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Health & Fitness

Our Treatment of the Homeless

Can we not look into the eyes of each and every one of God's children and see the image of God in which we were all created, and then treat them accordingly?

I recently addressed Canton City Council with the following issue. I have since learned that the is about 90 days away from bringing its shelter up to code so that guests can be received. However, my issue is somewhat different than simply housing the homeless. I'm concerned with something deeper: our treatment of those without homes. I'd love to have the community's feedback on my thoughts laid out here.

I find it disheartening to learn that a homeless campsite was disbanded during Holy Week. After speaking to the codes officer who was in charge of the action that took place, it appears that we are more concerned about property than human life. We are more concerned about the care of things than we are about the care of God's children. The codes officer told me that there were feces and trash everywhere on this piece of private property. I asked him to describe what the land is used for, and he told me that they grow hay on it. The codes officer told me that many of these homeless folks are not actually homeless, that they have places to live, but that they choose to live in the woods. He said they do so because they like to drink and party out there.

Here are the things I think about: What if they live there out of fear? Due to mental illness? Because they are abused in their homes? Maybe they are veterans? Do any of us know for sure? Are any of us 100 percent certain that we might not walk in their shoes one day? What if you, or one of your friends or family members, had a mental illness that drove you to live in the woods? How do you think you would wish to be treated? 

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As people of faith, how can we possibly be more concerned about a piece of property where hay is grown over a group of people who are children of God, just like we are children of God? These are our brothers and sisters. If they are content living in the woods, and we are worried about feces and trash, why don't we install a porta-potty and a trash bin? They could be serviced weekly, just as we service the porta-potties and trash bins at the parks. What would it cost us to add one more of each? Are our brothers and sisters not worth that much? If this particular property is completely off limits because it's private and the owners do not want these folks there, can we not find some piece of land here to let them live on? A place to pitch their tents and hang their tarps? What's the harm? What's the cost if we do? What's the cost if we don't?  

Beyond this, thinking bigger, are there homeowners in Canton who have spare bedrooms to offer those who have none? Are there campgrounds where tents can be pitched legally in Canton? Do you need translators so that you can find out what folks real issues are, such as the need of medical help, mental health help, employment assistance, legal issues, etc.?

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I asked our City Council the following questions: Where and when can we have this conversation? With whom can I share these concerns? Who amongst us has answers, or the ability, interest and time to create the answers that work for ALL of us? I was directed to speak with the folks who are working on the shelter. They are $3,000 away from being able to pay for a sprinkler system needed to obtain a certificate of occupancy. Once a sprinkler system is installed and a certificate of occupancy is issued, beds will be brought in. I hope someone comes forward with that money sooner than later. But again, beyond a shelter, I have a bigger concern. Can we not look into the eyes of each and every one of God's children and see the image of God in which we were all created, and then treat them accordingly?

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