Activities and Opinions

MODIFICATION OF PUSH MISSION STATEMENT:

PUSH members agreed unanimously to amend the mission statement to include the impoverished, working poor, nearly homeless, underemployed and unemployed. The reworded mission statement will be posted on the website.

FOOD NOT BOMBS SUPPORT:

Terry noted complaints about Food not Bombs operations. He reminded the group that FNB is a collective, has no leaders and runs on consensus. They can be supported by PUSH members dropping off non perishable food at:

275 St George Street, outside the downstairs apartment or

33 San Carlos, outside the garage area. Provisions are being made at San Carlos to accept refrigerated and frozen food and members will be notified.

Al M noted the need for communication linkage between FNB and Inversehalo, given the need for medical attention for some of the people we work with. Terry noted the FNB email: us@staugfnb.org as one possibility. He also stated anyone can just bring food to the plaza on any given night to supplement FNB. Al M noted the Feed the People site is supporting FNB by offering servings at other sites, specifically Holmes and 207. Becca reminded everyone she generally has food to share and just needs to be called. 904.461.5049. PUSH supports other sites and it was agreed that it takes pressure off the plaza serving. Al M stated there are about 30 people living between SR16 and Lewis Speedway. Becca is serving at Holmes and 207 Wed and Sun. Mary noted PUSH supports many organizations working toward alleviating hunger and poverty as part of its mission.

PUSH OUTREACH

Sonda reported Seeds for Afghanistan (zone 4 seeds) is starting up and she will collect and mail any seeds donated. Her email: sonda49@yahoo.com and seeds can also be dropped off to Sandy at 33 San Carlos.

Reporting for Cyndi, Mary noted her research into Learn to Read involves training and then assignment to an adult and may not be appropriate for Armstrong/Hastings outreach in this format. Mary noted the Galimore’s after school program is now charging and may eliminate opportunities for many families in Lincolnville to have their children and grandchildren cared for until an adult is home. Mary will ask Cyndi to follow up with TJ Jackson and Mike Mitchell at the OUR center in Hastings to see how best to proceed with any volunteer activities members may want to offer.

Sonda reported Prof Casey Welch at Flagler responded to her request to have PUSH speak at some classes. She will continue to contact Joseph Law, head of anthropology and sociology for further opportunities. She noted the First Coast Metropolitan Community Church (sharing space with BetYam Temple on Wildwood) has been feeding homeless in the 207/Record corridor every second Saturday and opens a food pantry every Saturday. Their volunteers also serve at the ecumenical food pantry. Their address: is Box 3581 St Aug FL 32085 and they could probably benefit from communication from PUSH, FNB and Feed the People.

Terry continues to follow up with a presentation to the UU. Mary will speak at the Democratic Club 2/23 at 7PM. More volunteers and groups are needed to provide education opportunities in accordance with PUSH’s mission statement. We have video and support to help anyone who wants to speak to their own groups/churches.

Terry reported he is working on a comprehensive list (ever changing) of dates, times and locations of servings to better coordinate efforts.

Sonda noted the Betty Griffin Thrift Store sales on Saturday, once a month, where you can fill a bag for 5$. It was also mentioned the dumpsters behind Goodwill and Betty Griffin often yield usable items. Mary showed the toothbrush kits Sonda found at Big Lots. It was noted these are also available at Dollar Tree and cost 1$ and that clients appreciate these.

Terry reported gathering a few names for his VA outreach effort in Armstrong/Hastings Monday night, expecting there will be more as word gets out. He noted the possibility of a FNB serving in Hastings.

PUSH will be at the Farm Worker Fair with Inversehalo supplies and donations from PUSH members on 2/21. Many other service and agency organizations have signed onto this. Since this is the first year PUSH has attended, we will just distribute our items and observe what is needed, making contact with the migrant workers.

Terry announced Anne Feeney will perform 3/13 and all proceeds will benefit the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a farm workers rights organization. He also noted the Modern Day Slavery Museum will be in St Augustine 3/25, location to be determined and published.

