Take a look at what one Ventura, California church is doing about homelessness. They aren't just passing out food and then closing down until the next free-food day.
www.uua.org/action/stories/200026.shtml
Friday I drove by Redeemer Lutheran Church, where many people were waiting for its food pantry to open. They were gathering on the lawn and in the parking lot, which was full, waiting for the food truck to arrive. How many people did Redeemer help on Friday? I'm waiting for a return call from one of the organizers.
PADS has closed its overnight housing in the churches until fall. Where do all the people go who spend the night in one of the McHenry County churches in the PADS network? These folks don't need help only in the winter!
Why don't non-profits or communities buy or lease large, empty, commercial buildings and turn them into shelters? Provide meals, bedding, bathrooms, showers. Provide education and training. Provide counseling. Direct those in need to medical and dental services.
Create work opportunities. A town in New Jersey did that years ago, thumbing its collective nose at the state welfare program. Welfare recipients "earned" their benefits with brooms and other tools.
Of course, some city maintenance worker earning $75,000/year might find his overtime cut back. Well, too bad...
You never know who is interested…
3 months ago
1 comment:
Now there is a great question Gus!
One I have asked myself so very often.
The old Farm and Fleet would be a good start.
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