00:00:08.800 - 00:00:34.860

Alright, my name is Sheila White. I'm here with Dante Turner. All right, it is 11/22/21. So, do you mind if I do this interview with you Daunte? Yes, ma'am, I don't mind And tell me your full name. Julius Daunte Turner.

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And where are you from? Chicago. And what brings you here to DC? I was actually with an ex and we moved out here when we were in Georgia and things weren't going so well, but I ended up kind of taken a liking to DC. And I found out there were a whole lot of opportunities out here and more than other places that I have been at, including even during- well, yeah, I just started homelessness what like two and a half years ago before that.

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So you have been homeless for two years? Two and a half almost three years, yeah. Were you raised in DC? No ma'am, I was raised in Chicago.

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Oh okay, alright. And are you currently experiencing homelessness? Yes, ma'am. And for how long? I would say almost about three- two and a half years now.

00:01:44.200 - 00:06:33.800

And why do you think homelessness continues to be a big problem in the Washington DC area and any region? Well, from my experience- I know, I can't say everybody, I don't want to put address on it, but from what I've experienced there are certain programs that have certain employees or employers that steal from us. And you have those that actually give us the runaround not actually doing what they're supposed to do. So if they are supposed to they're supposed to actually tell us the steps to do the hair for that but they don't do that. They just put your name on the list and then, you know, expect us to know what to do after that, you know what I'm saying. Versus those that actually give us the step by step process into getting out of homelessness. And what do you think is the biggest cause of homelessness in the city or in any city? Hmm, people that just don't give a damn, let me put it that way. You know, they say that they care but like my fourth-grade teacher used to say the proof is in the pudding. And there is a lot of people that, you get some people that go out off their way to try to get us out of homelessness. And then you guys some that just here for the money, you know. So it's a 50/50 thing again. If everybody was to be on that job then I don't think a lot of people wouldn't be experienced this much homelessness. I believe that they should, you know, from my experience of what I've seen and what I've been through, is just the fact that if I'm going through it, and I'm just now actually really using the services for myself- I mean, I've applied for it before but I've had jobs and stuff like that. But now that this is hitting, I'm actually using it, I'm starting to see that this has been an ongoing situation even before I was out here. So a lot of people that are out here, 10, 15 years and stuff like that, I can understand their frustration because it's like, okay, you tell me to do one thing. I'm doing it. You say, "oh, if you do this, you do that, you will have housing at this time." Then when that time comes, it's like, where's my housing? You know, that's one of the biggest questions that everybody out there is like, where is it? Like there's a lady now that I know, I don't want to say a name because she's not here and because of privacy, she said she'd been waiting on the voucher for six months. And it's like what the hell, you know, she's calling up there like, "y'all not calling me back." Sometimes they don't keep the appointments. They don't call back. You know, it's like we got to keep calling up there. Like, okay, why have you called me back? Why haven't you talked to the person you need to talk to? It's not- I cannot put this Lord help me. Okay, so basically it all boils down to them keeping that into the bargain. If I'm keeping up with my appointments and I'm doing the things that I need to do. You do understand, I expect for you to keep your end of the bargain, talk to the people you know that I need to talk to, or the paperwork that needs to be filled out, the right counselors or whatever need to be talked to. I shouldn't have to keep calling or going over my case manager's head and be like, "Hey, they're not doing a job." Because I had to do that plenty of times. And I've even had other case managers to witness it, they like, "well, this ain't right." So, we had to go over that case, workers head, let them know, "Hey listen, my client is trying to find out what's going." I know I'm not with them per se. Listen, I know what they are doing ain't right. I know they're supposed to do X, Y, and Z. They're not doing it. And it all goes down to everybody doing their part. If everybody did their part, it will decrease the situation of homelessness, you know.

