By Scott Unger • Of the News-Register • 

Shelter shut, First Baptist Church stays busy providing meals, other services

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Comments

Drew

Mr. Watson is correct. None of these churches have "an exact plan" If the churches would pool all the money and resources (food, cloths, shelter whatever it may be) into one location and actually provide appropriate services to get people off the streets! Unfortunately, majority of the people on the streets wish to continue to live the way they are and receive the handouts. The unfortunate fact is, is that these churches have become the problem. Not the solution. The recent increase in homeless and vagrancy is because of all these church handouts. I guarantee you, if the 3 churches on 1st and 2nd street stopped feeding the homeless, you'd see a drastic reduction in homeless at least on our streets and in our parks and on our properties. Just my opinion.

Otis

Yep...it's the church's fault for all these homeless folks...how DARE they help the less fortunate.

B

I agree Drew. The churches are enabling those living on the streets.

tagup

I’m Pretty certain that closing the soup kitchens won’t solve the mental illness & drug issues that are on display downtown. It would however impact the elderly & low income families with housing that utilize the food services from the churches. Closing the current food service locations would only be another “whack-a-mole” approach to the problem. It appears that the real “homeless” solution is to just not have to see them … right?

Don

Drew, you are welcome to visit First Baptist Church during our STARS breakfast, Monday and Friday, 9 - 10 am. One fact that is often missing in these conversations, is that many of those who stop by for breakfast, pick up needed personal items, a coat, hat, socks, etc. are back in the community, serving you at fast-food restaurants, cleaning your motel rooms, back working in the trades, and/or have a roof over their heads for themselves and their children. I caution you and other readers to not paint all our friends with the same brush. It is true, a portion of our clients, less than half, are chronically houseless. They are someone's brother, daughter, grandson, former neighbor and are worthy of our friendship. We have found that our assistance reduces the trips to the emergency room and saves our community in support funds. One more correction - the three churches, FBC, FPC, Coop, are joined by many other groups in Yamhill County in caring for our neighbors in need. Thanks to all who care, Don Watson.

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