 Al D noted variance in OUR center clothing closet, having delivered items when the shelves were full. Those clothes do not stay on the shelves long and often the client sign in sheet is full before noon. He noted helping Lon deliver the bread pick up on Tuesdays and stated early drop off there is not possible. Mary believes the center opens at 10AM.

Dana noted some FNB nights have been missed and questioned why. She also stated the Florida School for Deaf and Blind have made and will continue to make sandwiches from any donated breads. Al D wanted suggestions for items to carry in his car to pass out as needed. Most concurred that pop top canned goods, like sardines and Vienna sausages, Gatorade, water are good items to have in the car.

CENSUS:

Mary noted the census meeting 2/9 could not answer many relevant questions regarding PUSH’s exact involvement and an operations person will attend the 3/9 meeting to clear those up. She further requested 800 pr socks as outreach materials for people willing to count the unsheltered in the camps. She had materials and website links to pass out for members interested in actually conducting the census for pay. Check out www.stjohnscount.com for pre test, employment opportunities. More detailed information will be given at the March PUSH general meeting. Al M noted March will probably see an influx of 200-300 “rainbow” travelers, which is when the unsheltered count is scheduled to take place. He also recommends a strategy for protecting our current homeless from troubles apparent now down in Ocala.

PRESENTATIONS:

Terry noted the Central Florida Veterans for Peace 501 c 3 could be used for donations solicitations. Jon Gorecki, who with JD DiNarco, redid the Armstrong Sea community center kitchen stove, estimates another $407 will be needed to complete the sink area. They did remarkable quick work on the stove, pictures on the website, and Mary read a thank you email from Malinda Peeples. Mary stated the fundraiser appeal showed up in the Record on 2/17 along with the PUSH meeting notice. She advised Malinda to update her on monies received. Jon already has the sink, countertops ready; just needs the money for the cabinets. Sandy suggested a yard sale to raise the funds. The group agreed. A date will be set and Sandy will approach the First Methodist Church on Riberia and King for permission to use the lot. Details will be published when decided.

OPEN FLOOR:

Al D asked about the progress of the PUSH November survery. Mary stated that UNF still has the data and as a pilot study, has not yet completed analysis.

Al M stated his group is working on emergency evacuation plans for the unsheltered homeless. He noted having spoken with the owner of the icehouse on Riberia as a possible site, as it is above the flood line and block construction. He noted the need for storage of nonperishables, capable of instant usage, as well as honey, for storage capability and medicinal use. Terry reminded everyone of the need to account for pets and Mary indicated a need to get the word out when a final plan is ready.

Meeting adjourned approximately 8:50PM

Attending: Ian, Tina, Anthony, Olivia, Al D, Jess, Al M, Mike, Mackenzie, Robin, Sonda, Mary and Terry

CENSUS UPDATE:

Mary reported the county census committee agreed to purchase 720 pairs of heavy weight white socks to distribute to homeless citizens during the “hard to count” enumeration days of March 28, 30 and 31. Mike ordered the socks, the county has paid and they will arrive 3/22. Plans are to distribute some in the St Augustine area at locations that are helping homeless fill out census forms such as transitional housing and St Francis House and take most to Armstrong/Hastings for the hard to count population there. Mary advised the committee PUSH had met with Bruce Fouracker from the regional census office last week and passed on a map noting November 09 locations and approximate numbers of homeless camps. PUSH will conduct informative outreach to the homeless community, encouraging them to fill out the census form. We are also passing out t shirts and bags with census logos to get the word out. Mary noted volunteers could call Bruce to act as guides if they so desired. Bruce Fouracker: 905.680.3240. He indicated to us he had enough trained paid census takers.