00:06:35.400 - 00:10:02.550

And what way do you think family impacts homelessness? Oh my God they're the worst and I can't say all of them, but when you don't have that mutual moral support from your family members it's like, hey, that would be the there will be the first people you would think that would give you the support. Some people leave their situations because nobody knows what's going on within their family. Everybody has some type of dysfunctional family somewhere within their family. Not, every family is perfect, I get that. And we all have our problems. And you have some people that actually run away from their family because their family is not treating them as equally. So they feel more safe out here than they are with within their own kin people. And have you seen significant change in the neighborhood in the city that has impacted the ability to find housing? If so, can you describe some of these changes? Okay, so the reconstruction of buildings- they build buildings for companies, or I would say, middle class and high class. And it's like, most of the time, okay, they talked about the low class but half of the time we don't see the things that they say are supposed to be for us. You feel me? Like they say they have a certain amount of money. For us to get, I would say for instance food. Okay, if they have a certain set of money to have, where we should be seeing a different variety of foods, but yet we don't. We go to certain places and it's the same thing over and over and any human being won't want to eat the same thing over and over. You want something different because your taste buds will be like, okay, I want something different. I mean, I'm not saying that I'm not appreciative of it. Don't get me wrong. But it's like, okay. I want something different. I don't want nothing lukewarm, I want something that's hot, something that's worthwhile eating. Sometimes they give us some things that a dog wouldn't even eat. And it's like if you don't like it, why are you going to give it to me for! I'm not your lab rabbit. They have actually been knocking things down and I can't hate on that business because I know, people have to get that money. This is business, okay, I got that part, but it seems like everybody tends or most people tend to look over- [phone ringtone briefly plays]

00:10:04.600 - 00:13:46.620

They tend to look over the people that are outside. Like they think everybody- I read a comment about, you remember when they had like the bulldozer situation over here? Okay, so I read a comment, a dude said he didn't feel sorry. He wished they would put bulldoze on a lot of people, something to that nature. "Ain't my fault today on drugs and drinking." I'm looking at this though, he got to be white. I mean, I'm just gonna put it out there. And I'm like, well don't he know that people have served time and then they just throw you out to the wolves. And so it's not people that are just out there. I mean, yeah, you got some people that are out there that just does that because that's how they ended up homeless. Then you have those that are on drugs or whatever because they just gave up on life because they feel like life has given up on them. And then you have those that are still fighting, like me, I'm still fighting. Sometimes I do my little thing or whatever because it'd be like, okay, I need a break. But it's not my main concept. And from what I've been seeing, you know, the buildings that they build or whatever, a lot of people will stay out on the streets because the shelters in DC don't even pass health inspection. So with them buying up buildings, breaking it down, and building it up, it's like, okay what about building some new shelters, what about building a new community where housing is affordable in a good neighborhood, instead of going all the way to Southeast, instead of a bad area. Because that's not going to do nothing but get somebody in trouble. Like say if I had a house. Okay, I'm on my voucher was signed or whatever. I have a voucher, go look for an apartment. Say they put my apartment on Southeast and then I'm like, okay, I'll come out of this, something happens. I get into some trouble. I'm locked up. Then that same voucher is getting pass down to the next person. That's not right. Don't put me in one situation that did put me in something deeper. So, that's how I feel. That's how I feel it changing because it has an effect on us. How does the job situation in the city impact people's ability to access housing? Hmm, good question. I think that vaccination has caused a lot of problems with employment because I'm not taking that, I don't trust it. I refuse to be a lab rat. That's just my opinion on it from my point of view. And I don't trust that. I t's just like taking chemotherapy and you ain't got cancer. I've had my tests, all came out negative I'm not finna be injected with something. I'm like, okay, I don't know what I don't even know what it consists of. It. Just said, oh yeah, you know there's a virus is called COVID. So you think about the vaccination is how the job situation is impacting people's ability to access housing?

00:13:49.800 - 00:15:44.260

Well, if it stops them from getting a job, 50/50, yeah, half of it. Yeah, I'm not going to say is the root but if certain situations consist of having a job, then it's a job that they want in, they'll qualify for but they don't have a vaccination, then that would be a problem because a lot of people that just don't agree with taking the vaccination, you know, What kind of jobs do you think are available to you? And will it pay enough for you to afford housing? And how would you describe the ability at this job? Hmm, depends on how much they pay, like janitorial, cooking, staging, contract, construction. Depends on what that pay. Well, DC is supposed to be a fifteen dollar minimum now, so, I will say depends on whether they have a voucher or not. Because I'm from my understanding they supposed to pay for like what, 70% and they pay like the 30%. If they had the voucher, voucher pay is like 70% of it. So I think having the vouchers is real affordable because with having a job and you only paying 30%, I would say that you have more than enough for like transportation, hygiene, clothing, food. I think it would be fair versus I guess when somebody get an SSI well say. So with a job, you would still need a voucher?

