All posts by James W. Breckenridge

Homeless, Provincial

TO: Kevin Falcon, Transportation Ministe

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FROM: www.homelessinabbotsford.com

RE: Improper Bridge Drainage Problems

We have, following the recent inclement weather, received a deluge of complaints about bridges leaking and/or suffering from improper drainage.

Not only does getting wet in cold weather pose a threat to health, it also is life threatening to the lives of those BC citizens/residents forced by the growing epidemic of homelessness to live under the bridges you bear responsiblity for.

These homeless wish to know what steps you, as the Minister responsible for these bridges, will be taking to remedy the problems with drainage in order that those forced to shelter beneath the bridges and remove the threat posed to the health and lives forced to live beneath the bridges, like trolls from the dark-ages tales.

The homeless would accept you championing the homeless and interceding on their behalf with your colleagues in lue of action on the bridges themselves.

Claude Richmond, Minister of Employment and Income Assistance on the matter of realistic and viable shelter allowance levels and the replacement of the current ineffective programs with programs designed to deliver services of benefit to the clients, not for the ease of M.E.I.A. staff.

Housing Minister Rich Coleman in encouraging BC Housing to be proactive and flexible in seeking local partners to get some affordable housing initiatives underway in Abbotsford.

Premier Gordon Campbell to recognize the complex people issues lumped under labels such as homeless or addiction and recognize the need for ingenuity and initiative in addressing these growing issues sooner rather than waiting until they have become such a problem that the government is forced to act.

As a personal preference we at homelessinabbotsford.com would rather see these needs address in the proper manner and ministry, as opposed to continuing to sweep the problem under the bridges – and whatever makeshift shelter can be found.

Hmmm, Homeless

Abbotsford – Purgatory? Hell?

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Over lunch at the Salvation Army the other day we pondered the question of whether we were already dead? Debated and discussed the philosophical implications on a personal, metaphysical and nature of the universe/reality level.

If we are dead: is this purgatory? Is this hell … eternal hell?

We leaned toward the philosophical argument casting Abbotsford as Purgatory, although one can argue that eternal homelessness in Abbotsford would be Hell. We built a stream of consciousness out of conceptual reasoning supporting Abbotsford as Purgatory.

A wealthy community with many Christian churches. A community possessed of all the resources of Abbotsford, inhabited by people professing to follow the loving teachings of Christ. Viewed in this perspective Abbotsford should be the promised land for the homeless. A loving community to come together and possessing the resources to end homelessness on its streets and to support the homeless in their journeys of recovery to reclaim their lives.

The reality is that all the fine words remain just that – words. The resources that would allow the homeless to recover and grow are denied; hoarded or used to buy more things, fancier things, rather than invested in people in need.

So the homeless struggle through their days, surrounded by what would save them from life on the streets, but denied this salvation. In the short term – Purgatory; in the long term – Hell.

Or perhaps, just perhaps, the truth is that this is Purgatory, not for the homeless, but for those of possessions and wealth and fine words. A final chance to come to understand and live the words they so glibly use and upbraid others with. A final opportunity to live their faith, rather than continuing their pharisaism.

A knotty enigma to reflect upon during this Season celebrating Christs life, with its message of love, hope, rebirth and renewal.

Consider, Homeless

Please remember the Food Bank

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I read in the papers that for Food Banks this is the time of year a major portion of their funds are raised and that it is also an important time for food item donations.

From my observations and knowledge, in Abbotsford we are seeing an increasing number of people relying on the Abbotsford Food Bank for their daily sustenance. With an alarming increase in the numbers of seniors and children dependent on the Food Bank.

I share this in order to urge people to be as generous as possible in making cash donations to the Food Bank because I believe that in order to serve the growing population of hungry in our City, the Food Bank will need all the funds it can muster. So, please be extra generous.

I also want to urge people to be extra generous in their food donations now and in the New Year. I had a recent conversation with a friend about what to donate or how to find out what to donate. As a service and to provide an expert opinion on this matter, I contacted the food bank which (or is that who?) said:

“Virtually anything for food works…as you know however high protein items like peanut butter and fish are always good and breakfast items like pancake mix and syrup…our clients here all like KD (Kraft Dinner) of course and pasta’s of any sort…we virtually get no dairy and little produce so that would be of great help.”