ARMSTRONG OUTREACH ON 3/22:

Mary reported PUSH and Inversehalo will once again support Malinda Peeples and the Sea Community Center in Armstrong from 6 to 10PM on Monday March 22 with steam table ready food, desserts, clamshell carry out containers, beverages and flatware and hygiene products and clothing. Mary noted thanks to Jon Gorecki and JD (Donati-sp), Malinda’s community kitchen has been refurbished. NOTE TO MEMBERS: Bring canned sodas as most of the men like to take their food and drink with them; Malinda will have some as well.

FUNDRAISING AND YARD SALE UPDATE:

The Record will publicize the 3/20 sale at Sandy’s house on San Carlos from 8AM to noon. Donations are gladly accepted. The first 100 dollars will reimburse Jon for out of pocket expenses on the kitchen repairs, rest will be used to fund other PUSH activities. Mary noted Malinda will eventually need an ice machine as the weather gets warmer.

OUTREACH AND MOVIE:

Mary showed the updated movie of homeless camps and farm worker camp housing. PUSH is willing to address any civic or faith based groups and will provide support to any members who want to give one to their own specific groups.

BUDGET CUTS AT STATE LEVEL:

Mary noted little advocacy response to threatened budget cuts which would eliminate the office of homelessness, all challenge grant funding and money for housing assistance. This was at the senate healthcare appropriation committee and remains there. NOTE: On 3/22, Tom Pierce, from the Homeless office, called Mary and notified us that the HOUSE Healthcare Appropriations committee approved keeping the funding intact. So, advocacy needs to be focused on the Senate committee and our local representatives and senators for when the budget comes together for a vote. PUSH will keep members advised but please take time to thank some of the House members sent in a previous email.

OPEN FLOOR:

Bishop Ian, Resurrection Episcopal Protestant Church, noted that the huge increase in numbers on Sundays is stretching the resources of his church. It was decided Resurrection members would continue to be responsible for the second Sunday ONLY in the plaza. They will continue to provide tables and supplies for the other Sundays. Bishop Ian is continuing to reach out to local restaurants for donations. He also noted the mobile kitchen concept is currently on hold; the trailer they acquired will be used to transport supplies when necessary. He impressed on the group the need to continue developing resources for food donations. Jess requested possibility of a letter from Ian’s church to enable donations from the Jacksonville area and Jess will provide him with contact information.

Currently plans are for Nancy to pick up food from the Reef on Sundays and her husband Bob will collect from Aunt Kates and Caps on the Water.

Discussion evolved into potential class action pending against the city by local businesses surrounding the plaza. Ian has plans to discuss alternate serving site with Mayor Boles and will reschedule a meeting with him. Robin, who knows the mayor both personally and professionally, as well as Mary, volunteered to attend with him if desired. A site on Riberia was mentioned as a possibility. Tina, who works with the Visitors Bureau, noted that the Bureau has about 40k to find solution to removing homeless people from the plaza.

 Questions were raised about time to drop off food and supplies at the Food not Bombs servings. It was suggested that 7PM is generally a good time to arrive as FNB is generally there at that time. Otherwise, donations of food and supplies can be dropped off at: 275 St George Street (back bottom apartment) or 33 San Carlos, which has refrigeration capability.

Terry reiterated that Food not Bombs is still working on a consensus for a strategy in case any suits/ordinances evolve against this public feeding activity. He reviewed the current Orlando case which remains in appeal after a win by Food not Bombs (political protection) and Church of the Vagabonds (religious protection). He noted the need for signage to advertise such protected free speech activity, whether faith based or political.

LEFT OUT OF DISCUSSION BY ERROR:

Sonda is collecting seeds for vegetables (Zone 4 ONLY) for Seeds for Afghanistan project which PUSH and affiliates supported last year. She will ship all collected seeds to the main organization for further shipment to Afghanistan. This is an easy, affordable and humane project to support Afghanis and help offset some of the damage our country has wreaked on theirs. Sonda’s number: 501.6906 or you can bring to the yard sale Saturday at 33 San Carlos from 8AM to noon.

