usatoday--2020-12-17--'You need to get him out of there': Vermont man with autism lived in 6 facilities in one year

BURLINGTON , Vt. — It was Christmas , and Linda Luxenberg could n't wait to spend it with her son Travis in his new home .
She had purchased a log cabin in Waitsfield , Vermont and called it Nice Place .
There , Linda Luxenberg hoped , her son , who has severe autism , would be safe from the chaos that ran his life for years .
`` This boy is going to have Christmas at Nice Place , with his sisters and his mom , '' she told the Burlington Free Press , part of the USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bought her son new clothes .
`` Trav ' was in heaven . ''
But what followed was less than idyllic .
Linda and Travis Luxenberg were the subjects of a 2019 Free Press series that documented their struggle to find adequate housing and programming .
Travis Luxenberg , 33 , was in a dangerous home care program with caregivers who could not — or would not — stop him from destructive behaviors or make sure he did n't wander on his own .
More : No one will take him : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care for her high-needs , adult son As reporting for that series was underway , Linda Luxenberg learned that the state of Vermont had approved over $ 500,000 for a new program with Upper Valley Services , a nonprofit service agency accredited by the state .
It was to be designed specifically around his needs , and would provide at least two caregivers at all times , an autism specialist and improved security measures .
The Free Press series ended with Linda Luxenburg hopeful that the new program would support her son 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Travis Luxenberg 's program fell apart within months , despite a nearly 270 % increase in state and federal funding .
The program failed , Linda Luxenberg said , because of a lack of programming devised by an autism expert and the inability to find staff to implement it .
Including Nice Place , Travis Luxenberg has lived in six different facilities in one year .
Neighbors who witnessed the events last spring , autism advocates and friends of Linda Luxenberg have flooded local and national representatives , as well as administrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Independent Living , with correspondence advocating for Travis Luxenberg 's safety .
Beverly Frost , a mother of an adult son with autism , has spent `` untold hours '' over the last two years advocating for Travis Luxenberg .
She stated in a letter to a state senator dated November 9 , `` His situation is dire and getting worse by the day . ''
The Department of Disabilities , Aging and Independent Living declined to comment on the specifics of Travis Luxenberg 's case .
Bill Ashe , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running Luxenberg 's program in Waitsfield , has since retired .
Ashe referred all questions about Luxenberg to the current executive director , Gloria Quinn , who declined to comment .
Travis Luxenberg 's program fell apart , his mother said , in large part because they could n't find a program director with expertise.They could n't maintain staff who showed up for work — and did n't run away from her son when he was struggling .
Warren Uzzle was building a handrail at Nice Place when a rock flew within a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward a window .
Moments later , Travis Luxenberg jumped through the shattered window , Uzzle remembered , and landed on shards of glass outside .
Uzzle was initially hired by Linda Luxenberg , to make safety improvements to a home she purchased for Travis and his support workers .
As it happened , Uzzle had a background in special education .
Before starting a small construction business in retirement , Uzzle worked as a special education administrator .
He offered to work with Travis as a staff member and was hired by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Within two weeks , he left the job .
“ I called Linda , and I said , ‘ Linda , there is no program , and you need to get him out of there , ’ ” Uzzle said .
Uzzle described an uncoordinated and chaotic environment with little to no interaction with supervisory staff at Upper Valley Services .
The support workers , he said , struggled to deal with the complexity of Luxenberg ’ s needs .
“ I decided it was unsafe to be there for Travis , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uzzle was still working in the home as a contractor , he saw staff members fall backward off the porch onto ice .
He suggested Upper Valley Services build a railing , but they never followed through .
“ I did an estimate for them and everything , ” he said .
“ I suggested improving the steps because they were poorly constructed , that was never followed up on either.
” More : 'It 's just neglect ' : 2 deaths in provider homes reveal flaws in Vermont 's autism care “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ever , ” Uzzle said .
By the time he left , he had been working at Nice Place in some capacity for over three months — almost the entire time the Upper Valley Services program was operational .
Staff didn ’ t communicate with each other when they changed shifts about Luxenberg ’ s mood or behavior that day , Uzzle said .
Some staff simply observed the home from afar , he said , and walked off at the end of the shift .
Crises led to loss of guardianship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced crisis after crisis in the spring of 2020 .
He started breaking the windows of the house and smashing the workers ' car windshields on May 14 , police records show .
A staff member tried to `` wrestle him back into the house , '' after which a neighbor fired a gun into the air in an attempt to stop the skirmish outside .
`` The healthcare workers advised that this has been happening lately and it does not appear safe for the community , '' a state trooper wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days later on May 18 , when police reported he was `` out of control at his residence . ''
First responders brought him to Dartmouth Hitchock Medical Center in New Hampshire , records show , where he stayed for three months .
Then , COVID hit .
The hospital needed him to leave , and Linda Luxenberg and the state ’ s disability services department couldn ’ t come to an agreement on where he would go , she said .
