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Miami Pushes To Stop Feeding Homeless In Streets
City Wants Homeless Fed At Official Facilities Only MIAMI -- There is a new push to stop feeding the homeless on the streets of Miami. The city says as many as 76 organizations, including religious groups, must stop feeding Miami's homeless in the streets or risk paying fines and possibly face arrest. The director of homeless programs cites health problems. Brad Simon, the Director of Homeless Programs, says that the programs cause garbage and even rats and he says, "It has just become a health issue." There are an estimated 1,600 people who live on the streets of Miami. Sharon Gray, who is homeless, said she prefers the food she gets from the street programs. "The food is more fresher," Gray said. "At least they look out for the homeless, more so than the shelter." Aaron Thomas is also homeless and he agrees with Gray. "The Camillus House -- they only serve once a day and that's around 2:30," Thomas said. The city says the homeless should only be fed at authorized facilities such as the Camillus House and at the city's own sites. Miami even offers to transport the city's homeless to the facilities for free meals. Simon said, "There are plenty of shelters and organizations where people can go to." Gray said, "I don't think that's right. Some of the food in the shelter, it makes me sick." A spokesman for the MiamiDade Homeless Trust agrees with the city and said street feeding is neither dignified nor responsible. The city is so serious about ending street feeding that commissioners may be asked to pass a law forbidding it. Reprinted with permission
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One Woman’s Positive Outlook on a Bleak Situation
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ver the past 6 weeks change but I’ve or so I sat myself come to realize down to type a letter it’s one that was to all of you many, planned by a many times. I wanted to let each higher authority. and every one of you know how Like others who have gone special you are through mato me and how life hard it was for “A few months jor changes and me to move on. ago one split have been Perhaps it was that not the right second changed o n Street vendors in Caracas moment o r my whole life.” r o l l e r coaster ride maybe I just of emotions, needed to sort out my feelings because no mat- in the beginning, you usually re- misery or walk along the new ter how hard I tried I just could- ject the changes and struggle to path set before you, with your n’t seem to find the right words try to keep things the way they head held high. I believe what to begin. Today, I’m feeling quite are, you get angry and cry out also enlightens and makes differently and I’m determined to saying things like, “it’s just not changes easier is that you eventutype it out, whether or not it fair or why me?” But as the days ally come to a point where you makes sense to you, me, or any- pass acceptance becomes easier realize that there have been so and you realize that whether or many other times in your life one else’s path this may cross. A few months ago one not you like it your life has when you went through what felt split second changed my whole changed, it has taken a new like inconceivable struggles and life. Today, I still don’t fully un- course and that you have the right later found out that those hard(Continued on page 8) derstand the reason for the to choose to wallow in your own
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e just hit the road. We're on our way to do outreach. Connelly is driving the bus and Lois has the ambulance. We are going out to look for the homeless, to try and persuade them to go with us and stay out of the oncoming hurricane. On a good day we should rescue about 10 souls. I am Connelly's “eyes” as we cruise the streets, pointing out people who might be in need of shelter. The shelter will also provide those that join us with food, toiletries, clothes and cigarettes. Now we've just finished a side trip to the Salvation Army to drop off brand new blankets. I had noticed a young couple sitting outside as we pulled up and I tried to persuade them to come with us but it took Lois to convince them. Then it was off to the (Continued on page 11)
Last month you saw our Disaster Service Ambulance when we bought it. Now you can see it on the street serving the Homeless as we do medical outreach. It was also used for the hurricane evacuation for the homeless that missed the county evacuation times. You won’t miss it, it proudly says on its side “Helping People in American Disaster Services" We still need your help helping us replenish our disaster fund. In the future the staff will increase their medical training from First Responder to Emergency Medical Technician. And yes we will respond to the homeless like a full fledge ambulance. It is right around the corner. Thank-You for allowing us to expand the way we felt we’re needed to. Our people will be serviced like any other person.