Drop-In Center for the homeless: Poll

[futurejax]

Question, are there groups in Jax like the 'Doe Fund'?  It seems like they would be very useful there.

[fsu813]

of course its a bit skewed at present.

The kids from Springfield posted a note on the other boards asking them to vote here.

Considering the majority of MJ participants are interested in the Urban Core more so than the average joe, it's going to be skewed no matter what.

[Springfield Girl]

Do the current shelters allow people to get showers at night or in the morning? Are people allowed to use the restrooms at the facilities when breakfast, lunch and dinner are served?

[strider]

Unfortunately, there may be a large difference between what some people want to happen due to prejudice and fear more than anything else compared to what will actually work in the end.  Hopefully, the purpose of this meeting will be to educate and so everyone can help find that right compromise. Any meeting about this subject needs to be covered on line so the information gets out to all concerned.

[fsu813]

"Why do that when you can simply hang out in Hemming Park and the Library?"

- b/c the City's appraoch to the homeless issue is changing. I would wager enforcement would increase quite a bit if they had a viable place to go. Plus, the option states that transportation to such a facility would be addressed.

"Moving it out of downtown would be pointless and a bit stupid on the part of the downtown and springfield residents/merchants."

- the majority of SPR residents/merchants would disagree with you. If Tallyrand, McDuff, or Beaver Street are considered "Downtown-ish" then I do think certain areas there would be a good match.

[fsu813]

Do the current shelters allow people to get showers at night or in the morning? Are people allowed to use the restrooms at the facilities when breakfast, lunch and dinner are served?

I know the Sulzbacher Center has showers & restrooms available to anyone staying the night, which are opne from the evening 'till the morning. Also, in thier clinic, a shower can be arranged during the day if deemed necessary.

FYI.

[fsu813]

if you say so....

[ESHC]

We had to move the Drop in Center meeting to Thursday, March 4 @ 3:00 p.m. due to scheduling issues.  The meeting will be held in the large conference room at the main Goodwill building, 4527 Lenox Ave.  If you plan on attending the meeting please RSVP to eshcuser@eshcnet.org to help us know how many to plan for. 

As far as the questions on emergency shelters - please remember all four operate at or above capacity every night and all regularly have to turn people away. 

[uptowngirl]

Does anyone have any data reflecting a successful DT day center? I have done a bit of research and have some first hand knowledge of day centers outside of urban cores that have been successful. If Julia St.,Hemming Plaze, whatever that pocket park on the otherside of the library, and portions of the River Walk are an example of what we can expect-well there won;t be much support from the urban core residents I think.

Also- Stephen, I think if people cannot make an effort to utilize transportation put in place specifically for this use then they most likely won't take advantage of job training/help in that area even if it is offerred DT with the other services. This is really a good start for people to get used to getting up, and going someplace daily on a schedule (sounds like work right?). There juts is not a lot of entry level jobs right DT, or even in the surrounding neighborhoods. Will we not expect people participating to get on a bus everyday and go to a job outside the core once they "graduate"?

[fsu813]

"Magically moving a center out of their reach unless they jump through hoops to get to it isnt going to cure them of the problems that are at the root of their homelessness."

- riding on a bus for a few miles is "jumping through hoops?"

"Its this thinking that has the not for profits throwing them all out on the streets during the daytime."

- there are various reasons why homeless are forced to leave during the day.

[rjp2008]

A Catholic outreach such as St Francis House would be terrific. Even better if they would invite a group of priests/sisters to start one. Of course, it would be a private endeavor.

Immaculate Conception church feeds 500-1000 people every Saturday with a hot meal and take home food supplies.

An effective homeless outreach model needs to be three-fold. First, an intake center that puts homeless on kind of in-house program, to stop the daily drifting from place to place. Short term 30-60 days mininum. Second, a place away from downtown for a couple months to get straightened out away from all the bad influences. Finally,an assistive get back into society track that can get them on track.

[thelakelander]

Where is the Saint Francis House in relation to Boston's vibrant neighborhoods and tourist districts?

[rjp2008]

It's at the south end of the park. Near the performing arts center, some hotels and the NE medical center.

[thelakelander]

It's at the south end of the park. Near the performing arts center, some hotels and the NE medical center.

So basically somewhere between Back Bay and Chinatown, near Boylston Street?

[Dan B]

It's at the south end of the park. Near the performing arts center, some hotels and the NE medical center.

So basically somewhere between Back Bay and Chinatown, near Boylston Street?

Just as a point of reference, It was founded in the early 80s, and was on the edge of what was then known as the CombatZone. Its on Boylston St, near Washington.

This facility predated the gentrification of the performing arts district around the Wang Center.