Nameless, Faceless & Homeless

Regarding the homeless standing outside The Other Place, in an editorial in the Dayton Daily News, Benjamin Schuster was quoted as saying

“My heart goes out to them. I really feel for them, but what gets me is they’re lying on the streets, they’re lying against the building, they’re in groups, and we don’t even have proper screening, we don’t have any trees or bushes which can shield these people from people driving downtown…”

Feedings in the Parks

MSNBC has published an article that is printed in the November 6th Newsweek edition that highlights the controversy in many U.S. cities about feeding the homeless in public parks.

Run for a Change

One of the awkward experiences many people prefer to avoid in Dayton is panhandling. We also avert our eyes from the homeless who are pushing carts on the other sidewalk. Homelessness is a community concern in downtown Dayton, and none of us enjoy saying “no” to somebody obviously in need. There is an opportunity on November 4th for all of us to say “yes, I am willing to help” while doing so in an environment where we can feel comfortable.

The Other Place is holding their annual 5K Run/Walk “Run for a Change” event, starting & finishing at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, November 4th. Registration begins at 7:30 and the race starts at 9am. You can register online at https://secure.theotherplace.org/runforachange/register.asp

Another event sponsored by The Other Place is also on the near horizon. “The Other Party” is planned for November 11th. You can register online for this event as well. For more information, visit www.theotherplace.org.

As the holidays approach I am reminded of one way my in-laws keep charity in mind. Each Thanksgiving they pick a name out of the hat – similar to what large families do when buying Christmas gifts. However, they choose only one name and the gift that person receives is the opportunity to name the charity the family will support in lieu of purchasing that extra gift. It’s a great example for children to see and a wonderful opportunity to help others.

The following statistics were found on The Other Place website:

“In Dayton and Montgomery County on any given night over 800 of our fellow citizens are considered homeless, similarly more than 70 people are considered to go unsheltered.”

54,000 visits were made to their emergency shelter in 2005 and over 150 people use the shelter on average each day.

Masquerage 2006

Link: Masquerage 2006

Masquerage will be held on October 21 this year at the Round House located in the Mongomery County Fairgrounds.  The proceeds from this event benefit AIDS Resource Center Ohio which assists those infected, affected, or at-risk for HIV/AIDS.  You can get your tickets at Starbucks, Therapy Cafe, Square One Salon, and through Masquerage Online.  This event has become a signature event for the Resource Center, bringing people together to have fun and generate a greater awareness of HIV/AIDS.