Go-Getters Consumers Hurt by Cutbacks

by Charlie Zink for Southwest Solutions

It’s a place for warmth, a safe haven for those fighting addictions and mental illness. It’s a place where long-term friendships are formed, and where the homeless are comforted. Where one can go and not feel threatened, intimated or looked down upon, while enjoying a game of billiards or spending quiet time working with others on a craft project.

For close to 15-years, Go-Getters drop-in center has been providing support services, a healthy hot lunch and van transportation for the homeless and those living with mental illness in southwest Detroit. More than 75 people use the center each day. Now, those services are suffering because of funding losses, and, as a result, people are, too.

Cutbacks in grant revenues have reduced Go-Getters’ operating budget by 22% this year, forcing Go-Getters to close on Fridays, trim hours, and reduce support group meetings. Go-Getters still relies on its small, well worn, seven-passenger van to shuttle individuals to the center. But pick-up times and stops have been curtailed, creating hardship for many.

“The van service cuts hurt the most, especially with the cold weather coming and more homeless persons needing our services” said Shirley Cockrell, Go-Getters’ director. “Our people also depend on the van to transport them to therapy sessions, job training centers, Social Security offices, medical facilities and here for lunch and support.”

Liz, who suffers from bipolar disorder, hadn’t spoken a word for two years before attending support groups at Go-Getters. “I started talking here because the people make me feel warm and safe. I hope I don’t slip back into silence because I can’t come here five days a week.”

Cheryl, another member of the bipolar support group, depends on the van to take her to Southwest Counseling Solutions for her medications. “I don’t know what I’d do without that van,” she said.

Jerome lives with mental illness and has been coming to Go-Getters for 15 years. “The friendships, recreation and classes keep my brain active and have also kept me off the streets and out of trouble,” he said. Like many others at Go-Getters, Jerome worries about how he will get to the center and the possible decline in his mental health.

Go-Getters hopes to have its funding restored and return to a schedule that helps those who need it the most. “If we had just one more hour a day we could run our support group programs in the afternoon that benefit our people,” said Shirley.

“All of us here been down the hard road of recovery, so hard times are not new. Just one question: Why is it always the poorest and most vulnerable that are considered the least?”

she added.

The Go-Getters drop-in center is making a difference to those individuals that depend on their services. It’s a “beacon of hope” in their unsettled lives. It’s a small island of safety, peacefulness and a place of comfort for those individuals that deserve more.

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Talent night at Go-Getters