BIG THANKS TO ROBIN NADEAU:

The meeting room was a definite upgrade from the Galimore and thanks to Robin’s effort was made available to us. Please be thinking if we want to continue meeting there v Galimore and let us know via website email admin@pushsjc.org if you have objections.

BIG GET WELL TO CYNDI:

Cyndi was recuperating from some minor surgery and couldn’t be with us. Keep her in your thoughts. She’s a valuable member of our group.

 Meeting actually adjourned on time at 9PM.

About 16 people from PUSH, affiliated groups and new guests turned out Tuesday night, January 12, 2010 to the monthly meeting at the Galimore Center in St Augustine.

Introductions were made.

2009 Highlights Report:

Mary gave a rundown on all the accomplishments of 2009, highlighting the major projects. The full end of year report can be found on the PUSH website: www.pushsjc.org

Gleaning project 2010:

Terry noted the early freeze will probably impact gleaning opportunities as many farms brought in help to save as many crops in advance of the freeze. A link to Sandy Newman, St Andrews Society, who organizes gleaning opportunities, is on the PUSH website for information and questions. A calendar of gleaning events is onsite as well. Last year gleaners brought over 90 tons of fresh food to agencies in NE Florida and Terry mentioned the fact that 3000 lbs of edible food is wasted every second. Dana mentioned the huge amounts of produce she gets every Saturday from S and J Farms after the farmers market which she distributes. Becca suggested a link to the Feed the People organizational site from the PUSH site. Terry noted there is such a link on every PUSH webpage.

Endorsement of relocation and expansion of St Francis House:

Mary read portions of the January 1 article in the Record quoting Mr Jon Benoit, VP on the SFH Board of Directors, on the relocation and expansion project. Mr Benoit had contacted PUSH about a month ago to outline the vision and key aspects of moving away from simply sheltering to more comprehensive services. Much discussion followed. Mary noted the concept was aligned with one of PUSH’s major goals of a comprehensive and collaborative solution. The group agreed to endorse the project based on the stated vision and for the first time, concrete support from the county level. Consensus was unanimous.

US Census liaison:

Mary attended the first of the Complete Count committee on January 12, 2010 to kick off the census planning for the spring. PUSH had been invited as liaison for the homeless community. All members were asked to brainstorm outreach ideas prior to the next meeting where Mary will bring printed materials and have more information about the website and a clearer idea of PUSH’s role.

Mobile kitchen outreach:

Deacon Lon Barfield, Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church, outlined the plans for the mobile kitchen. He brought the donated trailer to the parking lot for all to examine and get an idea of what was being planned. Lon stressed the importance of meeting the people where they are and collaboration with Food not Bombs, Inversehalo and PUSH efforts. He outlined the master plan of gathering and storing food, noting they have substantial freezer storage capability for meat donations. Secondly he stressed the need for organizing personnel at least 3 deep to be sure we have consistent and reliable coverage in the areas designated to be served. These areas need to be identified and then staffed and supplied. Lon noted his ability to acquire donations from local businesses he deals with every day and all agreed on the need to funnel donations like blankets, clothing, and health supplies to Inversehalo for distribution. This way serving sites can also be sites for free stores. The main goal is to feed hungry people in St Johns County in an organized and consistent manner, and also utilizing community helpers, like women in his area who use Publix donations of bread to make sandwiches. Plans to expand services to assist with work and job skills and micro businesses will be addressed after the serving operation is running well. He also brought samples of the high quality of Publix donations that he has been delivering to the food bank at the OUR center.

Terry noted the need to empower people to start their own business, support them until they are independent and move onto other groups. He mentions the lack of dignity many of our clients suffer. Al D agreed and wants to upgrade the serving sites at some point with tables and chairs and have more of a sharing aspect. Lon noted donations of folding chairs on sale would be supportive of this effort. Dana made the point that love imparts dignity; that many of our homeless know we do what we do out of love and that is important to them. Terry reminded the group that Food not Bombs started in St Augustine 6 years ago and that our efforts are building on the groundwork they have laid.

