Following my open letter to the two Middleton mayoral candidates (posted February 6 in the Middleton Times Tribune), Doug Zwank offered this comment, "The problem of the homeless in Middleton is largely invisible. Must be you guys at MOM are doing such a good job, taking care of this problem for us."

I take that as a compliment, thank you! The housing-related agencies at MOM -- Joining Forces for Families (Steve Barber and four interns), Community Action Coalition (Chris Logan), and the Nehemiah Corporation (Tommy Thompson) -- as well as MOM's housing counselor (Craig Waggoner) are doing a terrific job. We keep most people in their housing, and we help obtain new housing for the recently evicted.

Zwank's observation also poses a challenge. His candid admission reveals more than meets the eye. To the extent that the homeless remain "invisible" -- without a face, voice, or vote -- it could be that Middleton's City Hall knows little about the problem.

This growing problem in our midst is not invisible -- if only people know where to look. Hence, I shall answer the questions posed by alert readers of MTT and supporters of MOM. I cannot release names or photographs for privacy reasons. So a few profile descriptions must do, to give our homeless more of a face or voice in solving this not-so-obvious, but very real local problem.

First, you ask, "Where are the homeless?" "I don't see any in Middleton." "Aren't most of 'them' on State Street?"

The homeless are not sleeping under bridges or on park benches in our area. Nor are they marching in the streets with picket signs.

They invisibly double up in one another's homes, discreetly violating violating lease agreements. They bounce from pillar to post, begging friend or family for a room.

They stay at the Colonial Motel,... in a domestic abuse shelter,... in the county jail.

Others hover in their cars, on the bus (until 2:00 a.m.), or in all-night convenience stores, to keep warm.

Second, you might ask, "How did they get into that situation?" "The homeless must be lazy, welfare dependent or chemically dependent -- right?"

Most of the homeless I know have income -- from a part-time or low-paying job, from child support or disability, even from W-2. They may make only $900 a month, if that, while rent averages $700/month or more.

What's a rent-paying single parent to do when her ex- misses a child support payment two months in a row? Her fixed-income situation now needs a "fix"! If not for MOM and other agencies, she becomes newly homeless.

What's a parent to do when, after fleeing to an out-of-the-way Middleton farmhouse to avoid an abusive situation, the family car "quits," the heat "goes through the roof," and there is no public transportation or energy assistance where she lives? She again becomes homeless.

What's the sole breadwinner to do when the flu knocks one out, with no sick-pay benefits? As unpaid bills pile up, can homelessness be far behind?

What happens when Copps takes over your grocery store and lays you off for 60 days next month? You, too, may become homeless.

Third, you might wonder, "Who are the homeless?"

Some are single, childless adults who can fend for themselves. But many split up their families, placing their kids with grandma or others to feed and clothe and school. Regrettably, children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. In the 30 largest US cities, children account for 25% of the homeless population, but in rural areas such as Middleton, that figure is closer to 40%.

The homeless could be working in the office cubicle next to yours, or at the checkout counter where you shop. You ride the bus with them. The difference is, after hours, they have no place to call "home."

Fourth, you'd like to know, "What are you, MOM, doing about this problem, so that the near homeless, the working poor, keep their place?"

We feed, clothe and furnish needy families to stretch the family budget to make more dollars available for rent. We provide case management and limited eviction prevention funds. We also offer utility assistance to customers who fall behind and face utility cut-offs once the winter moratorium is lifted on April 15.

Our pantry is full to overflowing -- not with food, but with 250 families per month, including 460 children, all seeking food. What we give to each household lasts five days.

For those whose financial difficulty is due to mismanagement of funds, not just the lack thereof, we are designing a course in "financial literacy." We need both financial mentors and participant incentives to help clients better handle their money.

The problems of the homeless are many and complex. The poor we'll always have with us. You may feel helpless to assist the hundreds in our area, but can you -- will you -- begin with one? To be one that makes a difference, call MOM (836-7338).

Thank you, Doug and Dan, for being two who make a difference. Perhaps you can address these issues at your next debate.

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