And a GOOD piece:
I was disappointed to see the comments from my neighbors and city officials reacting to the new City Walk shelter on Mahan Drive. As a resident of the nearby Old Town Neighborhood, I want to welcome Renee Miller and the City Walk shelter to the neighborhood.
Renee saw a need to help Tallahassee’s unhoused community during an unprecedented crisis. She sought help from official channels and bravely took it upon herself to fix the problem. Now she also has to defend against NIMBY — Not In My Back Yard — neighbors and elected officials who like the idea of providing shelter but not the reality of opening a shelter.
Everyone agrees homelessness is a problem that needs addressing, but nobody wants it in their neighborhood. Any shelter location will be in someone’s neighborhood. Is our neighborhood unique in a way that means a shelter cannot be here? Do our property values and feeling of safety matter more than other neighborhoods in Tallahassee?
People should support City Walk and stand with them. Maybe help with a rally or something. That Barney Bishop is attacking not just the organization, but is making personal attacks on the director.
I figured a rally for support is not a “protest” so maybe more people would attend a positive event to show support. Anyone game?
Shelters should be available for those who want to improve their lives. There are many who won’t go to shelters because they don’t want to be preached at and others who apparently enjoy being homeless. Anyone in a bad situation should have help available to them if they want it and are willing to take the steps necessary to improve themselves.
Just like being shunned as a sex offender, being homeless is just as easy as getting caught up in a legal mess. Now double that and be an ex offender AND homeless.
Sometimes people have to experience something themselves or have a close tie to it via a family member or friend for them to understand, we are ALL humans and God’s children.
Prayers for all the downtrodden, including us.
“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Matthew 25:40