Communications and networking:

Al Malik, Inversehalo, used the census project as an example of identifying appropriate serving areas. The Christmas day expansion serving was a trial run and all agreed it was a success. He outlined the purpose of the Feed the People site: www.feedthepeople.ning.com People can sign up and list donations, volunteer to serve or cook at various locations and noted the increasing numbers at the new 207 and Holmes site which went from 2 served the first Sunday to 21 the following Sunday. He stated wherever he goes there are signs of malnutrition and their main goal is to restore and nourish people. Sandy volunteered her garage for storage of non perishable items. The question of canning all the excess produce was brought up by Dana. Both Dana and Becca agreed this could be done but a site for the cooking would need to be identified. A question arose about leasing the building on site at 207 and Holmes and Terry noted this has been looked into with no results yet.

Jessica talked about Inversehalo’s decision to supplement the servings of food with clothing and hygiene supplies some months ago. She and others have been working with Dollar Tree on donation bins and other businesses as well with great success. Becca noted the hygiene kits are very popular with the homeless and give them a sense of dignity as well. Al D wondered if Hobby Lobby would be a good business to approach as they are a somewhat religious based operation.

Al Malik spoke about the Armstrong experience Monday night at the First Baptist Church. St Vincent Health Mobile set up from 6PM to 10PM while Malinda Peeples, of the church, had a hot chili meal for the men and women waiting to be seen in the clinic for health issues. He and Jessica unloaded everything from their van for donation and many men gladly helped carry the clothes and shoes inside where they were distributed. It was noted the community center there has a computer lab of sorts, with a printer and internet access, and that computer classes and ID/food stamp assistance online would be a good and welcome project. Currently they fill out applications on paper and then take them to be mailed and processed. Lon noted he has computer trainers available to volunteer and Terry has extensive computer skills as well.

Terry noted the majority of farmworkers in the Hastings/Armstrong area are African American males who live here fulltime. The transient migrant population move from area to area based on harvest needs and generally do not have their families with them. Al M confirmed the Hastings/Armstrong areas are complex and the situation approximates slavery. Both Terry and Al noted we have a good contact to cultivate to gain access to the camps and they will be pursuing that. Al noted there were also some women in the same situation and he further said that although it seems the St Augustine area is under control, we cannot forget Hastings/Armstrong. Jessica stated one of the reasons investigations are so difficult is that this population knows no other way of life and we need to have a consistent presence to garner trust, which gives people hope. Terry stated he is bringing the Poor People’s Economic Rights resolution to the next Hastings city commission meeting. Judy, having experience in the area of worker compensation and OSHA, questioned if these laws are currently being applied. Terry indicated there is evidence social security is not even being withheld and that farmers are not covered by the national labor act. Al M noted the level of frustration with the situation in this area and that official action would require bringing witnesses forward, an impossible task at this point. Terry felt the workers need to have the confidence to stand on their own first.

Much was discussed and accomplished at this meeting. We adjourned approximately 9PM. The date, time and location of the February PUSH meeting will be announced via email, the websites, and the Record.

About 10 members showed up for the PUSH meeting at the Galimore Center on June 4, 2009.

Members previewed the presentation for the County Board of Commissioners and gave inputs for changes. Mary will make the changes and Terry will post as a movie online.

Suggestions were made for talking points for the 6/16 Board of County Commissioners meeting. More will be sent out to the group list before the meeting. All members are encouraged to attend, sign a speaker’s card and tell the commissioners some of their on the ground experiences working with our homeless citizens.

Jo McIntire, of St Augustine Business Incubator, ran down the requirements for forming a non-profit and noted there is currently about a year lag time in the approval process by the IRS. He suggested working with an established non profit and aligning PUSH’s mission statement with their stated goals. He also noted there may be a fee for this type of extra accounting. He suggested focusing on two or three foundations that work with homelessness and will send some appropriate links for us to look over. Members will pursue this and get back to Jo.