The state wanted to place him in temporary crisis housing — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Vermont Crisis Intervention Network — a plan Linda refused because she believed it would end poorly for her son .
Dartmouth Hitchcock petitioned to have Linda Luxenberg 's guardianship removed in August , and Travis Luxenberg was moved to the trailer .
An attorney for the Department of Disabilities , Aging and Independent Living said the department can ’ t comment on specific cases , but did cite the part of the law that was used to justify the removal of her guardianship : a “ change in the capacity or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his or her powers and duties . ''
`` It was like they put a knife through my heart , ” Linda Luxenberg said .
Twenty-five percent of Vermonters with disabilities who responded to the 2018-19 National Core Indicators survey had a state-appointed guardian , compared to 9 % nationally .
The Vermont Crisis Intervention Network is an Upper Valley Services program that offers training , consultation and crisis housing , according to Gloria Quinn , executive director of Upper Valley Services .
About 35 people with disabilities stay in the program 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average stay of about 17 days .
Intended for short-term stays for Vermonters with disabilities , the trailers house one person at a time , with one staff member supporting them .
A photograph supplied by Linda Luxenberg of the trailer where Travis Luxenberg was held shows a red , single-wide trailer , the exterior of which appears to be deteriorating .
`` The focus is on a safe interior suitable for the needs of each person , '' Quinn wrote in a letter to the Free Press .
`` The exterior of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state of disrepair , but ( Upper Valley Services ) and state focus is on the suitability of the location and the safety , security and suitability of the interior space . ''
Within 72 hours , Travis Luxenberg had a `` significant episode '' at the trailer that resulted in injury to staff , according to a behavior support plan written by staff at Washington County Mental Health Services .
Since Linda Luxenberg lost her guardianship , her son has been moved five times , including stays at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ Hyde park facility ” operated by the Lamoille County Sheriff 's Department and Central Vermont Medical Center according to the behavioral support plan .
He was seen briefly at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Vermont after an incident at the Sheriff 's facility , but not admitted .
As of the publication of this article , Travis Luxenberg is living in a facility in Marshfield , Vermont in a program overseen by Washington County Mental Health Services .
Linda Luxenberg , who believes the care is inadequate and that her son is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to regain guardianship that will be heard by the probate court on December 18 .
While unable to comment on specific clients , Julie Martin , the director of developmental services for Washington County Mental Health Services said the agency 's `` specialized treatment program is designed , developed and implemented with the full collaboration '' of the Department of Disabilities , Aging and Independent Living , the client 's guardian and `` experts both within and outside our organization . ''
Washington County Mental Health Services has `` worked tirelessly '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luxenberg 's needs , they wrote in a November 10 court filing .
Medical staff did increase Luxenberg 's medication , they noted , but the change is intended to be `` short term and methodically reduced . ''
' I 'm scared .
Are you scared ? '
A Michigan mom 's harrowing story of leaving her son with autism to fight COVID-19 alone in Opinion : Why police need better training on how to help people with mental illnesses '' Although Travis 's team has noticed bouts of lethargic behavior including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tremors , and impacted gross-motor issues ( 'shuffling ' instead of walking ) , '' Washington County Mental Health Services wrote in an affidavit , `` his team is diligently and constantly collaborating '' with medical professionals to decrease dosages .
Travis Luxenberg 's time at the Marshfield facility has `` constituted the longest stretch of stability that ( he ) has enjoyed at least since February 2020 , '' according to a court filing by the state .
Travis Luxenberg has demonstrated `` more safe behaviors and healthy self-determination than he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

'You need to get him out of there': Vermont man with autism lived in 6 facilities in one year
BURLINGTON, Vt. — It was Christmas, and Linda Luxenberg couldn't wait to spend it with her son Travis in his new home. She had purchased a log cabin in Waitsfield, Vermont and called it Nice Place. There, Linda Luxenberg hoped, her son, who has severe autism, would be safe from the chaos that ran his life for years.
"This boy is going to have Christmas at Nice Place, with his sisters and his mom," she told the Burlington Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. She furnished the home and bought her son new clothes. "Trav' was in heaven." But what followed was less than idyllic.
Linda and Travis Luxenberg were the subjects of a 2019 Free Press series that documented their struggle to find adequate housing and programming. Travis Luxenberg, 33, was in a dangerous home care program with caregivers who could not — or would not — stop him from destructive behaviors or make sure he didn't wander on his own.
More: No one will take him: A mother’s fight to improve care for her high-needs, adult son
As reporting for that series was underway, Linda Luxenberg learned that the state of Vermont had approved over $500,000 for a new program with Upper Valley Services, a nonprofit service agency accredited by the state. It was to be designed specifically around his needs, and would provide at least two caregivers at all times, an autism specialist and improved security measures.
The Free Press series ended with Linda Luxenburg hopeful that the new program would support her son's needs, but that optimism was short-lived.
Travis Luxenberg's program fell apart within months, despite a nearly 270% increase in state and federal funding. The program failed, Linda Luxenberg said, because of a lack of programming devised by an autism expert and the inability to find staff to implement it.
