Activities and Opinions

Sunday two members of PUSH, Sumner Gray and Mary Lawrence, presented a brief history of PUSH, highlighting events of 2008 and two well known faith based programs for churches to address the problem of homelessness, in their communities, and at levels that are comfortable for the individual congregation.

Ten women from Memorial Lutheran, who meet regularly, were receptive and began brainstorming almost immediately! The level of energy and interest was impressive. PUSH noted the other churches who have received this information and encouraged Memorial Lutheran to make contact with these to coordinate efforts. Detailed information on these programs are located on the Resources page.

PUSH members made sure the members knew that we would present to any other churches if they encountered positive responses.

-- Mary Lawrence

Four members of PUSH were present at a meeting at United Methodist Church on King Street to learn survey and counting techniques in order to volunteer in the 09 Point in Time Homeless Survey for St Johns County.

About 40 people showed up and signed in to participate, many of whom had never done such a survey/count before. Several Flagler students were there. Prior to any training, Jimmy Harden called the meeting to order, welcomed new people and George Gardner gave a short prayer. Jackie Harris Rude related minutes from the Homeless Vigil and Dinner honoring our 14 dead homeless citizens. Minutes were approved. She also noted that the US Census needs accurate counts of homeless camps by 3/29-3/31 and encouraged everyone to report camps to the ESHC. Jimmy Harden gave the treasurer’s report, indicating the first draw on the $400k for new transitional housing off Chapin and Smith was released at the end of December 08.

Tim Cheney, research director from UNF, conducted the training, going over the team leader’s count sheet, a list of safety and courtesy tips and the actual survey. This survey is revised from the one used in 06 which we found unwieldy and too long. It has skip functions in the event of a NO answer which will save time and simplify questioning. It was impressed on the group to maintain personal space, remain respectful and always within sight of the team leader, among other tips. The plan will be to divide the county into zones and send out teams of 2 to 3. The team leader will be responsible for strictly counting homeless people. The surveyors will complete the questionnaires with willing homeless. Hopefully there will be enough “goody bags” to go around since they encourage survey participation. ESHC would probably still welcome donations of socks (white), toiletries, toothbrushes and paste to make these up. Interestingly, UNF will collate information from the count sheets and surveys and deliver a report to SJC/ESHC adding a level of professionalism to the effort this year. They have done Duval county and are used to dealing with larger numbers of homeless people.

As 1 PM approached, many had to leave to return to work or other commitments. There was some confusion as to assignment of zones and teams. I plan to email ESHC and request areas I am familiar with. Other PUSH members, Al, Sonda, and MaryLea may do the same if they have not been assigned.

My personal feeling is that there were not enough people present to accomplish this work. The survey/count will occur 1/27 from 530AM to 830PM in many areas: a long day in a big county. It may be worth an email to the coalition to see if they need more help and you are available for a few hours on the 27th.

homelesscoalition[at]comcast.net

An accurate count is imperative for future funding for programs.

--Mary Lawrence

On a balmy December 15th, Santa came early to the transitional housing campus in West Augustine because he heard the kids who lived there were the best in St Augustine. He had big gift bags for all the children and even stayed a little bit to have his picture taken with some of them. He and his helper then jumped in their SUV to go back to his shop and finish getting everything ready for the big day.

-- Mary Lawrence

 

Preceded by a bagpiper, about 100 guests of Mayor Boles entered the Lightner to enjoy food, drink and dancing at the Mayor’s gala at $150.00 a plate to raise funds for the new St Francis Shelter. PUSH (People United to Stop Homelessness) lined the walkway holding signs with homeless statistics: 251 homeless kids, 214 homeless veterans, 7 homeless deaths in 2008, 92 homeless students in our school system and a total of 1238 homeless citizens. PUSH was joined by members of the homeless community and we thanked all the guests for their support and generosity. Most were receptive, thanking US once again for being out there and commenting on the statistics we provided. Even the mayor gave us a thumbs up. Meanwhile, Food Not Bombs (FNB) set up to the right of the entrance to the gala, serving a hot spaghetti meal with cornbread and brownies to about 25 homeless men and providing donated blankets and sweaters to anyone who needed them. Two homeless men held the large banner created for the March of the Impoverished which was held on November 10 to celebrate Food Not Bombs St Augustine’s fifth year anniversary.

This is the second year the mayor has held the fundraiser and the second year PUSH and FNB made sure the guests were reminded of the crushing need for their support.

--Mary Lawrence