Meeting adjourned approximately 830PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Lawrence

About 15 people turned out Thursday night at the Galimore to have an open and frank conversation with County Commissioner Ken Bryan on the issue of homelessness and affordable housing in St Johns County. The meeting opened with musician Eli Grimes playing two of his songs: "The Homeless Dance" and "Nobody knows Her Name" and had CDs for anyone to take. It set the tone for the meeting which was relaxed and instructive. (You can listen to the songs at the bottom of the this post)

Mary started by highlighting points from a speech given at the Beyond War rally in downtown St Augustine on 4/4/09. Text can be accessed here. Bottom line from PUSH research is that Housing First is the best practice and that SJC, for numerous reasons, has no 10 year plan as mandated by president Bush in 2002.

Main points included concerns about efficiency and accuracy of reporting by agencies serving the homeless, including questions about lower numbers reported for homeless in SJC v 130% increase in foreclosures. It was also noted that Food not Bombs servings have increased dramatically both in number and composition and that the mayor’s commission to construct a 10 year plan based on federal guidelines is 6 years late and seemingly meeting in secret. We wanted to know who at the county level oversees agency expenditures. Ken stated that was Jerry Cameron, who has appeared at numerous homelessness meetings over the past few years.

Ken spoke of budget shortfalls in the county of 6M for 2010 and 17M for 2011. He mentioned Tom Crawford’s work with affordable housing and Neighborhood Stabilization Program dollars and will talk with Tom about avoiding possible cuts in the SHIP program.

Ken also mentioned the county is looking at creative uses of DRIs (development regional impact). He also noted a collaborative and innovative arrangement with NAPA auto parts and the county to avoid huge county inventory yet still have just in time delivery of needed parts. Mary wondered if mental health and medical services for the homeless and poor could be envisioned similarly.

Sandy noted the number of foreclosed houses in her neighborhood and Ken advised setting the example by taking the lead in approaching local banks for information.

Ken mentioned the need for the "face of the homeless" to be presented to politicians at higher levels and to business people. He claimed a new St Francis House was not a dead deal and that Cameron and Crawford are still reviewing sites and fund raising possibilities.

The group opened up for questions and dialogue. These included:

1. An interim housing plan utilizing safe FEMA trailers on donated property

2. Diversion programs for incarcerated veterans and homeless. (Ken noted the sheriff was trying to get drug treatment programs inside the jail) He also noted the sheriff’s CIT (crisis intervention training) and it was suggested that this be expanded to the city police forces as well.

3. Lack of a comprehensive plan for the county is impeding any planning process. Ken made note of the inaccuracy of two health reports on West Augustine that astoundingly left out African Americans in the statistics, rendering the reports basically useless.

4. Lack of leadership at higher levels of government while grassroots actions by college students with little or no money and limited time are having a huge impact on the homeless population. Where is the leadership?

5. The Salvation Army had given up outdoor servings at St Francis House and has many good ideas but is constrained by organizational hierarchy.

6. A short history of a homeless man moving huge amounts of his possessions across the county highlighted the "move ‘em out" concept of homelessness management. Interaction with this man by 2 PUSH members resulted in a story of determination and patience, even when "transported" to the next county.

The conversation ended with a realization that PUSH needs to present the facts on the ground to higher government officials in a simple, clear manner. Plans will be made to construct a presentation in the near future and to secure a place on the commission agenda.

Ken noted he will contact Ken Asplund of the Marketplace on behalf of PUSH to garner contacts in the religious community for outreach, particularly as PUSH seeks to connect with Ponte Vedra homeless efforts. Ken also stated Professor Driscoll at Flagler College is holding a class meeting 4/16 at 2PM. (place to be announced). The students will be encouraged to address homelessness as part of a class project. Mary requested more information with the intent of attending this class with permission. When more information is available, it will be emailed out to the PUSH list.