As the weather cools and the holidays draw near, more people like Rosie* will be coming to Long Beach Rescue Mission for food and shelter. We love that, because it means more opportunities to make real changes in their lives through our New Life Program and Lydia House.
Not everyone is ready to take that step. But for those who are willing to let God work in their lives, our door is always open.
Some have a real passion for change – you can see it in their eyes. We believe that spark is the presence of God; a God who has always been with them, regardless of how desperate their lives have become and a God who will continue to stand by them and strengthen them as they take the difficult steps necessary to overcome the problems that brought them to us.
We thank you for standing by them, too. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of those in need.
* Read Rosie's Story: www.lbrm.org
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Alternatives for Homeless Tent and Camping Sites Renewed
http://crosscut.com/2009/09/16/social-services/19124/
Recalling stories from my grandfather, who lived through the depression, this article brings back interesting ideas for how to provide alternatives to those who desire to bypass shelters and remain independent during the multi-faceted crisis in which we
find ourselves. Of course, society was kinder, gentler, safer, and much less fearful than we are today. Picking up hitchhikers and feeding transients on the back steps was the norm.
Today, safety is an increasing issue, as is the myriad of issues that cause homelessness -- especially addiction and domestic violence. Some would decry these temporary attempts at bridging the housing gap, but housing is merely one of many elements involved in homelessness.
For those who are in need of transition, or for the transient traveler, we should not turn a blind eye to the possibilities for which we can make a difference in people’s lives. Are there risks? Yes, especially if the alternatives include enabling people to stay on the street by choice rather than seek the many outlets available for help.
Is there any one best method to meet these needs? No, as the causes are as numerous as the people themselves. So, when we see occasional vacancy at some shelters while visibly more people choose to be on the streets, and an inability for cities to enforce vagrancy laws, we wonder what are the available options.
I hope that service providers, city, county, public, and private stakeholders can come together to brainstorm successful solutions to the homeless and at risk of homelessness. It is our responsibility to care for those who are in need – and the solutions will look as varied as the people we help.
Recalling stories from my grandfather, who lived through the depression, this article brings back interesting ideas for how to provide alternatives to those who desire to bypass shelters and remain independent during the multi-faceted crisis in which we
find ourselves. Of course, society was kinder, gentler, safer, and much less fearful than we are today. Picking up hitchhikers and feeding transients on the back steps was the norm. Today, safety is an increasing issue, as is the myriad of issues that cause homelessness -- especially addiction and domestic violence. Some would decry these temporary attempts at bridging the housing gap, but housing is merely one of many elements involved in homelessness.
For those who are in need of transition, or for the transient traveler, we should not turn a blind eye to the possibilities for which we can make a difference in people’s lives. Are there risks? Yes, especially if the alternatives include enabling people to stay on the street by choice rather than seek the many outlets available for help.
Is there any one best method to meet these needs? No, as the causes are as numerous as the people themselves. So, when we see occasional vacancy at some shelters while visibly more people choose to be on the streets, and an inability for cities to enforce vagrancy laws, we wonder what are the available options.
I hope that service providers, city, county, public, and private stakeholders can come together to brainstorm successful solutions to the homeless and at risk of homelessness. It is our responsibility to care for those who are in need – and the solutions will look as varied as the people we help.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Homeless . . . Victim or Villain?
With yet another article on a city's legal issues vs. the homeless, I get even more annoyed at those who champion the cause of the homeless, while ignoring the rights of the community and business owners. The story is a familiar one and has evolved into the targeting of a law enforcement official in Los Angeles . . . a homeless man named Jimmy vs. a city attorney working for the public and businesses . . . to read about it:
http://www.laweekly.com/2009-07-30/news/jimmy-on-the-edge-of-town/
Various blogs relating to it are full of vitriol against everyone except Jimmy . . . I won't bother posting the links.
If Jimmy truly wanted to be helped he would leave the street, come into one of the Mission shelters and get help – but it is clear that the only help that is being sought is to live upon the rights and property of others. Why are those who aggressively work to get people off the streets the villains? Why can't more service providers and the so-called homeless "advocates" see that there is need for balance between quality of life issues for the whole community and allowing "freedom" for people to choose to be on the streets – where they happen to impose on the rights of business and property owners? It is governments' duty to ensure the rights and quality of life for all, and discipline those who ignore the rights of those they trample upon.
