Thursday, June 14, 2007
Do what’s right – I don’t want to syndrome
Nearly everyone would agree that there are some things that are just right to do. For instance, take care of our bodies, treat others with compassion or share with those less fortunate than ourselves.
Yet, so often we find ourselves doing just the opposite. We overeat and under exercise. We demand justice of the rich and famous (Paris anyone?) but want mercy for ourselves. We hoard things we really don’t need when someone else does. Why?
Joel John Roberts in his blog of June 11, 2007, “The Real Reason for Drops in Homelessness,” talks about the numbers games being played by Los Angeles in dealing with the homeless crisis. Blue ribbon frameworks not completed into plans. Housing units promised not built. Shelter beds not added.
Some question shelters’ reason to exist rather than supporting this first string of a rope of rescue. Housing first is a great plan for some, but not everyone is ready for housing at the same time. The Los Angeles Mission provides overnight shelter and year long rehab programs. Both are needed to address the unique needs of the chronic homeless and those with addictions. Those for whom homelessness is purely an economic change are well suited to housing first initiatives. It is not an either/or but a both/and.
However, just like we sometimes choose not to do the things that are best for us, the homeless frequently do the same. Every night I drive out Skid Row and see rows of tents filled with people who for whatever reason have chosen to remain outside rather than to seek services from one of the Missions or other shelters. The frustrating thing for service providers is that we truly want to help --- but sometimes all we can do is wait patiently until each person chooses to reach out and accept a hand up. We build relationships, provide temporary services and pray that something in what we do will touch the hearts of those in need. We pray that some spark will ignite within them to create the desire to make a change. That is what really reduces the number of homeless persons!
Yes, as a community we have failed to provide sufficient services, shelter beds, housing units, education and jobs. If every person who is homeless wakes up tomorrow with that spark to change we are in deep do-do! But, based on the number of diets I have tried and failed and the time of denial between them, I think we are safe for a few days. That should give us time to work on a plan to improve services, build additional housing, add capacity to our schools and work on creating relationships that are held together with trust rather than selfish ambition or greed.
Time for coffee and …?
--Herb Smith, President
Yet, so often we find ourselves doing just the opposite. We overeat and under exercise. We demand justice of the rich and famous (Paris anyone?) but want mercy for ourselves. We hoard things we really don’t need when someone else does. Why?
Joel John Roberts in his blog of June 11, 2007, “The Real Reason for Drops in Homelessness,” talks about the numbers games being played by Los Angeles in dealing with the homeless crisis. Blue ribbon frameworks not completed into plans. Housing units promised not built. Shelter beds not added.
Some question shelters’ reason to exist rather than supporting this first string of a rope of rescue. Housing first is a great plan for some, but not everyone is ready for housing at the same time. The Los Angeles Mission provides overnight shelter and year long rehab programs. Both are needed to address the unique needs of the chronic homeless and those with addictions. Those for whom homelessness is purely an economic change are well suited to housing first initiatives. It is not an either/or but a both/and.
However, just like we sometimes choose not to do the things that are best for us, the homeless frequently do the same. Every night I drive out Skid Row and see rows of tents filled with people who for whatever reason have chosen to remain outside rather than to seek services from one of the Missions or other shelters. The frustrating thing for service providers is that we truly want to help --- but sometimes all we can do is wait patiently until each person chooses to reach out and accept a hand up. We build relationships, provide temporary services and pray that something in what we do will touch the hearts of those in need. We pray that some spark will ignite within them to create the desire to make a change. That is what really reduces the number of homeless persons!
Yes, as a community we have failed to provide sufficient services, shelter beds, housing units, education and jobs. If every person who is homeless wakes up tomorrow with that spark to change we are in deep do-do! But, based on the number of diets I have tried and failed and the time of denial between them, I think we are safe for a few days. That should give us time to work on a plan to improve services, build additional housing, add capacity to our schools and work on creating relationships that are held together with trust rather than selfish ambition or greed.
Time for coffee and …?
--Herb Smith, President
