Churches Recognized for Homeless Services

For the past three years, the Interfaith Rotating Winter Shelter (IRWS) has offered a temporary shelter during the coldest months for the homeless in our community.  The good folks at Davis Community Church (DCC), our oldest congregation, have been an active force in this effort alongside many other local churches.  DCC also offer many other services to the homeless.

Due to DCC’s unique location and history, it has until recently enjoyed it’s own zoning regulations which have allowed it to expand many services that would conflict with the regulations that cover other churches in residential areas.  Over the past couple of years, several neighbors have persistently lobbied the City Council and staff to review and change the zoning for DCC to decrease the number of homeless that gather in this area to make use of DCC’s compassionate services.

The Council appointed Ruth Asmundson and Sue Greenwald to serve as a subcommittee to broker a deal with DCC and the vociferous neighbors.  The resulting MOU has already come under fire as several homeless people were turned away during the cold snap that occurred in early December.  The language of the MOU states,

“DCC may continue to operate the Interfaith Winter Rotating Shelter Program only during the winter months from November through March and at a maximum of four one-week periods (Sunday to Saturday) may be located on DCC properties. The IRWS Program shall not serve more than 25 persons on any given day that it is located at DCC properties. Intake for the program is to be located at an off-site location. DCC also participates with the administration of the IRWS Program. DCC will count the number of adult and children participants in the Winter Rotating Shelter Program each day that it is held on DCC property and will report those numbers monthly to the City.”

Since the unfortunate incident when people were turned away from the shelter after the 25 person cap had been met, the Council has since given the City Manager the ability to waive the requirements under extraordinary circumstances.  The subcommittee will continue to finish their report to determine the level of needs and how the IRWS and DCC best play a role in meeting those needs.

As a downtown resident, I can empathize with the neighbors.  Several months ago, on a sunny afternoon, I was visiting a neighbor who lives on B Street across from Central Park.  We were standing outside with his newborn baby when a melee broke out amongst the homeless crowd that regularly hangs out in Central Park.  Fists, insults, personal belongings and bicycles were flying all over the place as several of the people attacked one another.  The police came within a few minutes and apparently asked the instigators to move elsewhere.  No arrests were made and the police treated everyone quite politely from where I stood.  Several minutes later, an unsuspecting young mother pushing a stroller walked unawares right through the recently vacated fight scene.

I hear lots of stories from women who have been intimidated by some of our homeless residents.  I’ve seen lots of sketchy behavior from some of these people.  I’ve also conversed with several very nice and respectful homeless folks and I often purchase “The Spare Changer” from Lawson on my way into the Farmers’ Market.

Homelessness is an issue that weighs heavily on my liberal soul.  Some choose to be homeless, but others are just down on their luck.  A disturbingly large percentage of these fragile people have mental health issues (20-25%) that push them to the fringe of a culture that can be quite unforgiving of those who deviate from the norm.  How can an educated, compassionate and liberal community such as Davis create solutions to the complicated problem of  homelessness?  That question involves an assumption that I hope a majority our community will agree with: a civilized people should encourage compassionate assistance for the less fortunate members of their community.

Our Social Services Commission has worked diligently to foster a dialogue and Yolo County does provide many services, but in these difficult financial times, just when more people need a helping hand, social services are often the first cut in budget reductions.  The faith community has historically stepped into the breach, and our faith community is no different.  With the IRWS program, these churches are providing a service that benefits the entire community.  And now, their efforts have been honored with a national award,

Last week, GreatNonprofits announced a list of Top-Rated Food and Shelter nonprofits to aid individuals in year-end charity giving and volunteering.

This Holiday season, more than 84,000 people visited the GreatNonprofits Web site and posted reviews of more than 230 nonprofits providing food or shelter to those in need. The Interfaith Rotating Winter Shelter of Davis, in its third year of operation, tied for 6th place in the awards. The IRWS is thrilled to be in the company of such highly successful and well-established programs as “Project Homeless Connect” in San Francisco and the “DC Central Kitchen” in Washington D.C. This amazing honor is a testament to the immense dedication of volunteers and staff who have made the IRWS what it is today.

The IRWS is “a community-based effort enabling member congregations to provide cold-weather shelter and hospitality on a rotating basis to persons who are homeless in the Davis community.” Last year, the IRWS provided shelter for 102 different homeless guests, served 2,083 hot evening meals, and was supported by 627 volunteers and 22 congregations/community groups. The total expenditures for the IRWS were $4,441 (2008-2009 season). This season, the IRWS will operate through March 13, 2010. Community members are invited to participate in the shelter by signing up to volunteer at http://sites.google.com/a/irwsd.org/volunteers/.

The “Food & Shelter Awards” is the first ever list presenting reviews of food and shelter nonprofits provided by those who have actually experienced their work. The campaign, held during November and December, asked people to submit reviews and ratings about nonprofits providing food or shelter to those in need. The results show the incredible impact being made by nonprofits addressing the critical issues of hunger and homelessness. These unique results will be helpful to donors and supporters who are looking to get involved.

This award comes in the midst of our season of giving and just weeks before the Council will address this issue at their January 12th meeting.  If you feel strongly about this matter, please get involved to help create solutions.