’t sure where she will be heading the holidays, but churches and other non-profits try to spread the word so no one is left alone on the holidays.
“Safe harbor will be open all day like they are on the weekends for Christmas. For the people that stay there the night before. There’s also a community meal put on by the Trinity Lutheran church, Thirteenth and Maple, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Christmas day.
Justice Cicotte, shares his own experience of being homeless in a different state and how isolating it felt.
“The guy looked at me like I was invisible. It was like, damn, that’s a hell of an experience. And this is what the homeless feel like,” he explains.
Ryan Hannon From United Methodist Church explains that not everyone’s situation is the same.
“People experiencing homelessness do not wish to be out there experiencing homelessness…. So please understand that everyone’s situation is different and all sorts of help through awareness, donations and come to volunteer is helpful for our community,” shares Hannon.
With many options to help, Deb wants others to know that they are human too and sometimes a personal connection goes a long way.
Maybe just, go to community meals and maybe find somebody that would be appreciative of their help... Because sometimes people don’t want to take the time. They think if they make a donation, that that’s suffice. Not always,” she says.
Hannon also says donations needed include winter gear and hand warmers.