Many of you have expressed concern regarding Helen, the homeless woman pictured above sleeping on Chesapeake Avenue. She has been sleeping on our lawns, in the Park, and on the sidewalk. This is not a problem which we are used to and it has been hard on all of us as we sought to humanely balance individual needs with quality of life and property value concerns.
Shea Terrace residents have made concerned phone calls, provided her with seating, given her water, and called public safety in regard to her situation. All of us have been concerned about heat exhaustion and exposure to the weather.
Officer Diaz has been diligently working to assistHelen, as has Councilwoman Elizabeth Psimas, Civic League officials, Peggy Hill at Behavioral Health Services, and Rusty Jordan, Director Portsmouth Social Services. Suffice it to say that Helen's situation was complex, but many public servants have been working to try to help her.
Helen is now receiving the professional assistance which she needs in a safe facility with trained professionals. All of us pray that she is able to resume her lilfe with dignity following this intervention and wish her all the best. We wanted everyone in Shea Terrace to know that she is in good hands now that she is no longer in the neigbhorhood.
This is a good ending for one individual, but it is hoped that the city will continue to review effective, long-term solutions for the homeless in Portsmouth.
