Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Redding & Shasta County Homeless Continuum of Care's yearly meeting to discuss the results of their homeless census. Although Redding Loaves and Fishes, as well as the Redding Homeless Alliance believe the numbers really are significantly higher, Don Meeks presentation on the homeless, "myth or fact", was a refreshing fresh breath of truth for those who are trying to make a difference in the lives of those who are poor and less fortunate. Between Mr. Meeks presentation, and reporter Ryan Sabalow's concern for the homeless, as well as His attention to detail in His article, a great stride forward was made in the fight against homelessness. Well done !!

Unfortunatly, the City of Reddings response to the increase in homelessness has, for the most part, been a dramatic increase in the Law enforcement approach, with nothing in the works to address the real issues and problems. In a little over 3 months 21 illegal camping tickets have been issued, as well as homeless camp sweeps that take their possesions without due legal process. Possesions that the Christian community, prompted by the Lord , want the homeless to have. I believe Tulin Ozdeger, a civil rights staff attorney at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, said it best in a recent article."Laws that criminalize homelessness are not only an inhumane way to treat some of our most vulnerable neighbors, but they frequently pose constitutional problems and do nothing to address the underlying causes of homelessness. Many of these measures have been successfully challenged in court as violations of homeless persons civil rights."

Redding Loaves and Fishes/Redding Homeless Alliance has been painfully aware of the increase in homeless children, especially during the sub freezing , record breaking temperatures and virulent flu season we have had this winter. The Shasta County Sherif"s local Office of Emergency services refusal to open a warming shelter during our record breaking cold spell is nothing short of an abomination, and listening to their represenative at a recent meeting, we can expect the same response should a simular occurance happen. Does it really take reports from fire depts. and hospitals that people are suffering for City and County officals to take a safety first, pro active, injury and sickness preventive action? Since there is no policy or plan in place to activate opening an emergency warming shelter, what will it take?

We  have speakers available for Churches and other organizations who are interested in the facts and not myths about homelessness. We believe Redding is a very caring, giving and generouse community, so we are seeking and praying for an apartment complex donation, so we can start taking steps to getting the most vunerable population of the homeless off the streets, women and children. Jesus says, " Whoever receives one little child in My name receives Me". Please come and help us be a part of the solution, All are welcome.

Quote from Ms.Ozdeger can be found here

More suffer on the street in county (Redding Record Searchlight Article)