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A recent letter to the editor dismisses the Mobile Alternative Shelter for Homeless (MASH) project as cockamamie. The same letter references the dispiriting sight of homeless people in line early, on the off chance they will get a bed for the night. There is a strong need for help here. The MASH tent is not a sleep-in center. Plans would have called for it to be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., literally shelter from the elements. There will be a never ending pot of coffee and hot soup, but no beds.
Last year, 16 people in Grand Junction died from exposure on the streets, most alone. That's cockamamie.
This project was developed by homeless people, various city agencies including the police and some local NGOs. Universally, the groups all decided that the tent in town was the most effective and feasible idea at the time. It has to pass stringent criteria by the city to be approved. No tax money is involved. As for the idea that people will travel a long distance to attend a no-sleeping shelter is deluded. Using the tent is the most meager attempt to help the homeless, the least among us.
Are you suggesting that a homeless vet who has an appointment at the V.A. in the morning should be turned away from the homeless shelter and the MASH tent simply because they are from Delta? Times are hard. The homeless are trying like hell to pull up their own bootstraps. We owe them a helping hand and an open heart. They want to see no more deaths due to exposure on the streets. Is that so cockamamie?
You can help MASH by calling 245-3720, or e-mail at nomoredeathsgrandjunction@riseup.net
Last year, 16 people in Grand Junction died from exposure on the streets, most alone. That's cockamamie.
This project was developed by homeless people, various city agencies including the police and some local NGOs. Universally, the groups all decided that the tent in town was the most effective and feasible idea at the time. It has to pass stringent criteria by the city to be approved. No tax money is involved. As for the idea that people will travel a long distance to attend a no-sleeping shelter is deluded. Using the tent is the most meager attempt to help the homeless, the least among us.
Are you suggesting that a homeless vet who has an appointment at the V.A. in the morning should be turned away from the homeless shelter and the MASH tent simply because they are from Delta? Times are hard. The homeless are trying like hell to pull up their own bootstraps. We owe them a helping hand and an open heart. They want to see no more deaths due to exposure on the streets. Is that so cockamamie?
You can help MASH by calling 245-3720, or e-mail at nomoredeathsgrandjunction@riseup.net
