More comments on No room at the inn' from readers at PikeCountyCourier.com
“Me” wrote: She has a home in Shohola. Make her go there or to a state hospital. Seems to all she’s off her rocker. “Anthony” wrote: Kudo’s to this reporter for bringing this story to the front page. It is about time. This community should be ashamed to read “there is absolutely nothing we can do” for her, Instead of “What can we do”. From the reporter’s article it appears to me, albeit not a mental health professional, she IS a “threat” to herself and others. She rides her wheelchair backwards, going up and down alleys in Milford, a threat to the safety not only to her but also motorists using the alleys. She is exposed to all kind of weather, bitter cold, pouring rain, a threat to her health. Her safety and health is threatened daily. No, I don’t think free handouts from churches, restaurants and caring individuals are the answer either. These institutions and people should be commended for their charity, but I believe this only increases her chances of living on the borderline of survival instead of truly getting help for her. What angers me is no legal action can protect her, a legal guardian can not be ordered or appointed if apparently she does not know what is a threat to her well being? If she was “in constant communication, screaming at times, with two men who were not present”, one of whom she told the reporter was the Governor of Pennsylvania. She said the conversations were via an ear piece device. Why then, is this woman still allowed to make decision for herself. It saddens me even more to know tens of thousands dollars are being spent to make Milford streets “pretty” and yet no one has any idea how or resources to get this woman help. Where are the mental health agencies? If there are none in Pike county with the answers, how about any other county with major a homeless population, how would this situation be handled there? The answer is out there, unfortunately that might very well be her death. The Milford community should take a very hard look at this. The next person who is not able to get help they need, might very well be you, but then again, that won’t happen to you will it? Wonder if Marina ever thought that? “Listener” wrote: This article was expertly written and the research was phenomenal. This reporter should be proud. However; Marina has refused help. She has been offered several different choices, but has refused them all. The public can’t force her anywhere. We’ve tried, but Marina CHOOSES to not take what she has been offered. It’s not that the public isn’t doing anything, it’s that Marina isn’t doing anything for herself. The reporter’s efforts are appreciated and illustrate what is happening in the situation. But, quoting the Rolling Stones, “You can’t always get what you want, no you can’t always get what you want, but sometimes you find, you get what you need.”