Homelessness in the News, a Summary...

Here are a few articles involving homeless people with commentary:

Homeless Hit and Run Victim Identified
"A homeless man killed by a hit-and-run driver last week was identified Tuesday.

Sheriff's deputies are still searching for the driver."

Mr. Webb apparently demonstarted proper form, walking his bike accross an intersection, and was killed. I hope his family has been notified, and that he knew the Lord. It's dangerous to be out and about whether or not you are homeless, and I can't help but wonder if the person who hit him though "He looks like a bum, so maybe noone will care"...

Homeless man Hired to Hand out Flier
"In 2002, Ehrlich's campaign was investigated for recruiting workers -- some from homeless shelters in the District -- to hand out literature at polling places under a statute that prohibited campaign workers from hiring people to work on Election Day."

Personally speaking, I don't think that what this Ehrlich guy did should be illegal, nor is it immoral, as far as hiring someone on election day to pass out flyers is concerned. I am also glad at least one guy got work for the day, and probably a free tee-shirt. I find it funny that some people think it's disgusting to hire homeless people! :)
I shouldn't be so harsh....

Chattanooga to Discuss Homeless Shelter
"The Student Government Association (SGA) of UTC will host a community forum to present the subject of the proposed homeless complex on Monday, Nov. 27, at 8 p.m., in the University Center's Raccoon Mountain Room."

Apparently Chattanooga wants to open a dayshelter at the farmer's Market, and everyone is concerned. People need to learn to be a little more hospitable.

Vacant School to Shelter Homeless Families
"A vacant Calgary school will likely become a temporary home for families as the city scrambles to find winter shelter for a growing number of homeless."

Calgary is doing something good here, but it's only temporary. Some of the more important questions are: what will happen in the spring? What will happen next winter? How is Calgary handling the housing shortage?
OTOH:
Calgary, I congradulate you for keeping families together. There aren't many choices when it comes to that. There are single mother shelters, and men's shelters, but not a lot of family shelters. Thanks!

Well, that's enough news for now, I'll probably outline some changes to take place in the spring in the next post...

Your Positive Activist,
G. Brandon Hoyt

Keep on Praying...

Well Lessee,
After about a month of being out due to speaking engagements, family engagements and death, I finally got back downtown. Thank you Rafael for taking care of things while I was out, keeping everyone in line! While some things are important, like speaking to congregations about the needs of the mission, or doing the necessary paperwork to become a non-profit corporation, there is nothing better than getting the hands dirty in ministry so to speak. Recently I've been contemplating ways to make a better difference in the lives of the people we meet downtown. One thing that Rafi and I have talked about is starting a small group. In my Church Assimilation Plan (You will need Freemind Mind mapping software to view that document) I outline a bible study to take place within the context of a small group... The purpose of this Bible study and small group is to give a homeless person the tools they need for spiritual combat and accountability as well as connectivity to a local congregation to help them on the road to restoration.
Check it out,
Make some suggestions...
Other than that, I have for you this week's prayer list.
Otis Parrish: Pray for my family
Richard Hughes: A job so me and son can go home Mich
Gregory Barmore: Things in my life grow strong in the Lord
Jose Reyes: Yes, I got Beat up and all my body is in hard pain. I need to get well soon.
Deidre Chambers: Pray for my daughter and my broter, and my boyfriend
Felecia: Deliverance from Cocaine, family unity (Reunite).
Robert Knowles: Family Son Michael
Alexander Kendricks: Pray that I get a weekly job. Thank you!
David Lippincott: Please pray for my sister Susan and niece Alisia Thank you.
Clayton D. McRae: yes, kep me near the cross and let keep theses jobs until December/January let God be in control of my life.
Harry Mueller: Yes so I can get my life back together.


Thanks for your prayers!
Anyone want to buy some prepaid fone cards we can hand out at Christmas time???
Your positive activist:
G. Brandon Hoyt

PS Don't forget to visit the BASIC main website to find out more about us, and how you can get involved!!
www.basicorlando.org

PSS: Here is a reason to get to know yer local homeless people: Homeless Man Found Dead
It's one of those things that I don't look forward to every week, but I do try to keep up when someone is found dead.
Orlando could learn something: Stand Down Austin