Including Nice Place, Travis Luxenberg has lived in six different facilities in one year.
Neighbors who witnessed the events last spring, autism advocates and friends of Linda Luxenberg have flooded local and national representatives, as well as administrators in the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, with correspondence advocating for Travis Luxenberg's safety.
Beverly Frost, a mother of an adult son with autism, has spent "untold hours" over the last two years advocating for Travis Luxenberg. She stated in a letter to a state senator dated November 9, "His situation is dire and getting worse by the day."
The Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living declined to comment on the specifics of Travis Luxenberg's case.
Bill Ashe, who was executive director when Upper Valley Services was running Luxenberg's program in Waitsfield, has since retired. Ashe referred all questions about Luxenberg to the current executive director, Gloria Quinn, who declined to comment.
Program impossible to staff, worker cites dangers
Travis Luxenberg's program fell apart, his mother said, in large part because they couldn't find a program director with expertise.They couldn't maintain staff who showed up for work — and didn't run away from her son when he was struggling.
Warren Uzzle was building a handrail at Nice Place when a rock flew within a few feet of his head, hurtling toward a window. Moments later, Travis Luxenberg jumped through the shattered window, Uzzle remembered, and landed on shards of glass outside.
Uzzle was initially hired by Linda Luxenberg, to make safety improvements to a home she purchased for Travis and his support workers. As it happened, Uzzle had a background in special education. Before starting a small construction business in retirement, Uzzle worked as a special education administrator. He offered to work with Travis as a staff member and was hired by Upper Valley Services in April 2020.
Within two weeks, he left the job. “I called Linda, and I said, ‘Linda, there is no program, and you need to get him out of there,’” Uzzle said.
Uzzle described an uncoordinated and chaotic environment with little to no interaction with supervisory staff at Upper Valley Services. The support workers, he said, struggled to deal with the complexity of Luxenberg’s needs.
“I decided it was unsafe to be there for Travis, for the staff and for me.”
While Uzzle was still working in the home as a contractor, he saw staff members fall backward off the porch onto ice. He suggested Upper Valley Services build a railing, but they never followed through.
“I did an estimate for them and everything,” he said. “I suggested improving the steps because they were poorly constructed, that was never followed up on either.”
More: 'It's just neglect': 2 deaths in provider homes reveal flaws in Vermont's autism care
“There is no staff communication or meetings, ever,” Uzzle said. By the time he left, he had been working at Nice Place in some capacity for over three months — almost the entire time the Upper Valley Services program was operational. Staff didn’t communicate with each other when they changed shifts about Luxenberg’s mood or behavior that day, Uzzle said. Some staff simply observed the home from afar, he said, and walked off at the end of the shift.
Crises led to loss of guardianship, temporary stay in trailer
Travis Luxenberg experienced crisis after crisis in the spring of 2020. He started breaking the windows of the house and smashing the workers' car windshields on May 14, police records show. A staff member tried to "wrestle him back into the house," after which a neighbor fired a gun into the air in an attempt to stop the skirmish outside.
"The healthcare workers advised that this has been happening lately and it does not appear safe for the community," a state trooper wrote.
Travis Luxenberg had a significant episode four days later on May 18, when police reported he was "out of control at his residence." First responders brought him to Dartmouth Hitchock Medical Center in New Hampshire, records show, where he stayed for three months.
Then, COVID hit. The hospital needed him to leave, and Linda Luxenberg and the state’s disability services department couldn’t come to an agreement on where he would go, she said. The state wanted to place him in temporary crisis housing — a trailer in Wardsboro, Vermont run by the Vermont Crisis Intervention Network — a plan Linda refused because she believed it would end poorly for her son.
Dartmouth Hitchcock petitioned to have Linda Luxenberg's guardianship removed in August, and Travis Luxenberg was moved to the trailer.
An attorney for the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living said the department can’t comment on specific cases, but did cite the part of the law that was used to justify the removal of her guardianship: a “change in the capacity or suitability of the guardian for carrying out his or her powers and duties."
"It was like they put a knife through my heart,” Linda Luxenberg said. Twenty-five percent of Vermonters with disabilities who responded to the 2018-19 National Core Indicators survey had a state-appointed guardian, compared to 9% nationally.
The Vermont Crisis Intervention Network is an Upper Valley Services program that offers training, consultation and crisis housing, according to Gloria Quinn, executive director of Upper Valley Services. About 35 people with disabilities stay in the program's two trailers each year, with an average stay of about 17 days. Intended for short-term stays for Vermonters with disabilities, the trailers house one person at a time, with one staff member supporting them.
A photograph supplied by Linda Luxenberg of the trailer where Travis Luxenberg was held shows a red, single-wide trailer, the exterior of which appears to be deteriorating.
"The focus is on a safe interior suitable for the needs of each person," Quinn wrote in a letter to the Free Press. "The exterior of some of the residences may appear in a state of disrepair, but (Upper Valley Services) and state focus is on the suitability of the location and the safety, security and suitability of the interior space."
