My niece is living in a old warehouse in Reno and has been homeless on and off for 5 years. Her story is a combination of making bad choices and life events outside her control. I won't go into detail here but most who read this have NO idea what the homeless are up against...none. So if you can't get onboard with a little help and encouragement, please don't make the situation worse with ignorance of the challenges so many homeless people face on a daily basis. It appears a couple of our county commissioners have that covered and need to find their empathy button or find other work.
Excellent article, Andre! I can’t remember if it was in connection with Hope Village or another similar community, but I heard a comment once that being able to lock your door and know your stuff is going to be there when you return from work, treatment or other commitment makes a real difference in self-esteem and sense of security. Hope Village may provide modest accommodations, but it will make a difference in so many people’s lives.
Thank you for this article, Andre. As others have said, your interviews humanize the people living in Hope Village. Of course, the situation is not perfect nor will it ever be. But it is truly giving hope to people who are struggling. The little homes give people a sense of respect and pride and a boost to feel that living in their own home is a possibility. No one is a “throw away” person! I hope that those who have withheld funds for the village will be enlightened. I
Another awesome article Andre. I don’t understand why the commissioners mentioned in your article can’t see what a blessing Hope Village is to these vulnerable people and to the city of Longview. I hope other cities will take a lesson from the folks who support Hope Village and adopt it in their communities. It is a huge step in the right direction to humanely ending homeless.
Thank you Andre for humanizing the folks living in Hope Village for us through your article. As human beings, we are in the same boat and really want many of the same things in life, meaning being our common link. Buy supporting Hope Village, we are saying YES to our shared humanity. Thank you again.
Those people interviewed could be us, could be a Commissioner in two years or a state representative. Some people may scoff at that possibility, but don't. Denying funding and attempting to export a visible problem is cowardly. Involving law enforcement is costly. It would be nice to see local churches support this secular effort. The way to get support for this is for getting groups support and electing leaders that understand that these matters involve humans and it takes a community to solve these challenges. In short, we need to elect leaders that have compassion, are open to learning and finding solutions, and are able to listen to people other that campaign contributors.
Robert, I agree with your assessment. I want to bring your attention to a program - Family Promise - that is fully supported by our local churches. The program is nation-wide, and Longview churches are doing their part. Homeless families are provided with a place to live, food (all donated by volunteers like myself - what a joy to deliver a hot meal to a grateful family!), clothing, assistance with finding permanent housing, work and more. The goal is to help each family rebuild their lives. So, even though more is needed to help our unhoused citizens- and shame on our Commissioners! - there is a program here in Longview doing its best to help. Their efforts are making a difference, as the success rate is phenomenal. Take a look at https://familypromise.org/
Don't forget that Family Promise also involves Kelso churches and the shelter it runs is located in a Kelso church. I've helped build four rooms for the homeless there, and the last three have just opened.
I salute Family Promise and the church Andre mentioned. It would be good if there was a list of the churches in Kelso and Longview that are involved supporting this effort and similar ones.
Great article Andre---wish it was published in the newspaper so Maybe some people would get a different view of Hope Village. It is wonderful that some people are getting a chance to start their lives over and hopefully soon get on with their lives. Thank you so much for writing this artlicle
My niece is living in a old warehouse in Reno and has been homeless on and off for 5 years. Her story is a combination of making bad choices and life events outside her control. I won't go into detail here but most who read this have NO idea what the homeless are up against...none. So if you can't get onboard with a little help and encouragement, please don't make the situation worse with ignorance of the challenges so many homeless people face on a daily basis. It appears a couple of our county commissioners have that covered and need to find their empathy button or find other work.
Than you for sharing such a private and painful personal story, Linda. ❤️
Informative glimpse into Hope. Thanks so much. I'm sending an expanded copy to 2 nearsighted Cowlitz County Commissioners.
Another great article. Thank you for your research and beautiful explanation in support of the hope village. Count me as a supporter.
Great article. Thank-you!
Excellent article, Andre! I can’t remember if it was in connection with Hope Village or another similar community, but I heard a comment once that being able to lock your door and know your stuff is going to be there when you return from work, treatment or other commitment makes a real difference in self-esteem and sense of security. Hope Village may provide modest accommodations, but it will make a difference in so many people’s lives.
Great article, Andre.
Thank you for this article, Andre. As others have said, your interviews humanize the people living in Hope Village. Of course, the situation is not perfect nor will it ever be. But it is truly giving hope to people who are struggling. The little homes give people a sense of respect and pride and a boost to feel that living in their own home is a possibility. No one is a “throw away” person! I hope that those who have withheld funds for the village will be enlightened. I
Another awesome article Andre. I don’t understand why the commissioners mentioned in your article can’t see what a blessing Hope Village is to these vulnerable people and to the city of Longview. I hope other cities will take a lesson from the folks who support Hope Village and adopt it in their communities. It is a huge step in the right direction to humanely ending homeless.
Thank you Andre for humanizing the folks living in Hope Village for us through your article. As human beings, we are in the same boat and really want many of the same things in life, meaning being our common link. Buy supporting Hope Village, we are saying YES to our shared humanity. Thank you again.
Those people interviewed could be us, could be a Commissioner in two years or a state representative. Some people may scoff at that possibility, but don't. Denying funding and attempting to export a visible problem is cowardly. Involving law enforcement is costly. It would be nice to see local churches support this secular effort. The way to get support for this is for getting groups support and electing leaders that understand that these matters involve humans and it takes a community to solve these challenges. In short, we need to elect leaders that have compassion, are open to learning and finding solutions, and are able to listen to people other that campaign contributors.
Robert, I agree with your assessment. I want to bring your attention to a program - Family Promise - that is fully supported by our local churches. The program is nation-wide, and Longview churches are doing their part. Homeless families are provided with a place to live, food (all donated by volunteers like myself - what a joy to deliver a hot meal to a grateful family!), clothing, assistance with finding permanent housing, work and more. The goal is to help each family rebuild their lives. So, even though more is needed to help our unhoused citizens- and shame on our Commissioners! - there is a program here in Longview doing its best to help. Their efforts are making a difference, as the success rate is phenomenal. Take a look at https://familypromise.org/
Don't forget that Family Promise also involves Kelso churches and the shelter it runs is located in a Kelso church. I've helped build four rooms for the homeless there, and the last three have just opened.
I salute Family Promise and the church Andre mentioned. It would be good if there was a list of the churches in Kelso and Longview that are involved supporting this effort and similar ones.
Great article Andre---wish it was published in the newspaper so Maybe some people would get a different view of Hope Village. It is wonderful that some people are getting a chance to start their lives over and hopefully soon get on with their lives. Thank you so much for writing this artlicle