As the CEO of a Rescue Mission, I seek true reconciliation for those in need . . . not enablement to live off others and remain on the streets. Shame on those who trumpet the “rights” of homeless to ignore the law, property rights, and civic duty . . . while leaving them on the streets. Even the Good Samaritan took the man off the street. Charity without responsibility is noble but incomplete. Give people a hand up – not just a hand out.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The Faceless Homeless
Thursday’s LB Press Telegram front page above-the-fold headline told the wrong story. Last week a team of volunteers was surveying the chronic street-bound homeless to identify the most at risk of dying on the street. The headline said that effort was giving the homeless a face and finding ways to help them. But their face is already all too visible, all too often, in our parks, alleys, storefronts, and street corners . . . these faces are the fuel for the NIMBYism that hinders our ability to provide critically needed services. Help is already there in our shelters and public services, if they would only choose to accept it.
What the public does not see, but needs to see, is the face of the homeless who wants help . . . those who have not made a choice to be on the street of their own accord – as many of those surveyed have chosen. The impetus for the survey is humane, as well as economic at its core: identifying the most at risk and providing keys to housing and intense case-management will save the city, county and service provider critical funds that are expended treating a homeless person in the last months of life on the street. Police, EMT and hospital emergency rooms are major costs that can be indentified and redirected to preventative care and housing, which will cost less in the long run.
But what of the homeless we don’t see – those whose face is unseen? Those who are at-risk of becoming chronic homeless on our streets, in our hospitals, jails, and parks? Federal funding is now focused primarily on the chronic homeless rather than stemming the tide of those at risk of being on the streets. Our local homeless shelters provide a critical refuge from the street – or a detour on the way to the street – and provide needed services for life-change. These actually hide those faces from public view. But these faces are the ones who need to be seen, as these are people who are reaching out for help, taking advantage of services, getting physical, emotional and spiritual help changing their lives for the better. But due to NIMBYism, there are not enough beds for the current or future need. Although we can easily fund and staff more beds and services, we can’t find the political capital or public will to make the choice for expanding current, or locating new facilities.
While I serve on the task force and support this housing-first initiative as one of many weapons in our arsenal to fight homelessness, it is a last-ditch effort to stem the costs, and we cannot forget that these people were once like you and me; people with families, friends and careers, whose lives have spun out of control, oftentimes overcome by addictions and mental illness. The challenge for us is to treat the issue on both ends . . . those at-risk of dying on the street, and those at-risk of reaching the same street and the identical outcome. Let’s make sure we see the many faces of those already reaching out for help in our shelter programs – and those that would, if there were only more room in the inn. These faces don’t need our NIMBYism, they need our help and compassion.
What the public does not see, but needs to see, is the face of the homeless who wants help . . . those who have not made a choice to be on the street of their own accord – as many of those surveyed have chosen. The impetus for the survey is humane, as well as economic at its core: identifying the most at risk and providing keys to housing and intense case-management will save the city, county and service provider critical funds that are expended treating a homeless person in the last months of life on the street. Police, EMT and hospital emergency rooms are major costs that can be indentified and redirected to preventative care and housing, which will cost less in the long run.
But what of the homeless we don’t see – those whose face is unseen? Those who are at-risk of becoming chronic homeless on our streets, in our hospitals, jails, and parks? Federal funding is now focused primarily on the chronic homeless rather than stemming the tide of those at risk of being on the streets. Our local homeless shelters provide a critical refuge from the street – or a detour on the way to the street – and provide needed services for life-change. These actually hide those faces from public view. But these faces are the ones who need to be seen, as these are people who are reaching out for help, taking advantage of services, getting physical, emotional and spiritual help changing their lives for the better. But due to NIMBYism, there are not enough beds for the current or future need. Although we can easily fund and staff more beds and services, we can’t find the political capital or public will to make the choice for expanding current, or locating new facilities.
While I serve on the task force and support this housing-first initiative as one of many weapons in our arsenal to fight homelessness, it is a last-ditch effort to stem the costs, and we cannot forget that these people were once like you and me; people with families, friends and careers, whose lives have spun out of control, oftentimes overcome by addictions and mental illness. The challenge for us is to treat the issue on both ends . . . those at-risk of dying on the street, and those at-risk of reaching the same street and the identical outcome. Let’s make sure we see the many faces of those already reaching out for help in our shelter programs – and those that would, if there were only more room in the inn. These faces don’t need our NIMBYism, they need our help and compassion.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Life Graduations
Sorry for the absence of updates, but life is just so busy . . . most of my writing lately has been for my Masters program at Fuller Seminary.
