In reality any of us could become homeless. Just look at Chris Gardner, Wall Street mogul, now famous for his Pursuit of Happyness movie and book. He was once homeless. Tyler Perry, author, screen writer, actor and producer is now worth more than $100 million. Seven years before his breakthrough, he was out on the street with no where to go. There are countless veterans who valiantly served our country now living out their lives as homeless. If these exceptional persons could become homeless, any of us could go down that same path. It only takes a little bad luck and a reversal of fortune.
So I find it perplexing that Mayor Fenty chose to cut $20 million from the services for the homeless. He chose to do so in total disregard for Councilman Wells’ pleas to cut anywhere but the homeless services. Councilman Wells chairs the Committee which oversees funds for the homeless. And this was really a double whammy for the homeless. Mayor Fenty cut in the same week funds for the House of Ruth which serves and shelters victims of domestic violence.
These cuts may leave many out in the cold for the upcoming winter months. Organizations for the homeless believe at least 480 women and 100 families are at risk of facing evictions from temporary and transitional shelter for the homeless. Then there are almost another 300 families who are on the waiting list for a homeless shelter. So where are the homeless supposed to go? Imagine being evicted from a temporary homeless shelter. There is no where else to go. That is rock bottom.
The District of Columbia is more than mortar, monuments and museums. We are families, friends, children and women. And yes, unfortunately some of us are homeless. In DC we talk about human rights. What could be more human rights than sheltering the homeless? Yet, this is more than a human, social and moral issue. DC has a legal obligation to provide shelter to the homeless during the winter freezing months. In the coming months, DC may be in violation of its own law. The law was intended to protect and save lives. Nothing is more precious than human life. We go to extreme lengths to save lives except apparently if you are homeless.
It is not cost effective to make such deep cuts when so many people are facing foreclosures, losing jobs, pensions and savings and ending unemployment benefits. These cuts may cost lives. That price is too high for even DC to pay. So Mr. Mayor, please have a heart for the homeless.
NaDine Rawls says
October 5, 2009 at 10:48 amMy goodness. What is he thinking? Does he have another plan in place and hasn’t told anyone? Is there an expectation that community organizations and churches will go after federal government faith-based funds. What is he trying to do? Couldn’t the cuts have come from else where in the budget? Where is the compassion? The duty to serve the people — this is serving the people alright. Serving them with an empty plate and no place to eat it. Good going Mayor Fenty. I knew there was a reason I didn’t like living in D.C (and I don’t). It never fails — regardless of what political group is in power, when cuts are to be made they impact under-served families, children, the elderly, and the homeless. Maybe this is something that Congress really needs to take a look at and overturn — since they like overturning the wishes of DC citizens maybe they should help them out for a change and overturn this budget cut.
homeless says
July 16, 2010 at 9:24 amWhile we’re tackling the subject of Having A Heart For the Homeless | Debbie Hines – Experienced Trial Attorney – Legal Political Analyst Television Radio Speaking, In this way our purpose would be served and we could also help them in whatever little way we can. There are orphans, old helpless people, physically challenged, and many others who need our help. By making our party invitations charitable, we can do our bit to help someone in need.