EXCERPT
FROM akronlife magazine February,
2015
An interview
by Abby Cymerman with Joe May [founder, The Peter Maurin Center of Akron].
I
am sharing a portion of this article because Abby’s interview asked four
pertinent questions that reflect the need for public understanding of the
plight of the homeless in our community.
What
is the true state of homelessness in Summit County?
JM: The
state of homelessness in Summit County is complex. Perhaps it can best be
described in segments, which is consistent with most cities across the country.
Most noticeable are the homeless the
public sees on the city streets: some with signage seeking assistance; some
staying warm during the day in libraries and bus stations; some riding bikes or
walking to and from food sources; and some standing outside a
temporary-employment office.
Much less noticeable are the tented
homeless who take up residence in vacant wooded areas. For the most part, they
are marginal survivalist. Some become adept at caring for themselves; others
are in desperate need of help to survive – particularly in the dead of winter.
Other among the noticeable are the squatters.
These homeless move about finding shelter in vacant houses or commercial
buildings.
Transient homeless (versus long-term or
chronic) rent day-to-day or week-to-week. On any given day, they face eviction.
Some are found sleeping in their car while seeking their next shelter.
If you want numbers, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development required a biannual point-in-time homeless count in order for
Continuums of Care, located by county, to be eligible for Federal funding.
The “Point-in Time” survey conducted in
2010 indicated there were approximately 875 homeless. From the experience of those working directly
with homeless, the number in the Greater Akron area is estimated at more than
1,100 people and more than 100 tented citizens.
To our knowledge, this has not been conducted in the last two or three
years in Summit County.
When
it comes to our community’s homeless, what can we as Akronites do to help?
JM: The public in general see the homeless on the city
streets but lack understanding of the stories behind what they see. As a
result, they are referred to as beggar, bum, panhandler and “Why don’t they get
a job!”
Those who share their God-given talents
and their time to provide assistance see the face of Christ in all who are in
need. We live by the (paraphrased)
Matthew 25 scripture in which Jesus instructs us: What
so ever you do unto the least … you do unto me”. The Greeks of old put it
well, “People in need are the
ambassadors of the gods.”
What the Akron public can do to help is
to become involved, beginning with an understanding of who the homeless
are. What has caused them to become
unsheltered, and what are their needs?
There are many ways to begin: Get active in your church social concerns
group, research online the plight of the homeless and discover the inhumane, as
well as the compassionate, treatment by cities across the country.
The next step is to reach out to any
number of well-established organizations that minister to the immediate needs
of the homeless, and those organizations that seek long-term solutions. Volunteer with organizations, such as the Peter Maurin Center, and go prepared to share
your God-given talents rather than going to “serve”. The distinction between the two terms is that
of dignity. Go prepared to share the
most effective talent: listening. I
remember the saying: “I never learn anything when I’m talking”.
Who
is welcome at the center?
JM: Anyone who
walks through our doors is welcomed. If they don’t stay long, they most likely
are not in need. Our mission is to nurture
the body, mind and soul. On rare
occasions, we must ask a guest to leave if he or she is causing a
disturbance. However, each is invited
back to the entrance at any time for a meal
How
can people volunteer their time?
JM: Volunteers
are welcome to drop in anytime we’re open:
Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays and Sundays from noon to 3
p.m. Simply introduce yourself and state
your interest in volunteering. Our many
volunteers, each in his or her own right, will attest to the joy in each of
their lives having been given the opportunity to share with others in need at
PMC.
[Full article available on TWITTER or obtain
the magazine]
Joe May
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