Within 72 hours, Travis Luxenberg had a "significant episode" at the trailer that resulted in injury to staff, according to a behavior support plan written by staff at Washington County Mental Health Services.
Concerns about instability, over-medication
Since Linda Luxenberg lost her guardianship, her son has been moved five times, including stays at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, the trailer in Wardsboro, a “Hyde park facility” operated by the Lamoille County Sheriff's Department and Central Vermont Medical Center according to the behavioral support plan. He was seen briefly at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Vermont after an incident at the Sheriff's facility, but not admitted.
As of the publication of this article, Travis Luxenberg is living in a facility in Marshfield, Vermont in a program overseen by Washington County Mental Health Services. Linda Luxenberg, who believes the care is inadequate and that her son is being over-medicated, is mounting a legal effort to regain guardianship that will be heard by the probate court on December 18.
While unable to comment on specific clients, Julie Martin, the director of developmental services for Washington County Mental Health Services said the agency's "specialized treatment program is designed, developed and implemented with the full collaboration" of the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, the client's guardian and "experts both within and outside our organization."
Washington County Mental Health Services has "worked tirelessly" to develop a program that meets Travis Luxenberg's needs, they wrote in a November 10 court filing. Medical staff did increase Luxenberg's medication, they noted, but the change is intended to be "short term and methodically reduced."
'I'm scared. Are you scared?' A Michigan mom's harrowing story of leaving her son with autism to fight COVID-19 alone in
Opinion: Why police need better training on how to help people with mental illnesses
"Although Travis's team has noticed bouts of lethargic behavior including long periods of sleep, slower speech, tremors, and impacted gross-motor issues ('shuffling' instead of walking)," Washington County Mental Health Services wrote in an affidavit, "his team is diligently and constantly collaborating" with medical professionals to decrease dosages.
Travis Luxenberg's time at the Marshfield facility has "constituted the longest stretch of stability that (he) has enjoyed at least since February 2020," according to a court filing by the state. Travis Luxenberg has demonstrated "more safe behaviors and healthy self-determination than he has for at least eight months."
Follow Isaac Fornarola on Twitter: @isaacforn


usatoday--2020-12-17--Exuberant Boston health care workers feel 'Good as Hell' as they dance for joy about getting COVID v

The coronavirus pandemic has not provided many opportunities for levity or celebration .
It ’ s little wonder , then , that a video of Boston health care workers dancing to Lizzo ’ s vibrant “ Good as Hell ” in celebration of the COVID-19 vaccines went viral this week .
Kate Walsh , president and CEO of the Boston Medical Center , shared the video Monday featuring frontline employees grooving — socially distanced and with masks — outside of the hospital .
Boston Medical was one of the first places in the state to receive the vaccine .
Per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doses Monday .
“ Why I love my job , ” Walsh captioned the video.
“ Teams of people working to safely and equitably distribute vaccines to their front line colleagues getting cheered on by their friends celebrating the arrival of the vaccines !
A great day , a great place.
” The reactions to the video on Twitter — which received over 3 million views since Monday — were similarly overjoyed .
`` We badly needed a tiny glimmer of hope to keep us going , '' said Dr. Francisco J. Soto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in a reply .
Tami Gouveia , a Massachusetts state representative , commented : `` So wonderful to see this level of joy and gratitude ! ''
In Massachusetts , health care workers `` doing direct and COVID-facing care '' will be the first recipients of the vaccine , according to the state 's distribution timeline .
Vaccines continue to be distributed nationwide , as frontline health care and long-term care facility workers are among the first to be inoculated .
In some states , such as Tennessee , vaccines will not @ @ @ @ @ @

Exuberant Boston health care workers feel 'Good as Hell' as they dance for joy about getting COVID vaccines
Show Caption Hide Caption Health care workers dance as COVID-19 vaccine arrive at medical center Staff at Boston Medical Center celebrated the COVID-19 vaccine arrival by busting a move. USA TODAY, Storyful
The coronavirus pandemic has not provided many opportunities for levity or celebration. It’s little wonder, then, that a video of Boston health care workers dancing to Lizzo’s vibrant “Good as Hell” in celebration of the COVID-19 vaccines went viral this week.
Kate Walsh, president and CEO of the Boston Medical Center, shared the video Monday featuring frontline employees grooving — socially distanced and with masks — outside of the hospital. Boston Medical was one of the first places in the state to receive the vaccine. Per Boston.com, the hospital received nearly 2,000 doses Monday.
“Why I love my job,” Walsh captioned the video.“Teams of people working to safely and equitably distribute vaccines to their front line colleagues getting cheered on by their friends celebrating the arrival of the vaccines! A great day, a great place.”
Why I love my job @The_BMC ! Teams of people working to safely and equitably distribute vaccines to their front line colleagues getting cheered on by their friends celebrating the arrival of the vaccines! A great day, a great place. ❤ pic.twitter.com/XfrIthFIY5 — Kate Walsh (@KateWalshCEO) December 14, 2020
The reactions to the video on Twitter — which received over 3 million views since Monday — were similarly overjoyed.
