They say that you can judge a society by the way it treats its elders and its neediest citizens. This week, Easton has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, grace and civility by allowing the Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) to open a year round homeless shelter at the site of Easton’s Promise Bed & Breakfast at 107 Goldsborough St.
On Tuesday, Easton’s Board of Zoning and Appeals will consider TIS’ petition for a special exception to operate the shelter. As you might expect, not everyone is in favor of the idea. We are. Here’s why.
Every day, we read about the growing disparity between the haves and the have-nots in this country. In our own county of some 38,000 people, 98 kids in our public schools were technically listed as homeless last year – meaning they didn’t have secure housing of their own. That should be unacceptable to all of us, and if there’s a local effort to stem that tide, let’s support it.
TIS is a outgrowth of our local community, it’s not some long arm of government or a national charity stepping into our turf, trying to push an unwanted homeless shelter on us. It was Talbot’s own citizens who stepped up to found the shelter six years ago, and who have gathered some 500 volunteers and resources enough to provide shelter to our county’s neediest neighbors during the cold winter months. The men, women and children who volunteer to help support the shelter are Talbot’s own. This is a local effort, fueled by compassion.
A “homeless” homeless shelter, TIS has spent the past six winters rotating cots, blankets, supplies and support through Talbot’s faith congregations. They have been looking for a facility to operate a permanent shelter for the past four years. With requirements for a built-in sprinkler fire suppression system, and room to shelter a changing population of men, women and children, it’s been difficult to find a building that’s an appropriate fit. 107 Goldsborough St. has an existing sprinkler system, six bedrooms and bathrooms, a large kitchen, and spacious living and dining areas. It will allow TIS to open as soon as possible, without any building modifications.
The building at 107 Goldsborough is in the central business district, easy for shelter guests to access local resources, transportation and walk to jobs in the district. That central location can facilitate a roundtable of social service and other professionals to help provide the services that TIS’ homeless guests need in order to get back on their feet and into independent housing of their own.
And there’s something exceptionally civil about using a beautiful, historic B&B as a place to shelter our neediest neighbors while they re-organize their lives in order to live independently again. The messy problems that cause homelessness – divorce, death, illness, job loss, abuse, mental health problems – require respite, some hands-on assistance, and support. Why shouldn’t that support take place in the center of our town, in a safe and comfortable setting?
This homeless shelter has already been in operation in the historic district for six years without complaint – just two blocks from Easton’s Promise, in multiple locations including next to the Academy Art Museum. Has there been a problem with the shelter or its guests? No.
Easton can take pride in this effort. Our homeless neighbors won’t be shoved off to some corner, but welcomed into the very heart of our community. We have a chance right now to become known as a leader in hospitality, in the broadest way possible. What a powerful way to do something right.
(Kathy Bosin is a member of the Board of Directors of the Talbot Interfaith Shelter.)
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