So much has gone on since my last post, but one thing that stands out is our last New Life Program graduation service. Four outstanding men had finished their one-year program and they were receiving their diplomas. It’s always a special event and this one was no exception. These guys had given their all and were at the finish line. We were so proud of them – and of the much revamped program that they were the first-fruits of.
Each of the three spoke during the ceremony, and it’s always a treat to hear what the program meant to them. One guy, Jay (who was on the cover of our last newsletter) had us in stitches as he shared about the other guys; he was a regular standup comedian. But then he took us to tears as he shared about what had gone on in his own life.
This was no regular graduation where our kids finished a course of education and move on to the next step . . . I've been through four high school graduations and three undergraduate degree graduation of my kids, so I know how it feels and how proud their mother and I are for their success. This graduation was an amazing Life Graduation . . . these guys overcame serious issues and completed a course of study and work that most of us can't fathom. They have graduated into a new phase of life – reconciled to God, with themselves, family, and now to society. I am as proud of them as my own kids . . . and am blessed to have a small part in these Life Graduations.
Thank you for being a part of it all.
So much has gone on since my last post, but one thing that stands out is our last New Life Program graduation service. Four outstanding men had finished their one-year program and they were receiving their diplomas. It’s always a special event and this one was no exception. These guys had given their all and were at the finish line. We were so proud of them – and of the much revamped program that they were the first-fruits of.
Each of the three spoke during the ceremony, and it’s always a treat to hear what the program meant to them. One guy, Jay (who was on the cover of our last newsletter) had us in stitches as he shared about the other guys; he was a regular standup comedian. But then he took us to tears as he shared about what had gone on in his own life.
This was no regular graduation where our kids finished a course of education and move on to the next step . . . I've been through four high school graduations and three undergraduate degree graduation of my kids, so I know how it feels and how proud their mother and I are for their success. This graduation was an amazing Life Graduation . . . these guys overcame serious issues and completed a course of study and work that most of us can't fathom. They have graduated into a new phase of life – reconciled to God, with themselves, family, and now to society. I am as proud of them as my own kids . . . and am blessed to have a small part in these Life Graduations.
Thank you for being a part of it all.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Lifting the Fog
Living in the desert for 13 years you get used to sunshine and blue sky 360 days a year. The other 5 days clouds finally have enough mass or altitude to surmount the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa and San Bernardino Mountains that encompass the Coachella Valley. One's view of life can become a bit unrealistic given the constant clarity of the days and nights – where every detail of one's surroundings is un-obscured. The night stars are still so bright that those understanding celestial navigation would never lose their way.
Living on the coast, however, one's view is often clouded by an opaque canvas of clouds and fog. Leslie and I have found this affects how we feel, and we have come to appreciate each clear day; Catalina has now become our gauge of clarity as we measure the ability to see shades of the island as we did our mountain ranges. Standing outside the Mission one evening, I watched as a wall of heavy fog slowly made its way up Pacific Avenue; it was an eerie sight, and conjured up thoughts of obscurity. It was an almost suffocating feeling as was the closeness of the city itself that had caused me some initial claustrophobia when I first arrived here.
As on July Fourth, we hoped to sit on our lawn and enjoy a front row seat for the New Year’s midnight fireworks off the Queen Mary (one of the perks of renting a house on Ocean Blvd.). But our enthusiasm was dampened by the thick blanket of fog that had crawled in and had no intention of lifting. At the appointed time we could hear the explosions, but could see nothing – only a few diffused flashes (definitely not a Francis Scott Key moment).
It is interesting to me how many of these elements provide pictures of the homeless we minister to at the Mission. Most of us develop tools to deal with change in the weather and in our lives. We realize that in the occasional fog reality exists. We know the clouds will ultimately clear, that the sunny day is not a constant, that the issues life throws at us can be dealt with given enough time and relationships with those around us – and through faith. But what of those who have lost that ability to deal with the fog, have an overwhelming feeling of obscurity, living a life wherein addictions provide a constant veil – a life now void of relationships and faith? We can't ship them all off to the sunny desert; that wouldn't solve their problem (no matter how many would like to ship the homeless off somewhere out of sight).
