Review the correspondence forwarded to public officials in an effort to improve the standard for services for homeless individuals. Most of my ideas and suggestions were absorbed by clinicians and practioners working with indigent clientele. The human services continue to work in a network with Chief Paul MacDonald of the Barnstable Police Department. MacDonald has been known to play "both sides of the fence" assuming that the "grass is greener on the other side".
"Grass", colloquialism for "cannabis" is now the least problem of those entrusted with care and services to this population. Unfortunately, narcotics on the streets are much more potent and plentiful; the ultimate root of the problem resulting in proliferation of negligent services has never been appreciated. Public officials have never assumed responsibility for accepting campaign contributions, professional advancement, and bribes from the executives of the industry that compounded malfeasance.
The problem of violent crime plaguing the area has yet to be fully addressed. Violent crime including homicide among the population emerged with marked morbidity over fifteen years of mismangements. A number of high profile homicides are also related to unrehabilitated clientele at the NOAH Shelter. There has been no resolution on the matter, and no justice for victims.
Mary Clements
75 Pearl Street #2
Hyannis, MA 02601
April 30, 2007
Councilor Janice Barton
The Barnstable Town Hall
367 Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Dear Councilor Barton,
I understand that the Assembly of Delegates is prepared to award $155,000 in county funds to human services on Wednesday, May 2nd. Although there has been an increased lobbying effort by local advocates, the monies and funds available should be dispersed not only where there is “greatest need”, but also to the organizations demonstrating the greatest efficacy in provision of crucial services. Your direction and assistance provided to The Barnstable Human Service Committee has clearly been successful despite funding setbacks and controversy associated with homeless services. Undoubtedly, many, including those most in need are looking to you for leadership. All are grateful for your continued commitment and support. There is a collective appreciation from both clients and the human service workers who care for them. May you continue to be instrumental in the improvement of the quality of services.
The case has clearly been made that there was indeed misdirection in the funding for programs and services through support of amorphic and unnecessary expansion projects. There were a number of tragedies and fatalities that occurred while organizations entrusted with care of compromised and vulnerable clients pursued their own interests rather than the interests of clients and community at large. During your tenure as liaison to the Barnstable Human Service Needs Committee, much of the problem has been resolved and there is now a redirection and organized effort to the individuals most in need.
I view the disbursement of these funds by the Assembly of Delegates as an opportunity to recognize the outstanding work being provided to populations that have often been ignored, discredited and invalidated by those who were at times entrusted with their care. I have found some of the finest work being provided by Arlene Crosby and Claire Goyer through the case management and outreach effort to individuals most in need. I often speak with Arlene in regard to my thoughts on homeless services and I was impressed that Ms. Crosby studied and completed certification in provision of services to the client compromised by chronic substance abuse. Her track record in demonstrating sensitive and effective care and treatment to chronic and highly compromised clients has helped many acquire and remain in housing for longer stretches of time. The effort has improved the quality of life for people once thought to be hopeless.
In addition, Ms. Crosby reports that there has been a marked improvement in the collaboration and cooperation with law enforcement. There has long been controversy over the practice of makeshift camping. Rick Brigham of Housing Assistance Corporation assisted with the cleanup of the makeshift camps in 2002. He was criticized and condemned by advocates at the Salvation Army for his support and maligned for his editorial “My View” in the Cape Cod Times. In this article, Rick Brigham clearly describes the squalor associated with the camps and identifies the need for services. The shelter has been supporting a “Housing First” Model and providing intense assessment, outreach and case management services through “Operation In From the Streets”.
As you know, there was debate and a vote on where to award a donation made to “Operation in from the Cold” from the Cape Cod Board of Realtors. Your colleague Councilor James Crocker of Osterville was instrumental in granting these funds. The monies were entrusted to Housing Assistance Corporation/Duffy Clinic to defray the expense of the effort. The efforts now being made by the current clinicians are more practical, successful, and effective in providing services to those once thought to be hopeless.
Lastly, Suzanne Norman, Shelter Director, has been able to generate art and music programs emphasizing the importance of self-expression. The effort appears to be not only therapeutic but also acknowledgement of the many hidden talents of a vulnerable but special population. I hope there will be recognition and financial support for these positive and necessary efforts.
Once again, thank you for your time and effort. I do speak for many when I express gratitude and appreciation for your outstanding leadership.
Sincerely,
Mary Clements
cc. Commissioner William Dougherty
Arlene Crosby
Cape Cod Population fell in "'04"? Go figure! This article was printed in the Cape Cod Times in the same edition reporting the arrest of Christopher McCowen, convicted in the rape and homicide of Christa Worthington of Truro. McCowen was well known to the shelter premises, adjacent crack houses, and their patrons.
The Cape Cod Commission reports 60% of Cape Codders site safety from violent crime their #1 reason to live on the Cape. Rate of foreclosure continues on the Cape, and in 09, the Cape lost another resident. This one absconded with a preponderance of evidence establishing corruption of municipal officials.
FW: (no subject)
From: mary clements (maryclements@live.com)
Sent: Thu 4/16/09 3:27 PM
To: macdonaldp@barnstablepolice.com; puntoniom@barnstablepolice.com
Hi Chief MacDonald!
Officer Michael Puntonio (and I apologize because I keep getting confused with pronunciation and referring to him as Officer Punktonio) was on bike patrol on Main Street today with a partner at noon. I was mentioning that David Brown (Davio) of 75 Pearl Street was on a bender again. It will probably be days before the BPD is called to remove another body from this house. As you know, it's next to Cape Cod Child Development. I'm pretty sure it was officer Puntatonio who suggested that I get a camera and take photographs of the coroner removing the body of Frank Atwood from the premises last Friday. For a couple of seconds, I thought he was being sarcastic, but I think I was just feeling a little paranoid because of the stress of witnessing gruesom events in Barnstable. I guess some of these memories are simply a facet of imagination or delusion, but photographing the items for website use seems to generate the peer support to separate fact from fiction.
The photographs will be available soon on www.welcometobarnstable.com. I am also working on an alternate website www.welcometocapecod.com. Right now, I just have a few emails on the site, but I'm planning on posting some of the difficulty I have had in relation to Taryn Thoman and the blogosphere. Hopefully, this will resolve any issues with the First Amendment and other websites and bloggers. I think Officer Officer Owen Needham did the right thing by limiting my access to the KMART. I'm sure the blosphere just has a few issues with "appropriate" free speech. I just ordered a new battery for my digital video movie recorder. Maybe that will help me produce footage for the Internet and encourage me to keep pace with techonology.
Lastly, two of the officers, Patrolman Edward Cronin and one other (Officer Smith?) pulled my car over on Barnstable Road claiming I crossed the yellow line at approximately 11:15 PM on Wednesday.They had viewed some of the pictures I took as Frankie Atwood was being removed by the coroner and thought it was meant as a "threat to them". As it turns out, there is no Officer Smith. I think Officer Cronin may have become confused after all that stress. I would like to speak to some other members of law enforcement in other divisions about this, but I don't have the name of the officer that pulled me over.
I have forwarded emails and return emails to and from the XXXXXX family. Somehow I get the feeling Taryn Thoman is using items or information she has heard through the grapevine from Councilor Greg Milne or J. Drew Segadelli, Esq. and is placing items of which she knows very little on her website www.barnstable411.com . I was forwarding some materials to Detective Delaney when Officer Needham ordered me "trespassed" from the KMART.
I am leaving the area, as my landlord has notified me that he doesn't wish to renew my lease at 75 Pearl Street.
Mary Clements
