County human services were there to help
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007  |
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| Photo by THOMAS MICHALSKI |
| Karl Booker, left, a targeted case manager from Pinellas County Human Services, and Jim Whitty, a field investigator, were on hand to help Golden Lantern residents. |
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PINELLAS PARK - Representatives from Pinellas County Human Services were at the Golden Lantern on Saturday and Monday to help the handful of people still living at the dying trailer park.
"Wečre here to assist any way we can," said Karl Booker, a targeted case manager, who along with Jim Whitty, a field investigator, were set up at the park's office Monday evening.
"We can help these folks look for affordable housing," Booker said. "We give them information about places where they can go for help."
There's aren't many people left at the Golden Lantern these days. Once a popular senior citizens community, it fell into disrepair in recent years. The grounds are now littered with abandoned mobile homes, garbage and rubble.
"People must be eligible for many of the services we offer," Whitty said. "Most folks here work and may not be qualified for assistance."
A man and his young son who declined to be identified showed up. The father did not speak English, so his son acted as an interpreter. He wanted help with moving expenses and was given applications for various services he might be able to get.
"We had people here last Saturday, Sunday and today," Booker said. "Some are on social security, others have medical problems. We try to assist all of them."
Booker said trailer park management personnel helped spread the word that they were on site.
Meanwhile a hurricane fence went up that day. It runs along Park Boulevard. A sign reads that after Sept. 10 the park will be closed for good.
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Article published on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007
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