"We badly needed a tiny glimmer of hope to keep us going," said Dr. Francisco J. Soto, a pulmonologist and professor in Nashville, in a reply.
Tami Gouveia, a Massachusetts state representative, commented: "So wonderful to see this level of joy and gratitude!"
In Massachusetts, health care workers "doing direct and COVID-facing care" will be the first recipients of the vaccine, according to the state's distribution timeline.
Vaccines continue to be distributed nationwide, as frontline health care and long-term care facility workers are among the first to be inoculated. In some states, such as Tennessee, vaccines will not arrive until later this week.
Contributing: Karen Weintraub. Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote.


usatoday--2020-12-17--Millions of Americans face eviction amid COVID-19: 'I have no idea what to do.'

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit , single mother Alora Manny was working third shift at an Amazon fulfillment center in Phoenix .
Though she had a two-hour commute by bus , she was able to support her three children and pay the $ 1,248 in monthly rent for her one-bedroom apartment near downtown .
Manny , 31 , loved her job and earned $ 1,200 to $ 1,500 per week , often picking up extra hours .
But when Phoenix implemented passenger limits on public transportation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 , Manny 's two-hour commute turned into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait at the bus stop , only to watch the shuttles drive past her because they were at capacity .
After arriving late to work a fifth time , Manny lost her job .
She fell behind on bills and was unable to pay rent in August .
Desperate for help , Manny reached out to social services organizations that told her not to panic because a nationwide moratorium on evictions would serve as a lifeline .
She submitted a sworn affidavit stating she had lost her income and presented it to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September , deputies were at her door .
They said : `` You have to go . ''
`` I kept getting eviction notices on my door , '' Manny told me .
`` I filled out all of my paperwork .
I did what I was told to do .
To end up homeless is so devastating ; I 've never been in this situation before .
I really was n't even given a chance . ''
Manny and her children , Amelia , 13 , Audrina , 12 , and Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around from cheap motels to friends ' couches because emergency shelters are overflowing with others in need .
They are trying to survive on her unemployment benefits : $ 218 per week .
Millions of Americans like Manny are falling through the cracks during this pandemic-induced financial and housing crisis .
And we have n't seen the worst of it .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's eviction moratorium , which went in effect in September , protects renters who have been unable to meet their monthly payments from being tossed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expire Dec. 31 .
An estimated 12.4 million adult renters say they are behind on payments , according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau survey .
And nearly 83 million adults report they are finding it somewhat difficult or very difficult to cover their household expenses such as food , rent or mortgages and car payments .
All told , an estimated 30 to 40 million Americans could be at risk of residential eviction in January because they are unable to pay their rent , according to an analysis by the Aspen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
America is failing the backbone of this nation : its people .
Eviction moratoriums are not enough , though Congress must push to extend the CDC 's beyond the end of the year .
The wealth gap is quickly becoming a chasm as Americans continue to die by the thousands even as the stock market reaches new heights .
Any new coronavirus rescue package must include accessible emergency rental assistance and a uniform , enforceable eviction ban that will remain in effect until a high percentage of the population is vaccinated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I do n't know how I 'm going to get through this , '' Manny said .
`` I have no idea what to do . ''
Americans with the lowest-income households — low-wage and essential workers — also tend to be people of color .
They have already been ravaged by COVID-19 , experiencing higher infection and death rates .
Women and communities of color also are disproportionately more likely to owe back rent , according to Census data , including about 29 % of Black families and 17 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astonishing as they are unmanageable for many Americans , those who were struggling to make ends meet prior to the pandemic .
In an August report , Moody ’ s Analytics estimated that 12.8 million Americans would be behind an average of $ 5,400 in rent , and that debt could balloon to nearly $ 70 billion by the end of the year .
Rent moratoriums do not forgive or reduce payments .
When the system works , the immediate threat of eviction is simply delayed .
But many landlords are suffering , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charging thousands of dollars for efficiency apartments around the country as the enemy .
In reality , more than half of all rental properties are single-family homes , often owned by mom-and-pop landlords .
Mortgages and property taxes still need to be paid , as does maintenance and sometimes utilities .
As Congress continues its down-to-the-wire negotiations , landlord financial assistance should also be on the table .
Monica Delancy , a renters ' rights advocate who helps residents in Georgia 's Cobb County , said many families she works with are ineligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to prove that they will be able to pay rent in arrears — people whose work hours have already been reduced and serve as the primary caregiver to children who are learning virtually at home due to COVID-19 .
She 's working with dozens of families to try to help them negotiate payment plans with their landlords .
`` You can not pay $ 1,000 a month in rent plus what you already owe on $ 10 or less an hour , '' Delancy , founder and executive director of We Thrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , we know that on Jan. 1 the landlord can go to the court and ask for the eviction writs to be served , and there ’ s nothing we can do about it .
Forced evictions are traumatic .
We 're at the point now where we 're just asking for the tenants to have some notice so they can start packing .
