This letter was written in response to the City Link article, There's a place which was published on December 23, 1998.
I applaud the upcoming opening of the Homeless Assistance Center (more about that after the applaud). It represents a new opportunity to implement a rational approach to the area's homeless problem. ["There's a place," December 23]
I would remind your readers, however, that it isn't open yet and the cold weather is upon us. The response to requests for donations to the new facility has resulted in a significant decrease in blankets, sweatshirts and sweaters for residents of Tent City compared to last year. There remains a great need, particularly among the ill and elderly for warm bedding and clothing while we await the actual opening of the HAC.
Since the city stopped replacing worn-out cots, many individuals are sleeping on the ground, which compounds the effects of the cold. The coldest months lie ahead, so help will be "warmly received." Even after the HAC opens its doors to the initial few, there will be many left on the "outside" who will continue to rely on community support for these essentials.
And let us not forget, for all the self-congratulations on the HAC (are we suffering from an "edifice complex" perhaps?) all those that have made our lives more tenable during the five years Tent City has been the only, though controversial, refuge for the homeless in Broward.
Thanks to those who nourished us. Arnold Abbott and the Love Thy Neighbor Feeding Program.Arnold Abbott. He's been in the trenches from the beginning, what more can I say?
Betty, the "Kissing Lady," she does it all by herself and with love.
Christ Church of Fort Lauderdale, God bless them and "pass the meatloaf."
St Bonaventure Catholic Church for five years of Friday nights and my friend Rosa Lee. She brought me my food when I was too sick to stand in the line and with it hope and hugs.
The extraordinary students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School whose wonderful homemade food is second only to their manners, good humor and optimism. They are a pleasure and should lay to rest any doubts about today's young people.
Pastor Greg who brings Checker burgers and Bible study and doesn't make the second a condition for the first.
Pat, who is the last "daytime" meal provider...she's seen us at our worst and keeps coming back.
Karla, the "Tootsie Roll lady," who also carries unlimited smiles and quiet solutions in her magic candy bag. There are so many more who I don't know by name...we love and thank you.
Special thanks to the staff of the medical Keri-Van and especially Carol Bentley, nurse-mother extraordinaire. They made me well again and hundreds like me and with so little to work with. Where would we be without you? More special thanks to Tiffany, Lisa, Lynette and the rest of the staff at Henderson Homeless Outreach. They do so very much with so very little. If they get discouraged, they hide it well.
Finally, thank you to those anonymous individuals who put aside their fears and disapproval of Tent City residents long enough to drive up, soemtimes in the wee hours, and donate a piece of good clothing or food left over from a party or office function. We don't know you, but you're in our hearts just the same. It's beautiful people not beautiful buildings that make the difference in the end.
May 1999 bring everyone in the community peace, love, prosperity and a special place called home.
Robert
Tent City
Fort Lauderdale