Eviction Seems Out of Sync
By John Mohan

A few days ago, a story broke in the media about a bi-polar man, also diagnosed with AIDS, being evicted from his living quarters at a small non-profit Christian organization.

The 40-year-old man who is otherwise homeless and alone has lived in the home for the past three years. According to the ailing man's version of events, he was reprimanded for having bedbugs in his room and simply borrowing a chair from another resident's room, which led to the eventual eviction notice. The complainant doesn't understand what he's done wrong to warrant being tossed back out on the streets.

To an outside observer, the expulsion sounds pretty harsh and unfair for such minor infractions -- especially by an organization that is supposed to be about showing mercy to the sick, dying and lonely. The agency comes across as inflexible and unreasonable.

But to anyone who knows the staff and volunteers of House of Hesed (Hebrew for "mercy") or benefited from their services in the past, this either sounds out of sync or more like slanted and sensational journalism.

Established 10 years ago under the leadership of Ms. Moe Feakes, House of Hesed is touted as Manitoba's only transitional home for those living with HIV/AIDS. Today up to 10 residents at a time usually stay between three and six months or sometimes longer depending on circumstances.

Usually living on social assistance or less, none are able to afford much in the way of care or shelter. Primarily donor-supported, House of Hesed offers numerous support services, offers medical supports, counsellors, pastors and other services. Always Christian, their approach is relational and holistic as they promote the physical, emotional, social and spiritual quality of life of persons affected by HIV, regardless of race, creed, gender or sexual orientation. They are intentional about creating a home and family atmosphere for those in the most severe of crisis.

Officials comment that despite the portrayal in the recent news story, the painful decision to evict the mentally and physically stricken man was not rash or easy. They had met with him numerous times, including using a mediator in hopes of reaching an understanding about expectations that would be more considerate of the other ailing residents. Unfortunately, the situations proved irresolvable and the eviction notice was reluctantly issued.

Almost always without merit, every social agency that cares for the less fortunate eventually has harsh and biased accusations levelled against them. Sometimes by the people they try to help. Sometimes by misinformed family or community members. Sometimes by well-intentioned (or even agenda-driven) media.

Agencies such as House of Hesed continually walk a tightrope of providing compassionate, unconditional care for individuals while also creating a safe, harmonious environment for a connected community.

As bedbugs don't confine themselves to a single room of a house or hotel, people's behaviour inevitably affects those around them -- positively or negatively. Including those battling AIDS in the next room of a hospice.

Originally printed in the Winnipeg Sun, Wednesday, July 23, 2008.
Reprinted with the permission of Sun Media Corporation.