Homeless Issue #75

The Starfish Story

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish.” You can’t possibly make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference to that one.”                                  Story by Loren Eisley

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The politician, Mayor  Wendy Thompson; The pastor, Frank Gates; The dreamer, Bob Durell; The long time resident, Art Edwards; The business executive, Paula Lee, as well as many others in our community are ones who “made a difference to that one.” ……... That one is your brother or sister in life. Join others who “make a difference” one starfish at a time.

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The Nomadic Shelter starts up on November 1. I (you) can make a difference by asking around, “who needs some help?” A local church, maybe my (your) church can use some assistance, or phone Paula at 916-225-9631 and tell her what night you can serve and she will tell you who to contact. Organize your group and host a complete night. Join others who “make a difference” one starfish at a time.

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The Pathway to Change group (The County Committee) appointed by the BOS made a presentation to the BOS on Sept. 30th to describe the results of Phase One of the project. Matt Huckabay  made the presentation to the Board and answered questions. Phase One outlines the needs of the homeless community including significant steps and appropriate measures that would show success along the way.

Matt asked the BOS to approve the continuation of the project into Phase Two, which will be a discussion of the need for a homeless shelter here in the county, what it might look like and where it might go. Phase Two requires some minor funding, and the BOS was asked to contribute half of the amount. The other half has been pledged by a local non-profit. The change group is waiting for a response.  The members of BOS seemed to be happy with the presentation with the exception of a couple of the supervisors who seemed to be reluctant to do anything to help the homeless. Comments were made; such as, “We are already providing many services to the homeless, why do we need to do more?” It is unlikely that these members will ever understand the plight of those living on the street or be willing to do anything to help them survive. Work will continue to provide shelter and services to the homeless community in our county.

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We need your in-put to your supervisor to answer that question “why do we need to do more.”

“Every person possesses an intrinsic dignity and worth just by virtue of being human.”   Damon Linker

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I will follow this issue with an article covering the death of Lisa Whitiker, one of our homeless persons who passed away this last week. How she got where she was, and the person she was, and how we became friends.