We want to avoid someone having a padlock put on their door or their stuff put out on the curb .
Give them 48 hours before the sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it in storage .
We want these people to be able to move with decency . ''
Some states and legal aid providers , including Texas and New York , have launched online portals to help residents understand the eviction process and inform them of their rights .
Other organizations have turned to social media to reach as many people as possible during this housing crisis .
Hannah Adams , a staff attorney for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services , which represents tenants during evictions in 22 parishes across the New Orleans area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those seeking information .
As I watched , I could n't help but cry .
Is this really where we are as a country ?
“ People are really , really struggling right now , '' Adams said during the live broadcast .
`` A lot of people are not back to work .
A lot of people are relying on the expanded unemployment benefits from the federal government that ended at the end of July .
I know many , many people who are getting 100 bucks a week from unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So obviously that is not enough to live on , let alone pay rent , and unfortunately it doesn ’ t appear that this pandemic is ending anytime soon . ''
Few people could have anticipated the tremendous financial fallout spurred by COVID-19 .
But as it continues to cripple tens of millions of Americans , Congress must step up .
In our lifetimes , we have never experienced an economic and public health crisis like this one .
A wave of homelessness like we 've never seen is imminent .
America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have to be this way .
National columnist Suzette Hackney is a member of USA TODAY ’ S Editorial Board .
Contact her at shackney @ usatoday.com or on Twitter : @ suzyscribe

Millions of Americans face eviction amid COVID-19: 'I have no idea what to do.' Emerging COVID-19 relief package must include accessible emergency rental assistance and a uniform, enforceable eviction ban.
Show Caption Hide Caption Tenants face evictions as moratoriums are ending At 63 years old, Victoria Lambert lost her job when the pandemic hit. Despite being on Social Security, Lambert is facing the threat of eviction. She is among some 23 million people nationwide at risk of being evicted as moratoriums expire. (Aug. 20) AP
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, single mother Alora Manny was working third shift at an Amazon fulfillment center in Phoenix. Though she had a two-hour commute by bus, she was able to support her three children and pay the $1,248 in monthly rent for her one-bedroom apartment near downtown.
Manny, 31, loved her job and earned $1,200 to $1,500 per week, often picking up extra hours. But when Phoenix implemented passenger limits on public transportation to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Manny's two-hour commute turned into a four-hour journey some days. She would wait at the bus stop, only to watch the shuttles drive past her because they were at capacity. After arriving late to work a fifth time, Manny lost her job.
She fell behind on bills and was unable to pay rent in August. Desperate for help, Manny reached out to social services organizations that told her not to panic because a nationwide moratorium on evictions would serve as a lifeline. She submitted a sworn affidavit stating she had lost her income and presented it to her landlord. A few weeks later in September, deputies were at her door. They said: "You have to go."
"I kept getting eviction notices on my door," Manny told me. "I filled out all of my paperwork. I did what I was told to do. To end up homeless is so devastating; I've never been in this situation before. I really wasn't even given a chance."
Manny and her children, Amelia, 13, Audrina, 12, and Robert Jr., 3, are now bouncing around from cheap motels to friends' couches because emergency shelters are overflowing with others in need. They are trying to survive on her unemployment benefits: $218 per week.
Millions of Americans like Manny are falling through the cracks during this pandemic-induced financial and housing crisis. And we haven't seen the worst of it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's eviction moratorium, which went in effect in September, protects renters who have been unable to meet their monthly payments from being tossed on the street. It is set to expire Dec. 31.
An estimated 12.4 million adult renters say they are behind on payments, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau survey. And nearly 83 million adults report they are finding it somewhat difficult or very difficult to cover their household expenses such as food, rent or mortgages and car payments.
All told, an estimated 30 to 40 million Americans could be at risk of residential eviction in January because they are unable to pay their rent, according to an analysis by the Aspen Institute, a nonpartisan policy think tank. America is failing the backbone of this nation: its people.
Eviction moratoriums are not enough, though Congress must push to extend the CDC's beyond the end of the year. The wealth gap is quickly becoming a chasm as Americans continue to die by the thousands even as the stock market reaches new heights. Any new coronavirus rescue package must include accessible emergency rental assistance and a uniform, enforceable eviction ban that will remain in effect until a high percentage of the population is vaccinated and the transmission of the virus slows.
"I don't know how I'm going to get through this," Manny said. "I have no idea what to do."
Struggling to make ends meet
Americans with the lowest-income households — low-wage and essential workers — also tend to be people of color. They have already been ravaged by COVID-19, experiencing higher infection and death rates. Women and communities of color also are disproportionately more likely to owe back rent, according to Census data, including about 29% of Black families and 26% of Latino tenants.
The numbers are as astonishing as they are unmanageable for many Americans, those who were struggling to make ends meet prior to the pandemic. In an August report, Moody’s Analytics estimated that 12.8 million Americans would be behind an average of $5,400 in rent, and that debt could balloon to nearly $70 billion by the end of the year. Rent moratoriums do not forgive or reduce payments. When the system works, the immediate threat of eviction is simply delayed.
