God is using this book to break my heart. And melt it. And re-make it. From stone to flesh. I thought I was reading a story about a rich guy meeting a homeless guy. Instead, God is telling me a story about faith and relationship and tearing down walls and … > read more
I saw this headline today from LA’s Homeless Blog and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Faith Matters. Even In Addressing Homelessness.” That’s even in addressing homelessness, no less. Laugh: And as an afterthought, we can involve the Church in helping the poor and homeless. Cry: Has the Church … > read more
I was reading an article in the News & Record this morning about the arrests that have come since the debut of the paper’s recent “Guilford County’s Most Wanted” feature. And something caught my eye: “Farmer of 305 W. Lee St. was arrested…” Whoa. Nobody is “of 305 W. Lee … > read more
At the Feb. 18, 2008 “Government Official Day” of the Winter Series, Dianne Bellamy-Small urged the gathered homeless Greensboro residents to come to City Council meetings and share their concerns. The very next evening, one gentleman did just that. Hopefully, he’s the first of many. “… we asked [shelter staff], … > read more
Today was the second “Government Official Day” for the Winter Series, a collaboration between the Greensboro Public Library and Food Not Bombs, which includes a meal and weekly program. Many of those who participate are homeless. Tonight, Guilford County Commissioner Paul Gibson, and Greensboro City Council members Dianne Bellamy-Small (District … > read more
In the fall of 2001, I interviewed three of my chronically homeless friends, “Cee,” “Dee,” and “Jay,” for a paper I was doing for a class at UNCG. All three men were open and honest about their lives, and how they came to be homeless. Shortly after the interview, Cee … > read more
Greensboro City Council members Goldie Wells and Dianne Bellamy-Small Mayor Yvonne Johnson Greensboro Mayor Yvonne Johnson and City Council members Goldie Wells and Dianne Bellamy-Small, and members of the Community Resource Board joined us at Grace Community Church for the weekly Wednesday Community Fellowship dinner this week. There were around … > read more
Young people fighting in school, dropping out of school or joining gangs and committing crimes are a frequent topic of discussion in local media and public forums. There’s a lot of talk about increasing programs for youth, like parks and rec, and getting the “faith community” involved. While I agree … > read more
Earlier tonight, I was looking at a slideshow Beth made with photos of homeless young people from around the country. A few moments ago, I was looking at photos of young people who are homeless in Greensboro. Chris is 18. He just got out of jail. Again. I don’t know … > read more
Check this out! “Judge Tynan has developed a homeless court where he ‘sentences’ non-violent offenders to support services rather than jail. In other words, he sends them to get a job, or a high school diploma, or deal with a drug addiction. And if a case manager can verify a … > read more