00:15:46.200 - 00:17:42.420

Yeah. How did jobs change over the course of a year and in ways that impact people's ability to access housing? Has it changed, stayed the same or...? I'ma say it changed in ways because a lot of people has been have quit. A lot of companies need help and what they say, beggars can't be choosers. So don't tell me you need my help but, "hey, wait a minute, hold on. You got to get this." Oh, no no no no no. It's not going to work like that and it's not all jobs that require vaccinations. But for the ones that actually require it- and I get like if you work around food or whatever they want you to be vaccinated. Okay, I get that part somewhat [laughs] But I'm just saying this whole thing just got people in the loophole because they're not making it clear. They say one thing and then do another. You feel them saying, so with the COVID and all this going on it makes an impact with people. Hard to be steady with things like the rules change on a daily basis. So, one minute you got to take the vaccine, and then one minute is like where you ain't got to take it. But why would you take it? What would you tell me after I took it? Like make up your mind. But yeah, it has changed, it's changed gradually, but it don't... It doesn't make a bad impact on the job market? Making a bad impact on housing?

00:17:44.500 - 00:18:34.550

That's the 50/50 thing, some good and some bad. I'll put it like that. You know, because I can't say it's all bad. Some good does come out of some of these things. You had mentioned earlier, so in what ways does the government social service and changes to these services impact homelessness? Does it impact for the better or for the worse? I would love to save for the better, kind of that trash they talk but put it like this, the programs that Mrs. Mayor Muriel Bowser came up with, which is a good idea, but she can't do it alone, you feel I'm saying. And what program is that?

00:18:34.600 - 00:20:53.420

The pilot program... what else. The fact that she has gotten more housing sections because there wasn't as much when I first came out here, there weren't as many houses sections. As far as how she can- like she actually tries to find a way, but the people that's in charge of the funding and people that's in certain positions. She might not know what's going on. You know, who's dipping in the, what you call it, the donations and stuff. Like for instance, some organizations are supposed to have gift cards, where are the gift cards, stuff like that. So she throws rules and things up that are like that. Let me give for example, okay, you run a business. I'm working under you, right. And you be like, "okay, Daunte say, they're supposed to get this, they're supposed to get that. Everybody knows they are supposed to give this and that." Okay soon as you leave, I'll turn around, do some underhanded stuff, I'm getting first dibs because I'm working it. So that's how you feel the social system works.? Yeah, I actually know this for a fact, and from other- what's the word that I'm looking for? From other people that have actually experienced that. They told me certain situations if what I'm saying. So it's not just a hunch, it's some facts. I mean, I wish I could tell about the people but they don't have to do that on their own. But yeah, Alright, so has access to public housing changed over the course of your life? Have these changes impacted homelessness in the region.?

00:21:00.600 - 00:22:20.900

Well, I've been to a few states. I've been to a lot probably like 13, 14 states. And one thing I can say is I like DC when it come to homelessness. So is DC worse or better than other states? They better, they better. I can give them that, I will give them that. Because they got lodging programs, shower programs, and everywhere you go somebody's feeding you. You come to Chicago, New York. Califonia, they tell you kiss their ass and have nice day, literally. Like on the daily basis, as far as many programs as DC got, to do laundry and showers and stuff like that. I've been to these places and they ain't got that. They might be charging for you to stay in the shelter. So when it comes to like your daily basic needs, like with hygiene and food and stuff like that, DC becomes number one. How would you describe the state of homeless shelters in the city? And what impacts does it have on homelessness?

00:22:20.900 - 00:25:37.800

Oh my God. It's jail with no bars. [laughs] Let me be honest. It's a jail with no bars. [laughs] Fights, feeling dirty. Anybody who has been locked up, y'all know what I'm talking about. Ain't no bars and you get to go in and out as you please, but go there at your own risk. [laughs] That's why a lot of us stay out there on the street. We like, you know, what we already going through it. I'd just rather stay out here in my little tent and give me some covers and yeah. They got to work on that big time. All right, how does the policing impact the city of homeless people? And have policing changed in any ways that affect homelessness? Whoo, you got some that care and some that get on my damn nerves because it's like they ain't got nothing else to do but provoke us. And I understand, okay, you got some of them that act like buttholes. I understand that, but to just be a butthole themselves for no reason, it's like sometimes they start. I've had an experience. One of them tried to pick a fight with me. I'm like, seriously. I'm the one that called y'all to get somebody else, some help. You feel what I'm saying? And you got some policemen, they real cool. And then you got some assholes that I really, really can't stand. Like, dude, you doing a little bit too much for no reason at all. It's like some people call situations for no reason at all and then they wonder why they start yelling and cursing and fighting and stuff like that. I mean, because they are authority, they'll write whatever they want down, but they not going to tell them they were the cause of it or they provoked somebody because you have some officers that be out there to try to, that will provoke. But they not going to tell you that though. It's not right for us because like, you has some people, they'll provoke them and not knowing that they really deranged like legally. And once the caseworker be like, "oh, in order for them to act like that, something has to trigger them." These are psychiatrists and doctors that are telling these people that, "he ain't just act out for no reason. He or she has not just acted out for no reason. Somebody or something has to trigger it," you know I'm saying. Because yeah- So that goes to the next question, has police brutality had an impact on homelessness.

