Because we are an inclusive and caring community that desires to love and support its' residents,  we must all come together and demand our elected officials keep their promise to ensure a safe space in St.Johns for our houseless neighbors. Recently it was announced that the current Resource Center, located on the corner of N. Lombard and N. New York, will be closing by the end of August.  Commissioner Singleton has said there is money set aside to open a new location but little movement has been made and it looks as if no one cares to find a place before the seasons change and the funds are shifted to downtown warming centers that do not serve St. Johns. 

A Resource Center serving the houseless is not simply a nicety. It is a necessity. 

In the past, local politicians have gone on record as supporting some form of daily assistance for the houseless in St. Johns. When the current center opened, Commissioner Singleton said, "As a former provider, I know just how powerful a role that a dayspace can play in someone's life... Whether it's a shower, receiving a piece of mail from a loved one, or finally hearing that they made it into housing, this space can and will be a transformative force."

Unfortunately, it was not. Practically everyone involved agrees the current location was a poor choice and does not provide the services or resources proper to assist those navigating poverty and addiction. Many of St. Johns' houseless have a deep desire to be productive members of our wonderful neighborhood and with a little assistance this can be achieved. 

We must demand that our elected officials keep their promise and pay attention to the houseless in our community. 

Quoting Mayor Keith Wilson, we have a "moral imperative...We must think about the best we can do right here, right now"

One million dollars has been set aside to open at a new location. Why has there been no attempt to find a new location? Why are our Representatives refusing to take this situation seriously?

Please, let us all come together to make St. Johns more beautiful than it already is - a model for community concern and outreach and LOVE (like the sign you see when you drive across our magnificent bridge).