Street Talk Blog
It's Going To Get Worse Before It Gets Better
August 20, 2010
Over the last year here at the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission the number of people we serve at our shelters has almost doubled. We have had to ask ourselves "why?" By all appearances the local economy seems to be doing well and left unscathed by the recession that has plagued many parts of the nation the last couple of years. Could it be that our good fortune in the local economy has been the misfortune for many of the individuals and families on the underbelly of our society? Those that are financially challenged, the needy or less fortunate.
We know that Federal stimulus money has added thousands of jobs here in the Tri-Cities. It's a fact that as a result of people moving here to take these jobs, rental capacity has been hovering at 98-99% for more than a year. Even people with decent incomes and good background checks are having a tough time finding rental housing. Last Sunday's newspaper had an article entitled OUT OF OPTIONS - lack of rentals in Tri-Cities leaves families on the streets. (link below) The agencies in our community that assist low income individuals and families in finding affordable housing now have hundreds of people on waiting lists. At least one of these agencies has even stopped taking applications due to the overwhelming numbers on its waiting list. http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/08/15/1131002/low-income-families-having-hard.html
Washington State government has recently passed legislation that will significantly cut funding to the GAU/GAX programs starting September 1st. The first round of cuts to these programs will affect about 4500 low income individuals in Washington State of which many are already on the brink of homelessness undoubtedly now will become homeless. Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire recently announced that $51 million dollars would be cut from the state welfare budget. This move will cut 5500 families from the state welfare rolls and push most of these people to the streets. Many, no doubt, will end up in homeless shelters.
Now, I realize times are tough and that for our state, balancing the budget is a must. I don't argue the necessity of these cuts. Mostly, this has caused great concern for me as an advocate for the homeless. Our community has run out of affordable housing. It's hard for anyone to find rental housing in Tri-Cities let alone those that are considered low income. Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission is the only emergency shelter in our community and we are at full capacity. In fact, we are sleeping about 40 people every night on the floors, and we have very little floor space left. When I look ahead over the next year or two I see homelessness continuing to rise and quite possibly very dramatically. Here at the Mission we are starting to prepare, contemplating what we can do to get ourselves out in front of the next wave of homelessness. We realize that in our corner of this community, it's going to get worse before it gets better.
Andrew Porter
I Know Christ Can Change Lives. He Changed Mine.
July, 2010
21 years ago, I met Jesus Christ. I was sitting on my bed in prison when I asked him to come into my life. The previous 15 years of my life had been spent abusing drugs and alchohol and I had become a slave to sin. I was tired of living life, it seemed hopeless. I wanted to change but I didn't know how. Someone had been witnessing to me about Jesus and a whole lot of people were praying for me. I vividly remember that day when I finally submitted to the Lord and surrendered my life to him. I believed he could change me and I expected him to. It was the first time I had felt hopeful and that day marked the beginning of a whole new life.
Looking back, I had tried many ways and numerous times to change, but all ended in failure. This time however was not a failure, I have 21 years of proof. Jesus Christ has radically transformed my life and continues to work in me today. I am no longer destined for hell but have a home in Heaven. I no longer need drugs to get through the day but am sustained by His Word, for he is the Bread of life. I no longer live with shame and guilt but live with a clear conscience before God, for He is faithful and just to forgive our sins. I am no longer a slave to sin since Christ has cut my chains and set me free.
Over the years I have witnessed the power of Jesus Christ change many men's and women's lives. I love to hear the testimonies of a life changed by Him. I know for a fact that Jesus Christ is involved in the affairs of men and women. I know Christ can change lives. He changed mine.
Andrew Porter
Millennials on our Doorstep
"Generation Y" - Rescue Missions Newest Client
May 17,2010
By Andrew Porter
Unless you’ve been to the Mission lately, you probably still think that the mission is just a place that ministers to the needs of winos and addicts – people who have frittered their lives away with alcohol and drug abuse, who are faced with the consequences from a lifetime of making bad decisions.
Not true. Yes, while there are still some “old school” guys hanging around, the truth is that the average age of those who are classified as “homeless” has been trending down for several years. Even here in the Tri Cities, we are seeing a disturbing number of 18-30 year olds, both men and women, coming through the doors of the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.
That’s right, I said KIDS! They may even be your kids. These are not wasted lives, but young people with their whole life in front of them. This change in demographics presents some new challenges for us at the Mission. We have to rethink our approach to ministry in order to meet the needs of this newest generation of homeless (and lost) individuals.
Shouldn’t these kids be getting an education? Working? Where are their families?
You might just attribute this to a lazy, spoiled generation that refuses to take responsibility for themselves: an entitlement generation. Then again perhaps that’s the way we “Baby Boomers” raised them.
Is it because of record high unemployment, soaring college tuition, lack of affordable housing, or can we blame it on the erosion of family values?