But many landlords are suffering, too. We often envision monolith corporations charging thousands of dollars for efficiency apartments around the country as the enemy. In reality, more than half of all rental properties are single-family homes, often owned by mom-and-pop landlords. Mortgages and property taxes still need to be paid, as does maintenance and sometimes utilities. As Congress continues its down-to-the-wire negotiations, landlord financial assistance should also be on the table.
Monica Delancy, a renters' rights advocate who helps residents in Georgia's Cobb County, said many families she works with are ineligible for local assistance because they must be able to prove that they will be able to pay rent in arrears — people whose work hours have already been reduced and serve as the primary caregiver to children who are learning virtually at home due to COVID-19. She's working with dozens of families to try to help them negotiate payment plans with their landlords.
"You cannot pay $1,000 a month in rent plus what you already owe on $10 or less an hour," Delancy, founder and executive director of We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association. "Right now, we know that on Jan. 1 the landlord can go to the court and ask for the eviction writs to be served, and there’s nothing we can do about it. Forced evictions are traumatic. We're at the point now where we're just asking for the tenants to have some notice so they can start packing. We want to avoid someone having a padlock put on their door or their stuff put out on the curb. Give them 48 hours before the sheriff comes to gather their personal belongs and get it in storage. We want these people to be able to move with decency."
Some states and legal aid providers, including Texas and New York, have launched online portals to help residents understand the eviction process and inform them of their rights. Other organizations have turned to social media to reach as many people as possible during this housing crisis.
Hannah Adams, a staff attorney for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, which represents tenants during evictions in 22 parishes across the New Orleans area, held a virtual session on Facebook for those seeking information. As I watched, I couldn't help but cry. Is this really where we are as a country?
“People are really, really struggling right now," Adams said during the live broadcast. "A lot of people are not back to work. A lot of people are relying on the expanded unemployment benefits from the federal government that ended at the end of July. I know many, many people who are getting 100 bucks a week from unemployment right now and that’s it. So obviously that is not enough to live on, let alone pay rent, and unfortunately it doesn’t appear that this pandemic is ending anytime soon."
Few people could have anticipated the tremendous financial fallout spurred by COVID-19. But as it continues to cripple tens of millions of Americans, Congress must step up. In our lifetimes, we have never experienced an economic and public health crisis like this one. A wave of homelessness like we've never seen is imminent.
America is failing its people. It doesn't have to be this way.
National columnist Suzette Hackney is a member of USA TODAY’S Editorial Board. Contact her at shackney@usatoday.com or on Twitter: @suzyscribe


usatoday--2020-12-17--What can go in blue bins

What can go in blue bins

'T is the season for gift giving .
And waste .
If you 're surrounded by endless wrapping paper , festive bows and Christmas cards this holiday , it 's important to note proper recycling protocols — especially for paper products , the most recycled material in the U.S , according to the Environmental Protection Agency .
`` Millions of Americans can also do their part during the holiday season by recycling paper-based products at home , '' Heidi Brock , President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association , said in a statement to USA TODAY .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ make at the end of the year is `` Wishcycling . ''
`` The act of putting something in the recycling bin in the hope that someone else will figure out what to do with it , actually impedes the recycling process , '' she said , urging communities to help educate consumers about local guidelines .
Not everything can go in those blue bins .
Glue , ribbons and glitter-dusted decorations can clog the recycling process .
Most nonpaper products need to be tossed or reused .
Each holiday gift wrap is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year .
Unsure of what to do as you pack up this season 's festivities in a sustainable way ?
Have no fear — this list is for you .
Recycle ?
Reuse ?
Or trash ?
Here 's what you need to know .
When should you mail gifts for Christmas ?
Your shipping questions , answered Will gifts arrive in time for Christmas ?
: Target , Macy 's , other stores offering same-day delivery for holiday rush Brock said plain wrapping paper can be recycled .
Sheets with foil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not .
Additional nonpaper embellishments should also be avoided .
According to Lisa Skumatz , National Recycling Coalition chairperson , wrapping paper should be separated from your regular curbside mix .
It can be recycled with special programs for collection and drop-off in some cities .
Try reusing wrapping paper that ca n't be recycled .
If Christmas morning causes damage beyond repair , trash it — and maybe consider sturdier gift bags to easily reuse in the future .
“ We do discourage people from using wrapping paper because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to either use reusable gift bags or other types of materials or use recyclable material like calendars , maps , etc , '' said Randy Moorman of Ecocycle , a recycling non-profit in Colorado .
Gift bag recycling requirements are similar to wrapping paper .
Plain paper bags can be put in the recycling bin — but not bags made with plastic , foil or fabric according to Brock and the American Forest and Paper Association .
If a paper bag has rope handles , beads or other nonpaper decorative elements , remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't fit recycling requirements , they will need to be trashed or reused .
Good news is , they are easy to preserve .
Ribbons and bows are not accepted at recycling bins .
The decorations can clog production at recycling plants .
