posted on Mar, 24 2015 @ 08:05 PM
I have spent a few days reading though this thread, while running around doing other things, and I can't help but notice that most replies are
heated, one way or another.
Some are upset that the church did this, and call it hypocrisy.
Some go the other direction, and claim it is justifiable, because they shouldn't be there, and because of needles, etc.
Some state that no one should complain unless they are willing to house homeless people.
There are a few very sensible balanced responses, but not as many as I would have hoped to find.
Here is my take on this.
1. This is/was a tremendous waste of water, in a state with water issues. They ought to be fined for that alone.
2. I personally have a hard time with an organization that regularly shelters illegal aliens, but would treat homeless people in this fashion. What,
illegals are people deserving of compassion, and the homeless are rats or something? Very mixed message there!
3. I can see there being a problem with drug use on the grounds, but this isn't the solution. Cameras, and someone to monitor them, and call the
police if a drug user shows up, would have been simpler. That would also avoid targeting some homeless person just looking for a sheltered place to
rest.
4. An article someone linked had a follow-up, in which the church sad they were sorry and were removing the system. In that article, I noticed a
couple of troublesome points.
a. The article stated that the system was modeled after systems used in the financial district for the same
purpose. Are those allowed? Is anyone addressing how bad that is for a financial district?
b. The article also stated that one goal, other than discouraging the homeless from sleeping there, was to clean out
the doorways, including needles. So, where do those go? The streets? Sidewalks? Storm drains? How is that not
a serious health concern??? As bad, at least, as the drug use in the doorways?
5. Comparing the church to people's homes, and claiming that people shouldn't complain unless they'd want homeless people on their porch or
whatever isn't really logical. A home isn't a church, and a church isn't the same as a home. Not everyone has the means or the space to actually
house others. Lots of people (most?) have children as well, and have to consider their safety, and inviting in any stranger is potentially very
risky. An adult can decide to accept the risk, but placing children in danger is another matter. Many people rent, and cannot legally have
additional people housed in their homes. So, it isn't fair to tell someone they can't complain because unless they are taking in homeless
people.
6. Not all homeless people are where they are for the same reason. Some have a run of bad luck, which can happen to anyone. ANYONE. It doesn't
have to be about bad decisions, either. Jobs can be lost through no fault of your own. Affordable housing can be sold and made unavailable.
Unexpected bills can tax resources. Blaming it all on personal bad decisions and failure isn't' right. Some are in fact mentally ill, and unable
to cope on their own. Some are veterans with physical and mental conditions, and the system that should help them very often does not. Some, now,
are there because of bad decisions, and/or various addictions. some are simply flat out LAZY, and think the world owes them a living. I know someone
like that. That sort, you cannot help. For those, I agree with the person that said "Don't feed the animals, because they forget how to hunt."
Some of these people re so bad they refuse to care for themselves if there is ANY other option, including the option of eating at shelters and
sleeping outside. The ones you can help are a different story. I will give money to some asking for it, but not all. Mainly discerning who seems to
really nave a need, and who is just living off of begging. Not an exact science there, of course, and as much a feeling as anything else. We don't
have a lot where we live, but there are some that are definitely really homeless, and they get help when we see them and can. If a person has the
means, offering food for some odd job, or money, or needed clothing, or even a space, would be good. Not all homeless people are crazy, or drunks, or
drug addicts. Entire families can and do end up homeless. As a society,w e need to judge each person on their own situation, and not limp them all
together. We need better solutions, too. Shelters are often very problem-filled. Aid for food isn't always good, either. A local place was
handing out expired and spoiled dairy products, and many seemed to think it didn't matter. Plus, even the best systems can be overtaxed, because of
so many people in need.
A church, now, is another matter. Churches are supposed to do what they can to help those in need. Even if they have systems set up to shelter,
feed, and whatever, this sort of action isn't right. ashing needles and other debris into the street or wherever isn't right. Treating people like
that isn't right, and it is not a Christian thing to do. Some churches aren't doing as they should be. Some in ALL sectors. It's shameful. Even
a small church can collect goods for a local food bank. Surely someone could more easily go to the person and direct t hem to a shelter. If they
seemed unsafe, call in help. Dousing people with cold water for sleeping in a church doorway? Not right! An apology isn't enough. They need to
repay some of the hurt caused. Host a meal for the homeless in the area, maybe, and gather clothing and other needed items. As a Christian, this
really bothers me. If I attended a church that did that, they'd be getting a real earful, in a service, in front of everyone. I wonder what t he
congregation of that place thinks of this.