DISCLAIMER: While I didn't live at the Hooker Hotel, I was a heroin addict, and, I did live in a hotel very similar to it, in NYC (no name's mentioned).
I tell you this because, I empathise with the people of this hotel, and, how it is to be a 'dandelion' (as one person aptly describes the 'other' - neglected - half lives).
Wow.
I'm both speechless, and, at the same time feel 'typical,' as to the response of the towns officials (caused by media hysteria).
Heroin Town is a documentary about the Hooker Hotel in Willmantic, Ct.
The hotel - a once-faded palace - is now populated by what people might call the 'underbelly' - those who (are perceived) to live 'sordid' lives, when in fact, they're doing the best they can - just to survive.
Some are drug addicts, some are former drug addicts. Some never were ANY sort of addict.
But, they're all people - and, they're people who are doing the best they can - to have a HOME.
As one person says, they're like a 'family,' and, just like any family, there are the odd ones, the 'black sheep,' etc.
But, all-in-all, they look out for one another.
From my own personal experience, living on the streets, it was like I was in a 'parallel universe' - so close, yet, so far.
I HEARD people say how they 'wanted to help,' they 'cared,' but, the REALITY was much different.
As long as we were 'kept out of sight,' it was 'ok,' but, when media hysteria mucks the situation up, pandemonium ensues - and those of us - those who are most defenceless, most susceptible to hurt - we're left on the side, as those who 'know better' squabble - over 'us.' Yet, NOTHING good's ever done.
It broke my heart to see this, because, without having seen it, I knew what the outcome would be: nothing meaningful for those involved.
Amongst the people featured in Heroin Town, is a man who tells a parable - explaining how a man once had all these weeds - dandelions.
It finally dawned on him: instead of trying to kill the dandelions - he should learn to love them.
A little love - it's what we all really need.
Even that little Christmas tree in Charlie Brown's Christmas, needed a little love for it to shine.
I HOPE these people will get that love.
In the meantime, please watch this documentary, and learn something.
Maybe, next time you pass someone you'd never normally think twice about, you'll realise; 'a little love never hurts.'