G. Michael M.
Not one sparrow falls to the ground without Knowledge
I have been writing reviews for this platform for over a year now. I have loved it! I have had more than two flagged reviews which prompted immediate suspension of review privileges pending investigations by Trustpilot Content Integrity Staff. I am happy to say that on BOTH occasions, I was reinstated with full restoration of my privileges. For me, this platform is a forum of truth and full transparency. That is why I have decided to air this experience here. The apostle Paul of the first century Christian ecclesiastical administration, or 'holy ones', is one of my favorite historical personalities; nefarious terrorist turned pillar of Christ's flock. The Men's Shelter at Gettysburg Drive in Dayton, is not so much so... My review contains experiences that are painful, yet should not be construed as a 'summary judgement, nor as a 'value judgement' on the St. Vincent de Paul organization. I believe that the longevity of that organization bears witness of the general goodness of its mission and the promulgation of good works and gifts that it liberally bestows to individuals needing such succor during difficulties in their lives. Only God can judge, I merely relate what happened to me from December 31, 2023- January 4, 2024. Upon losing power and unable to afford the New Year's holiday hotel rates, I clipped my pride and decided to seek shelter at St. Vincent du Paul until January 4th. The experience was harrowing, frightful and fraught with discriminatory treatment and slurs. Along with other men waiting to receive their medications and\or personal items, clients were referred to as being mentally deficient by a female 'Client Advocate'. I was decimated... I am an individual who deals with bipolar disorder, yet the only actions that ANY of the men standing were engaged in was waiting to be assisted by this worker. Later on that evening, I had to be taken to the hospital due to an unexplained rapid drop in my blood pressure that nearly caused me to blackout. I arrived at the hospital at approximately 8:28 pm on December 31, 2023, New Years Eve. Upon arriving at the shelter, EMTs asked whether my, still yet unpacked luggage should be taken to the hospital or remain at the shelter. The staff suggested that it remain at the shelter facility. That was the last time I saw my personal property down through the time of this writing. Also, the medication that I take was taken and, it too, cannot be found. Second and third shift allege that first shift lost it. First shift states that the luggage was placed in the Executive Director's office. When I requested the opportunity to speak with that Executive Director in his office about my belongings, my request was ignored. Again, I have not received my luggage from the facility. Even when I was made to swallow additional meds without water as a supervising 'Client Advocate' smiled menacingly as me from across the desk barrier. I experienced bullying as a young child and that fear and pain returned to my thoughts during this debacle. During the entire time, I neither raised my voice, nor became angry. I allowed all both staff members to "save face'. Deep inside, I feel that I have been terribly discriminated against on the basis of age and 'perceived' income as well as housing status. The Apostle Paul DID appeal his case to Roman Emperor Nero, although he knew that his own death would come about because of making such an appeal before Pro Counsel Festus. I also realize that I am no 'David' before this highly respected Goliath-like organization, which is proudly ensconced in the accolades of this city, yet, as Paul said: "If I am guilty of doing anything deserving of death. I do not beg off from death." If ANYTHING I have written herein is not true, or out of context, then I do not beg off from whatever ridicule may be heaped upon me and I embrace whatever shame might come with it. I am reminded of another historical declaration of a meager assessment of standing in the face of huge odds made by the man Jehoshaphat as he prayed before the citizens of Jerusalem as it was to be attacked by the joint forces of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir. "For we have no power against this great crowd, and as for us, we do not know what we should do, but our eyes are upon you." (2Chron 20:3-15) I have crossed the Rubicon, the die is cast...