To fix the problem , `` the facility then needs to shut down all the equipment so they can get in and cut out all the junk , ” Peter Spendelow , a materials management specialist for Oregon 's Department of Environmental Quality , previously told USA TODAY .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reuse , trash them .
Otherwise , save them for next year — tape can be a perfect substitute adhesive .
According to the American Forest and Paper Association , cards and envelopes made of paper can be recycled .
But those with glitter , plastic or metallic accents should be tossed in the trash .
'Well ... THAT was CRAZY ! '
: COVID-themed holiday cards reflect dumpster fire that is 2020 Online orders are on the rise this year and cardboard boxes need to be recycled properly .
In short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove nonpaper packing materials .
Packing peanuts and bubble wrap are not recyclable .
And unflattened boxes take up more room in recycling trucks — causing crews to make more trips .
`` This year many gifts will arrive to households in corrugated boxes , which are designed to be recycled , '' Brock said .
`` These recycled paper fibers can be used at least seven times to make new paper products .
We ask consumers to remove any nonpaper packing materials , break boxes down flat , keep them dry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bin . ''

Recycling wrapping paper? Gift bags? Here's what holiday packaging can go in blue bins
Show Caption Hide Caption Christmas and holiday gift wrapping tricks Have to wrap an oddly shaped present Here's a DIY-wrapping tutorial that can work for the weirdest-shaped gifts. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
'Tis the season for gift giving. And waste.
If you're surrounded by endless wrapping paper, festive bows and Christmas cards this holiday, it's important to note proper recycling protocols – especially for paper products, the most recycled material in the U.S, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
"Millions of Americans can also do their part during the holiday season by recycling paper-based products at home," Heidi Brock, President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
Brock added that a common mistake people make at the end of the year is "wishcycling."
"The act of putting something in the recycling bin in the hope that someone else will figure out what to do with it actually impedes the recycling process," she said, urging communities to help educate consumers about local guidelines.
Not everything can go in those blue bins. Glue, ribbons and glitter-dusted decorations can clog the recycling process. Most nonpaper products need to be tossed or reused.
Each holiday gift wrap is disposed of differently at the end of the year. Unsure of what to do as you pack up this season's festivities in a sustainable way?
Recycle? Reuse? Or trash? Here's what you need to know:
When should you mail gifts for Christmas? Your shipping questions, answered
Will gifts arrive in time for Christmas?: Target, Macy's, other stores offering same-day delivery for holiday rush
Wrapping paper
Brock said plain wrapping paper can be recycled. Sheets with foil, glitter and plastic or poly coatings cannot. Additional nonpaper embellishments should also be avoided.
According to Lisa Skumatz, National Recycling Coalition chairperson, wrapping paper should be separated from your regular curbside mix. It can be recycled with special programs for collection and drop-off in some cities.
Try reusing wrapping paper that can't be recycled. If Christmas morning causes damage beyond repair, trash it – and maybe consider sturdier gift bags to easily reuse in the future.
“We do discourage people from using wrapping paper because it is difficult to recycle and instead encourage people to either use reusable gift bags or other types of materials or use recyclable material like calendars, maps, etc," said Randy Moorman of Ecocycle, a recycling nonprofit in Colorado.
Gift bags
Gift bag recycling requirements are similar to wrapping paper. Plain paper bags can be put in the recycling bin – but not bags made with plastic, foil, or fabric according to Brock and the American Forest and Paper Association.
If a paper bag has rope handles, beads, or other nonpaper decorative elements, remove them before recycling.
If your bags don't fit recycling requirements, they will need to be trashed or reused. The good news is, they are easy to preserve.
Ribbons and bows
Ribbons and bows are not accepted at recycling bins. The decorations can clog production at recycling plants.
To fix the problem, "the facility then needs to shut down all the equipment so they can get in and cut out all the junk,” Peter Spendelow, a materials management specialist for Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality, previously told USA TODAY.
When ribbons and bows are too ugly to reuse, trash them. Otherwise, save them for next year – tape can be a perfect substitute adhesive.
Christmas cards
Don't forget to sort holiday cards.
According to the American Forest and Paper Association, cards and envelopes made of paper can be recycled. But those with glitter, plastic, or metallic accents should be tossed in the trash.
Most recycling processes will remove stamps.
More: Don't make these mistakes when addressing holiday cards
'Well... THAT was CRAZY!': COVID-themed holiday cards reflect dumpster fire that is 2020
Cardboard boxes
Online orders are on the rise this year and cardboard boxes need to be recycled properly.
In short: don't forget to flatten and remove nonpaper packing materials.
Packing peanuts and bubble wrap are not recyclable. And unflattened boxes take up more room in recycling trucks – causing crews to make more trips.
"This year many gifts will arrive to households in corrugated boxes, which are designed to be recycled," Brock said. "These recycled paper fibers can be used at least seven times to make new paper products. We ask consumers to remove any nonpaper packing materials, break boxes down flat, keep them dry and clean and place them in the recycling bin."
Contributing: Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY