Gresham property owners are freaking out over a Free Hot Soup Program, run by a faith-based group since 1996. Anawim Christian Community offers sanctuary to the houseless at 19626 NE Glisan. The North Gresham Neighborhood Association will gorge on expensive Round Table Pizza, while planning to interfere with delivery of community-based services to people in need.
Fridays: Mobile shower unit, mail, work day, food boxes
Wednesdays: Free Hot Soup 3-4pm
Anawim co-founder Steve Kimes will be out of town. He asked, "If anyone could attend the meeting and at least hear what they have planned, we'd appreciate it."
You're being asked to bear witness to this request by Kathy Schwabe, NGA President: "The main topic of discussion is the homeless people at the Sanctuary Church." She invited Rockwood Neighbors to come to the meeting, "Since the situation at the church is affecting both of our Neighborhoods."
She's not advocating 'sharing the love.' Undoubtedly she'll spread the fear.
Says Kimes: "I know neighbors think that we are violating city code, but we have worked out all our problems with the city and we are in violation of no code, nor have we. Right now we are on hiatus, and so I don't know what they are complaining about. I am trying to initiate a mediation session with them so we can each listen to the others' concerns. The majority concerns I have had thus far have been unsubstantiated fear of the homeless. That doesn't mean that they won't have real concerns and I want to hear what they are and do what we can."
"It is possible that they are collecting responses to bring to the table to the mediation session with us that we have initiated. If that's the case, that would be just what we want. We want to listen and to be heard in a controlled environment. And if this meeting is working toward that goal, that would be great."
Monday night may not be an entirely controlled environment, however. Says lead organizer, Dax Cozzetto: "PLEASE BRING SIGNS IN SUPPORT OF THE HOMELESS!!!!
http://anawimcc.org/ministries/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/192586054150916/
It'll be interesting to hear the grounds on which 'neighbors' want to refute Christian charity.
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