What we can do is help them see that there is a tomorrow without clouds and fog; that, like seasons, cycles in nature and life are healthy and inevitable; they can be understood, prepared for, and the cycle of destructive behavior broken. We can help them take advantage of the occasional clear day and see that there is hope in tomorrow and in having faith – faith in God, in themselves, in relationships and society.
Thank you for helping us help people hope.
Living on the coast, however, one's view is often clouded by an opaque canvas of clouds and fog. Leslie and I have found this affects how we feel, and we have come to appreciate each clear day; Catalina has now become our gauge of clarity as we measure the ability to see shades of the island as we did our mountain ranges. Standing outside the Mission one evening, I watched as a wall of heavy fog slowly made its way up Pacific Avenue; it was an eerie sight, and conjured up thoughts of obscurity. It was an almost suffocating feeling as was the closeness of the city itself that had caused me some initial claustrophobia when I first arrived here.
As on July Fourth, we hoped to sit on our lawn and enjoy a front row seat for the New Year’s midnight fireworks off the Queen Mary (one of the perks of renting a house on Ocean Blvd.). But our enthusiasm was dampened by the thick blanket of fog that had crawled in and had no intention of lifting. At the appointed time we could hear the explosions, but could see nothing – only a few diffused flashes (definitely not a Francis Scott Key moment).
It is interesting to me how many of these elements provide pictures of the homeless we minister to at the Mission. Most of us develop tools to deal with change in the weather and in our lives. We realize that in the occasional fog reality exists. We know the clouds will ultimately clear, that the sunny day is not a constant, that the issues life throws at us can be dealt with given enough time and relationships with those around us – and through faith. But what of those who have lost that ability to deal with the fog, have an overwhelming feeling of obscurity, living a life wherein addictions provide a constant veil – a life now void of relationships and faith? We can't ship them all off to the sunny desert; that wouldn't solve their problem (no matter how many would like to ship the homeless off somewhere out of sight).
What we can do is help them see that there is a tomorrow without clouds and fog; that, like seasons, cycles in nature and life are healthy and inevitable; they can be understood, prepared for, and the cycle of destructive behavior broken. We can help them take advantage of the occasional clear day and see that there is hope in tomorrow and in having faith – faith in God, in themselves, in relationships and society.
Thank you for helping us help people hope.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Blessings
A week of Christmas events is now behind us; hundreds of men, women, and children have been blessed with meals and gifts . . . and the smiles and a touch from our donors and volunteers. It’s amazing how Christmas provides impetus for people to give, and give, and give . . .
As co-sponsor of the Christmas Gift Store at the 1st Congregational Church, the Mission joined forces with Better Balance for Long Beach, Long Beach First Lady Nancy Foster, and a band of volunteer elves in providing 500 families an opportunity to “buy” gifts for their kids, siblings, and parents.
Two years ago we separated the Mission’s Stocking Gift program from the meal event as both the growing number of people volunteering and those coming for meals and gifts were too much to handle at one time. We then split our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals into two-day events (mostly to accommodate more opportunities for our growing number of volunteers) which bless hundreds more people. We even have to employ a volunteer coordinator to facilitate the hundreds of people who desire to help at each event. She has a tough time getting volunteers to come for just a one-hour shift, as their heart’s desire is to spend all day at the Mission.
Local companies and community leaders call, seeking an opportunity to volunteer at our gift and meal events – to give to the less fortunate, the disadvantaged, and the homeless. It is a bit stressful to attempt to accommodate every request, and my mind was tired as I tried to think of how to honor a request from our local bank CEO. We had already filled all the volunteer shifts at our Stocking Giveaway, our two-day meal events, had each family covered in our Lydia House shelter for women and children . . . what else could we offer? I thought of someone who had recently asked about how we measure success and remembered that we DO have success stories – those who we are able to help reconcile back into society. We were able to contact six single mother families – alumnae of Lydia House – and have them come and receive gifts and dinner that were supplied by the CEO’s children. It was nice to see such leadership in a bank executive with his children as he helped them see what giving back really means – up close and personal.