A simple guide from the horse’s mouth.

Dairy? Produce? I do not have clue as to how to address this. So ladies and gentleman, boys and girls let us put on our thinking caps and come up with ideas on Dairy and Produce. Remember donations can be also be a good idea or volunteering your time.

In my pre-homeless, pre-poverty days it was a regular habit with me to drop a food item into the food bank boxes that the grocery stores had, at that time, prominently displayed near the check out area. These days the only generosity I can show to the Food Bank is to not use it (I can eek by without) leaving a little more on their shelves for those who, without the Food Bank, face hunger. I can also ask you to be generous – and I do.

Please be sure to take time at this hectic time of year to remember those who need our help to put food on their tables. Support our Abbotsford Food Bank and please, be generous.

Federal

On Conservative MP James Moore

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The point is not if the NDP apologizes or not.

The point is: when is Conservative MP James Moore is going to resign.

He was elected to take care of the people’s business; not to merely “put in time” in the house, passing the time engaged in prurient thought of his girlfriend. His behaviour shows a lack of judgment and a total failure in the duty of care owed not only to his constituents but also to all the citizens of Canada.

His behaviour suggests, if not demonstrates, that he is there merely to collect a paycheque, remaining uncaring, uninformed and unengaged with the issues challenging the country. Mr. Moore behaviour, thoughtlessly voting as the party dictates, serves to block the debate and discussion we need on a myriad of complex issues.

Mr. Moore needs to be replaced with someone with an interest in addressing the pressing issues, particularly the complex and growing social issues, requiring thought and intelligent action.

The questions Stephen Harper needs to answer is – how many other Conservative MP’s are merely there to collect a paycheque and what in his management style stiffles debate and engagement in the issues, resulting in non-participating MP’s.

Homeless

Let’s extend the Season into the New Year

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I sat listening as the reality of the “Season” was explained to a newbie. “There will be all kinds of meals, food and useful items given to the hungry, homeless and poor for the next few weeks, but the end of the month marks the beginning of the empty winter months of January and February when there is nothing”. The newbie, like so many others, had never thought about how bleak January and February are, particularly in contrast to the plenty of the “Season”.

I call the phenomena the Christmas Switch, switched on for the few weeks leading up to Christmas and switched off on “Naked Greed Day” (aka Boxing Day). It happens every year like clockwork.

So what do I want? World peace, an end to homelessness and poverty, affordable housing, win 6-49 …

On a more practical note I do have a want for those who feel called to do something during this season. Remember that hunger, homelessness and poverty exist year round, especially those dark months of the post “Season” blues. Get together with friends, colleagues or members of your congregation and begin planning and preparations to share the spirit of the “Season” outside the season in January or February when it is badly needed.

A food drive for the Food Bank, to restock their shelves and remind people that hunger is still there in January and February, that hunger is a year round reality for far to many of our fellow citizens. An out of season turkey dinner for the hungry and homeless. Warm clothing, blankets, mitts, gloves, goodie packs are still badly needed in January and February.

It is even more needed, more appreciated in those bleak months. Consider the fact that the homeless have to carry their possessions with them. How much could you carry around with you – all the time. Piles and piles of goods given during the short “Season” just go to waste, left behind abandoned, to heavy to carry.

I know that doing something in January or February is not as easy as in December. I also know that William Arthur Ward was correct in telling people “… to focus your energies on answers — not excuses”.

MCC East, with a little ingenuity, opened the loading bay doors to serve soup and sandwiches to the hungry and homeless on a freezing cold Saturday evening. The people from the Hillside Church braved treacherous streets and made it through the snow to serve their monthly lunch on this first Sunday of December, hot chili, pasta and coffee.

Thoughtfulness, ingenuity and effort. With those ingredients we can make this January and February less bleak and spread some of the spirit of the Season into the gloomy days of January and February. Just a thought seed for those who find themselves wondering “what can I do to make a difference this Season/year?”

Next year we will start to work on March through November.