00:25:37.900 - 00:25:54.810

Yeah. Yes. Yes. Yes. Has the War on Drugs had an impact on homelessness? Yes. Has the criminalization of homelessness been an issue in the court system? And how?

00:25:57.500 - 00:28:31.800

Yeah, yeah, because when they sentence based on your status, I will say. And if you are homeless and they think that all well, you know, least he got him a car. I still don't want to be in here. So if you think that because I'm homeless, I want to be locked up. No, I don't. I would rather eat out here out of a dumpster than be locked up Nobody- well, I can't say nobody, but I don't want to be locked up. Most of us don't want to be but you do got some that like being- well, that's them. It was the craziest thing I've ever heard. But okay, whatever to each his own. In what way are people's lives shaped by criminal records? People tend to judge as if they made ain't mistake before. They think people can't change, so they'll keep bringing up the past, all "he did this before. He did that before." Like I've been in situations where I was in the right but handled it the wrong way. They be like, "oh he did this. He did that." Try to make it seem like I'm just a bad person or whatever. But what the government don't tell you is, they put us in those situations to where we have to fend for ourselves because, I've even looked it up on the internet, and it says that the police actually doesn't have to protect you. You can Google it. I'm like, okay, well then, what am I supposed to do then? Just let you whoop my ass. Oh, no, I'm not doing that. I don't care if you police or anything. I've caught them with those type of charges and they actually, especially depending on race- race is a big issue in America. And they want to act like, oh, they want to turn a blind side. They don't ever want to talk about it. I got a big mouth. So listen, let's just be honest, half of them don't like us. Rich people to look down on us, because they've been stealing all their lives. And you have those that just don't give a damn, you know, so we out here to fend for ourselves.

00:28:32.000 - 00:29:16.050

Okay, what way does homelessness impact people's health? Being homeless, how does it impact your health? Cold, if they need a place to elevate the leg or something, or if they need a warm place or they need a clean warm place. It impacts. They tend not to think about stuff like that. They like, "oh he's sick" or whatever the case might be. Like I've seen some people with some balls on their foot and stuff like that. They send them right back out. It impact's their health in a bad way? Mmhm.

00:29:18.700 - 00:30:22.650

How would you describe the state of health care services available to unhoused, which means homeless people? How would you describe this, is it fair, unfair? Are there any good changes or bad changes? I would say it's fair. I would say it's fair. I mean, I haven't had no Medicaid and Medicare. They actually- yeah, I would say it's fair. Okay, do you think the access to education, or the quality of education has an impact on homelessness? And if so, has it gotten better, or has it gotten worse? Well, that's a question left up to the person that wants it or don't want it because it's out there for us to get. So if they don't want it- it's there for us to get. So if they don't want it, they're not going to turn nobody away. That would be messed up if they did but I doubt they would. But that's on us, not them. So if it's out there for us to get, can't blame them, They like, "hey, we got open doors for you." So we got to put in the footwork, so.

00:30:25.500 - 00:31:08.820

So would you assess the state of skills training program? If they are available to you, even though you are experiencing homelessness. And have these changed over time or are you still accessing them? The second part. [laughs] Okay, has physical or sexual violence within the home impacted you becoming homeless? Not me per se, but it has impacted a lot of people before when they're around, you know, because people tend not to take our report seriously.

00:31:09.200 - 00:32:09.700

Does violence on the street impact homelessness? Mmhm. All right. If you are aware of any programs or current groups or strategies that people are engaged in to try and end homelessness, do you know any? Are you aware of any group working to end homelessness? Yeah, Community Connections, Miriam's Kitchen, Street Sense of course. Who else do I know? That's good. I don't want to put the bad ones out there. I'm just going to leave them. But, I want to put no bad notion on them yet. [laughs] But let me see. But Street Sense Media, Miriam's Kitchen Song, Community Connections and I'll leave it there.

00:32:10.900 - 00:32:54.400

Would you get involved with any of these organizations to help end homelessness? I'm involved with Community Connections right now. Are you aware of any political groups? Why do you think there is little being done to unhoused- homelessness? Why do you think that is- I'm not going to ask you that. Why do you think nothing is being done to end homelessness? Because they don't care. They say they do, but they don't. It's all about money when it boils down to it. Well, I will say, certain people of power put it like that.

