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 the 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 this 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 in place, 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 reorganize their lives in order to become independent 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?
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
Kathy is a member of the Board of Directors of the Talbot Interfaith Shelter.
Dorothy Whitcomb says
I’ve been following the Talbot Interfaith Shelter for quite some time and have talked with volunteers who have worked directly with our homeless neighbors. The need for a centrally located, permanent shelter is very real for all segments of the homeless community and especially so for women with small children. The faith community has recognized this need for years and stepped up to meet it. It’s time for the rest of us to augment their efforts with our support of a permanent shelter that provides safety for this vulnerable population and access to services they need to improve their situation. I truly hope that this ideal location doesn’t fall prey to NIMBY–Not in My Backyard–sentiments. Any location that meets these critical needs is going to be in someone’s backyard.
Barbara Reisert says
Kathy, What a wonderful idea and what a wonderful site!! This location is perfect and the home itself lends a comforting feel to anyone that stays under it’s roof. Just staying in such a lovely place will fill its tenants with a sense of pride and boost their self-esteem. Great going, looking forward to seeing this adventure come to fruition. Barbara
Robert O. Hall BobHallsr says
Kathy,
Your article about the Inter Faith Shelter in the SPY was SUPERB.
At first, I recoiled when I thought of using Eason’s Promise for housing the homeless in the middle of our fair town and then I thought, “Hey why not! This is an opportunity to focus on the plight of fellow humans amongst us who are suffering in the land of plenty.
So far we, personally, and the public, in general, with the help of government, have been successful in segregating the disadvantaged, the unsheltered and the “social distanced persons.” A classic case of “out of sight, out of mind.” They are us – our brothers and sisters, living in another world, usually suffering from external or internal sources beyond their control. They need help to restore their well being and dignity as active citizens in our community.
YES, let’s bring them back from the fringes of society and let them mingle with us instead of avoiding their presence.
By doing so, we will have a powerful and constant reminder that some has to be done to support and care for the disadvantaged in our midst.
Life is Good,
BobHallsr
“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless.
The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty.
We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”
Mother Teresa.