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Published April 30, 2008 10:24 pm - It is obvious the lack of empathy for the homeless in Joplin and the lack of housing available leads to less than a “Christian” approach to the problem.
Voices: No place to call home
It is obvious the lack of empathy for the homeless in Joplin and the lack of housing available leads to less than a “Christian” approach to the problem.
Instead of petitioning against a potential homeless shelter, maybe you could be offering solutions for the homeless problem in Joplin, as well as educating yourselves about homelessness.
Are you aware the average age of a homeless person in Joplin is 9? That is correct. A recent street count of the homeless was done by Economic Security to get an accurate count and information about people without homes in Joplin. So, as you describe the homeless as stinky drunks and druggies who have worn out the system who just don’t want to work, you identify a gross misconception about the homeless. They are not of an age to provide for themselves. Many of their parents want to and do work. There is a drastic shortage of affordable housing in this area.
This is not a unique problem to Joplin. Most metropolitan areas have issues with people without homes, and they don’t address those problems by closing shelters. Yes, there are housing programs available, but the funds never provide services for all that need them. What are our options? Well, we are awaiting the date for the summit on homelessness that was offered by Joplin’s city leaders.
In the meantime, what we can do is educate ourselves and not be so quick to judge others. For such a “Christian” community, my experience on this issue alone has been less than Christian. It would seem that we continue to kick those who are down instead of opening our hearts, minds and arms to ask how can we help. So the next time you refer to the homeless in Joplin, remember when you are referring to the majority, you are talking about children without a place to call home.
Lisa Woolsey
Galena, Kan.
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