00:32:55.500 - 00:36:23.660

Okay, so what is the most critical issue that a movement, such as the one you talked about, to end homelessness should focus on? What should they focus on? Talking to, persuading the people that have power, that can actually make those moves to make it fair for us. I wouldn't say- at least give us the things that we need. We got things that we want. Okay, I understand but the things that we need. Can you tell me some of those things we need? I would say cleaner shelters, people that actually really follow up with their clients, you know, like Miriam's Kitchen. I've been with some organizations where they do not follow up with their clients, so, yes, people that follow up with that clients, people that actually, that use the monetary means to actually use what it's supposed to be used for. Somebody that, I just say it like this, but somebody that looks over their employee's shoulder to make sure that they're doing that job, because if they were doing that job, then this wouldn't be happening. I'm not going to blame it all on them because I have ran into some homeless people that actually think they you're supposed to carry them to all their appointments and all that. I've ran into those, don't get me wrong now because you do have those that are lazy as hell. For them to do the same thing is not professional, you know, argues with their clients or impatient. It's not going to work this way. If you have a job like this, you're supposed to be patient. You're supposed to know what you're actually getting into, especially with a mental health person because that will take a toll. So if they get them thinking straight, you would actually see a change. Yeah, the security, getting people off their god dang phones while they're at work. That's a big problem, that's a big problem. You can't be filling out and helping me with my paperwork and then playing games on all social media at the same time, that just don't work. Let me see the attitude, the tardiness, the unexcused absences, all that comes into play, do you feel me. So if they can change all that we'll be alright.

00:36:25.900 - 00:39:43.550

All right, here's the cool question, if you could get 50 people to join you in doing something to end homelessness, what would you have these 50 people do? Hmm, what would we do? The first thing we would do is, see the people- first off, see the people that really actually want to work or actually get their stuff together. Like for instance, try to find out who actually willing to go above and beyond, education, jobs, training, positive things, who's willing to get off drugs, who's ready to stop drinking, who is willing to get help with whatever they need help with. That'll be the first thing we'll do, talk to the higher-ups and be like listen, "give us an open doorway, at least give us a chance. We get one chance and more than likely, that's all I need for real, one chance. What would it take for you to get involved? What would it take for me? What they call it- influence. So basically, you have to show me a reason why I should get involved. I'm not just gonna be up there stick my neck out there and then I ain't got no backup, no help. That's a losing battle. Yeah, you gotta show me some type of- what's the word that I'm looking for, some type of, it's on the tip of my tongue. But you guys you gotta show me that you are actually trying, like, you're actually with me not just to make things look good but then you're not doing. When I get involved, it got to be accurate. You've got arms, and I'm not just gonna be like, "hey, you know, do this blah blah blah," What's the catch, let me know what's good. Because you got a lot of things that sound good and people all "yeah!" And then you turn around and found out that they've been messed over.

00:39:46.100 - 00:40:50.700

If you could help build a better world, what would the world look like for you? Me, I believe in the Lord real real real tough. So, for me, I would grab souls and give it to him because he can do way better than what we could ever do. I know this for a fact. I know that for a fact, like, as we begin right now, things that I ask for stuff like that. I'll put him in charge man, it look crazy. I'm telling you. What what would a community ideal be like for you? Community... people that get to know each other. People that help each other. People that uplift each other. People that watch out for each other. People that

00:40:50.700 - 00:41:23.570

encourage each other. People who love one another, you know, things to that nature. If you could design your own housing situation, being as creative as you want, what would that look like? Look like to me? Oh, it would look very good. Ok, how, describe the things you would have?

00:41:25.500 - 00:42:26.610

So family sections, single living sections, couple sections, group therapy, rec section. It would look something like Job Corps but for homeless people. Anybody who's been to Job Corp knows what I'm talking about. You have your different sections for this group, that group. Work it so that everybody's best abilities, so when they feel comfortable. And people want to upscale, people who just want to chill, people that can't do no more, they eat for the rest of their life. They'll be comfortable. All right. Is there any question or questions you have for me? Hmm, not for you per se. Do you have anything else or any ideas you'd like to share?

00:42:28.300 - 00:42:50.460

Yeah, tell the government to get up off their ass and do their job. I hate to put it like that, but they keep saying things, but I'm not seeing no results. That's all I got to say. All right, thank you Daunte. This concludes your interview. Thank you.