Missions Must Mitigate

A recent article in Roanoke, VA covering the issues between local candidates, a homeless shelter, and a neighborhood highlights the issues involved and areas that Rescue Missions must address as part of their community and as a critical components of the continuum of care.

I believe it is the Mission's responsibility to provide services in a responsible manner, which protects the quality of life of the homeless AND their neighborhood.

This quote speaks volumes on what Missions do to shoot themselves in the foot - while not protecting their own and their neighbors' interests.

"Bushnell said the Rescue Mission's past record of charity is admirable, but its history with neighbors gives them adequate reasons to be wary of any proposed expansion. I feel like certain actions of the Rescue Mission in the past haven't shown that willingness to cooperate . . ." 

Aggressive mitigation by the Mission should be the norm, but sadly, it isn't.

By aggressively mitigating issues that we had created in our neighborhood (that ultimately ripples across a city) Long Beach Rescue Mission not only exists next to a city park and a middle school, but have made both staunch supporters of the Mission. Each year, both our core programs and our County Winter Shelter operations have been zero-impact programs and have gained the Mission huge support in the neighborhoods, with city council members, and with city and county agencies. It is a tough line to toe, but it is imperative to the success and legacy of our Rescue Mission. Interestingly enough, our efforts bring the admonition of homeless activists on us . . . so we have the support of the community, but not necessarily from all of those supposedly looking out for the interests of the homeless we serve (but our shelters remain full).

Thank you, Long Beach for embracing our services to homeless men, women and children.