We were in the midst of our Christmas Eve-eve dinner meal Tuesday when a 27 foot U-Haul drove up to our rear gate. It was loaded with pallets of turkeys, meats, and dry goods. I was almost speechless. Our food service director wasn’t though – he said that this was the largest single donation in his 22 years at the Mission. A company executive had heard about the Mission from his attorney and he rented the truck to fill it with needed items that will serve us well into 2009. This was like the proverbial “icing on the cake” to a holiday season full of giving and blessings from our supporters.
With all that now finished, at my dining room table over some oatmeal this morning I was watching the waves splashing over the breakwater and saw how that controversial wall of rocks provides a calm harbor for cargo ships, sailboats, oil islands, and protects our shoreline from the often tumultuous waves. That's a good picture of what we provide to the street weary men and women and at-risk families through our facilities, services and programs. That is what all those volunteers and donors provide to those coming through our doors . . . a safe harbor to rest and refresh from the cold, wet, and sometimes harsh human element of the street-life; a calm environment in which to consider the possibility and gift of a changed life.
Amanda (my eldest daughter), who helps run the Winter Shelter just called asking if she can order a bunch of pizzas for the 75 or so homeless taking refuge there during this rainy Christmas day. She's like that – wanting to give a little more than expected. My youngest daughter, Molly, interrupted my blogging to ask if we can light up the fireplace. I think a fire and a warm cup of cocoa would be nice right now.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and those least among us.
God Bless you & Merry Christmas!
As co-sponsor of the Christmas Gift Store at the 1st Congregational Church, the Mission joined forces with Better Balance for Long Beach, Long Beach First Lady Nancy Foster, and a band of volunteer elves in providing 500 families an opportunity to “buy” gifts for their kids, siblings, and parents.
Two years ago we separated the Mission’s Stocking Gift program from the meal event as both the growing number of people volunteering and those coming for meals and gifts were too much to handle at one time. We then split our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals into two-day events (mostly to accommodate more opportunities for our growing number of volunteers) which bless hundreds more people. We even have to employ a volunteer coordinator to facilitate the hundreds of people who desire to help at each event. She has a tough time getting volunteers to come for just a one-hour shift, as their heart’s desire is to spend all day at the Mission.
Local companies and community leaders call, seeking an opportunity to volunteer at our gift and meal events – to give to the less fortunate, the disadvantaged, and the homeless. It is a bit stressful to attempt to accommodate every request, and my mind was tired as I tried to think of how to honor a request from our local bank CEO. We had already filled all the volunteer shifts at our Stocking Giveaway, our two-day meal events, had each family covered in our Lydia House shelter for women and children . . . what else could we offer? I thought of someone who had recently asked about how we measure success and remembered that we DO have success stories – those who we are able to help reconcile back into society. We were able to contact six single mother families – alumnae of Lydia House – and have them come and receive gifts and dinner that were supplied by the CEO’s children. It was nice to see such leadership in a bank executive with his children as he helped them see what giving back really means – up close and personal.
We were in the midst of our Christmas Eve-eve dinner meal Tuesday when a 27 foot U-Haul drove up to our rear gate. It was loaded with pallets of turkeys, meats, and dry goods. I was almost speechless. Our food service director wasn’t though – he said that this was the largest single donation in his 22 years at the Mission. A company executive had heard about the Mission from his attorney and he rented the truck to fill it with needed items that will serve us well into 2009. This was like the proverbial “icing on the cake” to a holiday season full of giving and blessings from our supporters.
With all that now finished, at my dining room table over some oatmeal this morning I was watching the waves splashing over the breakwater and saw how that controversial wall of rocks provides a calm harbor for cargo ships, sailboats, oil islands, and protects our shoreline from the often tumultuous waves. That's a good picture of what we provide to the street weary men and women and at-risk families through our facilities, services and programs. That is what all those volunteers and donors provide to those coming through our doors . . . a safe harbor to rest and refresh from the cold, wet, and sometimes harsh human element of the street-life; a calm environment in which to consider the possibility and gift of a changed life.
Amanda (my eldest daughter), who helps run the Winter Shelter just called asking if she can order a bunch of pizzas for the 75 or so homeless taking refuge there during this rainy Christmas day. She's like that – wanting to give a little more than expected. My youngest daughter, Molly, interrupted my blogging to ask if we can light up the fireplace. I think a fire and a warm cup of cocoa would be nice right now.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and those least among us.
God Bless you & Merry Christmas!
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