The Chicago stats are a little high also Keith. Although statistically correct, the upscale rental market here does skew the averages some. There are 4 and 5k rentals all over the downtown and trendier areas of the city. Thats why I used 600 as a number when referring to Chicago. More wanted to show how difficult it is to budget on 18k a year particularly with a family.

 

I am a regular volunteer at a soup kitchen, and undertake volunteer opportunities on a somewhat regular basis to help fellow humans in need. I believe that is how this big blue marble is supposed to function.

That said, I must say be cautious as to how this story is spun. The police didn't tell them they couldn't feed the homeless, they just said they had to obey the law. Just because they have been in violation of the law for some time now doesn't make it OK.

If this operation is moved to another location, the needy will follow.

 

My middle daughter, thankfully, has finally landed her first teaching job in the Dallas ISD. A brand new school classified as a Title 1 school. Title 1 schools are typically in economically challenged neighborhoods. This school is 98% Hispanic. 2% "Other" which include a few Caucasians.

A first year school, first year teacher teaching first grade. A number of firsts...for her.

There are 30 new teachers in this elementary school so the principle decided to take them out for a neighborhood stroll the week before school started so that they could get a feel for the local culture and conditions. My daughter was very taken and humbled by the experience.

Whether the parents are legal, or not, is another issue for another thread but, these are working poor...for the most part, not folks living off the cuff (except for medical). The best meal that many of these kids have is the provided school lunches.

 

That has not been our experience, here anyway. Southwest Chicago PADS has had to move twice in the time I've been around. Once due to an urban renewal project and the other due to a fire set by an evicted family that were crack addicts.
Each time, site selection was critical due to a number of factors. Most of these homeless folks sleep in Marquette Park, which is so huge it crosses through many neighborhoods...some ok and some that you hear about on CNN. They actually have an order to the refrigerator boxes and pup tents they sleep in and, within boundaries, tend to look out for each other. If you move too far, they simply stop coming and instead solicit or panhandle. Many just don't eat. And there are not enough shelters and places to cop a free meal to pick up the slack.
They also lack all of the communication tools we take for granted. Usually it is just word of mouth.
Site selection is further made difficult due to objections from neighboring properties (oK but NIMBY), opposition from the business community and, more prevalently, being able to find a landlord who has a clue.

 

A plug..............

Southwest Chicago PADS // Home

 

I don't believe in charity. I know things haven't been easy. But this is still a rich country. Where good things come to those who work hard and live well.

I disagree. First of all the statement is dishonest. Because there is no law against feeding the bums. Only that these events not take place on city property without the proper permit.

And second of all, feeding a bunch of losers who don't want to take responsibility for themselves is wrong. No good will come of enabling a way of life that is unhealthy and antisocial.

 

karma can suck.

 

...........X2

 

Ed, you and anyone else who selflessly assists people in need have my utmost respect.

People who can swing an apartment but not much else need some cooking lessons as well. I am a professional cook and pastry chef by military trade.

Rice and beans with a small a mount of meat will only cost pennies for a family of four, it's healthy and very tasty with some seasoning and imagination.

One whole chicken can be expanded into numerous healthy and tasty meals, same with a turkey. People need to learn who to cook and realize that you don't need 8-10 ounces of meat in one setting.

 

Exactly Tim. Growing up in a family of 2 parents, 6 kids and a set of grandparents my mom was able to feed an army of people on a couple of pounds of pasta and sauce (gravy for the Italians) made from home grown tomatoes. Complex carbs and veggies from the garden filled everyone up.

 

Interesting. There seems to be some missing info from the opposing side? (more detailed and whole story from the city leadership and police.)
edit*I just read the google reviews on Moore park. Seems there have been people complaining about the constant homeless and "riff-raff" in the park for years. Maybe the city is trying to clean up the park image?



Good on that organization for caring and trying to provide food for the needy.

For all the poo-pooers, don't jump to conclusions too fast......the needy could also include the little kids that don't have much of a voice or choice in the receiving of needed food. I personally know what it's like to be homeless as a child. It gives a broader perspective and appreciation of all things in life.


I wont be joining the flame war, and am not posting in anger or sarcasm.



With all that said, why not focus your feeding efforts at the Raleigh Rescue Mission, since it is right there, by Moore Park?


edit*Also, noticed on Google maps that there are two churches north end of the park, and the Salvation Army Shelter/Store to the East of the park. Perhaps the organization could partner up and use those parking lot locations to feed the needy?

 

Such comments are posted or said outloud by someone who SO FAR has had the best of luck in NOT falling upon unfortunate times. Such an arrogant know-it-all attitude is NOT forged by any longer term experience with "life", its myriad paths both good and bad along with a few million in between ones too!

Its far too easy for any of us gainfully employed or living well enough to not need assistance obtaining the most bare essentials of life to carp, berate, condemn, criticize those who for reasons unknown find themselves disadvantaged as this OP references. Typical of so many "middle class" American's with this "screw 'em all---get a job....." mentality shows we're sometimes a hypocritical uncaring callous lot that believe nothing ever changes, especially for us as individuals.

When the time comes and we're made humble by events perhaps out of our control we'll learn we're not as mighty as individuals as our up until now good luck fools us into believing. While I don't wish any ill fortune on anyone being brought down a peg or two can't do anything but improve us as people.

I don't know that I believe in "hand outs" but I sure as hell DO believe in a "hand up", that extended in good will to those who (hopefully) accept it and build upon it for their own long term benefit!

Sad, sad, sad VERY sad display of arrogance-------hopefully that's curable?

 

There is nothing wrong with being charitable - period. I was practically homeless for a while as a teen. And not too long ago, I had a relative who was a homeless teen. Both of us got a little help from family when we needed it. And neither one of us was a drugee or a criminal. We were just victims of circumstance.

 

Tried to rep ya brother but got the message.

 

I got him for us Tim.