I want to tell you a story that happened many years ago, as recently as today and will happen again tomorrow. It is a story about a deceptively familiar place where securing the basic necessities of life, health care, housing, transportation and communication, requires persistence to overcome one obstacle after another. I call this place “The Parallel Universe.”
I sat in my doctor’s waiting room with half an ear tuned to the TV monitor when an announcement for an upcoming workshop caught my attention: How to Live with Diabetes: A Workshop for Adults. The hour-long event was free, offered at six different times and locations; refreshments included. I immediately thought of Trila who is struggling to control high sugar levels.
But the last sentence gave me pause. Running across the bottom of the screen in lovely bright orange letters was this invitation: To register, visit our website at… No phone number, no address was provided. Clearly the way to register for the free diabetes class was the internet, the assumption being: everyone who wants to attend has a computer, a tablet, or a Smart phone with a data plan.
I had never thought about the number of times I encounter notices like these: for further information, go to our website; for a free copy of our newsletter, visit our website; for business hours and location, check our website. Trila wants to participate in some of the educational and enrichment programs offered by her community, but lack of a computer and the internet prevents her from doing so. While homeless, Trila had no access to instruction, or the experience needed to negotiate the web. Today, even with a place of her own, free access to a computer remains limited to the public library, where taking care of personal business on the internet is awkward (you didn’t bring all needed information) and lacks privacy.
In The Parallel Universe, every transaction must be accomplished by snail mail, cell phone or in person unless you know someone with a computer who can navigate the Web, is willing to act as your go-between and has the time and patience to do so. This often means sharing personal information: a list of prescription medications, social security number, bank statements, family history, etc. with another person.
Trila has entrusted me with a lot of personal information so I probably could register her for the diabetes workshop, but if questions arise or more information is needed, the request ends up in my inbox. Because of acute hearing loss, Trila does not hear the cell phone, so in order for her to respond appropriately, I drive to her house and talk with her in person. This cumbersome process is inefficient and time-consuming for both of us, but that’s part of doing business in The Parallel Universe.
* To protect their identity, Trila is a composite of several women. All the stories are true and describe my experience as companion in each case.
Patricia Thomas has volunteered as a Lead Hostess at Hope House for nine years. Currently she is experiencing firsthand the numerous obstacles the homeless encounter as they attempt to get off the street.
