Homeless Deaths in Mount Kisco’s Woods Demand a Different Response
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
Regarding last week’s article “Mount Kisco Homeless Man’s Death Spurs Push to Reach Those in Need,” there have, in actuality, been three deaths of human beings in the woods of Mount Kisco since 2020.
If, in fact, brain functions and logical decision-making processes were impacted as a result of the advanced stage disease of alcoholism and were factors in these deaths, then there are evidence-based techniques that trained chemical dependency counselors (not generic social workers) employ that can be used to engage someone in treatment, even though they may be experiencing hopelessness and present as treatment resistant.
As far as funding goes, if it is determined that these three deceased human beings had these four characteristics in common, the issues of options and accountability arise: 1. Homelessness. 2. Undocumented residency status. 3. No health insurance, and ineligible for Medicaid due to residency status. 4. Advanced stage alcoholism presenting as life threatening.
I hope that no one in our community will seek political gain by exploiting this tragedy. I hope that we will not see neighbors in surrounding communities pointing fingers at Mount Kisco as responsible. I find that infuriating. Bedford, Katonah, Chappaqua, Pound Ridge have to recognize the role some of their residents have had in this crisis – the health and housing needs of their former low-wage, paid-in-cash (with no health insurance benefits) employees who have worked as their landscapers, in their construction businesses, as their handymen, in their restaurants and in their homes. Hiring workers who have no labor protections, who work for low wages without benefits, can sometimes have tragic consequences, especially off-season. And that has certainly happened in the towns surrounding Mount Kisco.
Our state senator and assemblyman should, therefore, provide resources that constitute a moral response to deaths resulting from some of their constituents who benefited or profited from labor without health benefits. As far as the county goes, without Medicaid or private insurance, responses and resources are generally unavailable, or insufficient and fail.
I have recommended exploring a partnership with St. Christopher’s Inn Shelter Program. Insurance is not required for the shelter. The men work on the grounds and in the kitchen to pay for room and board and attend AA meetings. One logical partner in Mount Kisco might be St. Francis Church, where a Spanish speaking service is held every Sunday.
My heart aches for the family and friends of the deceased.
Judith Sage
Mount Kisco
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