Safer Shelter Is Donated To St. Pete's Homeless (Group fights back)

[Rebellious Republican]

snip>ST. PETERSBURG - Lisa Barabas-Henry brought new tents, food and hope to a bad situation Saturday.

Barabas-Henry, owner of Holy Ground homeless shelter in Hudson, purchased a dozen flame-retardant tents and fire extinguishers for the homeless living under Interstate 375 after St. Petersburg police and fire representatives slashed or confiscated 25 tents Friday.

Barabas-Henry called the homeless people together Saturday afternoon to clarify their options after St. Petersburg Councilman Bill Foster visited to discuss housing vouchers with them.

"This is not an option after they offer you an apartment," Barabas-Henry said, pointing to the 18 tents pitched along 15th Street North. "I'm not here for any reason but to help, and I will stay with you. <snip


http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBEM40Z6XE.html

:kick:

[KayLaw]

1. My husband and I drove down there, as well.

My husband was so outraged to hear what the police did that he went through our camping stuff and put together a care package and I dug through the pantry and coat closet and did the same. We took it to the back of the mission and right away one of the men took the tent, saying he really needed it. Several men walked up to the van and cleared it out within seconds. They were very nice and appreciative.

When we drove up another car was there and I think they were doing the same thing. Let the cop take their stuff, we citizens will just give them more! We're going back next week, btw.

[Vidar]

3. Bless you, your husband & Ms. Barabas-Henry.

[diamidue]

4. I love you guys.

"All values in this world are more or less questionable, but the most important thing in life is human kindness." - Yevgeny Yevtushenko

[Rebellious Republican]

5. KayLaw,you are an inspiration...........

My wife and I were just about to leave for the grocery store and I thought I would check my post for replies before we left. Because of you, I decided to buy some groceries for them and take them down after-wards. We came home and unloaded our stuff, with the help of my nephew (fNord, a new member of DU)who volunteered to go with me. We asked a few of my neighbors if they had anything to contribute. Within 10 minutes of me asking, the back of my F150 was half full. A few gave me cash to stop and pick up more, I bought ice to go with the cooler that someone gave, and fruit drinks with that.

KayLaw, it just proves that one person can make a difference, the people of tent city, myself and fNord thank you.

:applause:

[KayLaw]

8. How cool!

We were thinking of involving our neighbors, too. Also, we're going to find out what they wish peoople were really bringing. Toiletries, maybe? Thanks for the kind words and the private message. I'm glad you went.

:hi:

[LiberalFighter]

2. Cops should be arrested for theft & destruction of private property

What needs and can be done? Could a complaint be filed with the DA?

Would they be more inclined to do something if the tents used by the homeless were loaned or given to them by homeowners and then destroyed by the cops?

[MrPrax]

6. The real heroes of America...

are people like the folks in this thread that want to do something...anything to help.

You are the Americans that everyone loves and admires...

All Praises and Love to You...

:loveya:

[pitohui]

7. what an excellent idea!

it addresses the fear of fire and gets the folks in some safe basic shelter -- a hole in one

[acmavm]

9. You know what, this is a nation-wide problem. There was a

'tent city' this summer on the Missouri River here in Omaha. City officials closed it down, made them leave because it was 'unsafe'. I wish someone would explain to me what part of being homeless IS safe?

The kindness you showed these people would NEVER happen here. But in fairness I guess that people here didn't know about it until after the fact, after they were made to leave. So I guess there wasn't much to do.

[AngryOldDem]

10. Get ready to do this every couple of weeks

The cops will come in and slash and burn on a periodic basis. It makes no difference what it is -- donated tents or someone's life possessions.

The homeless here camp out in woods about a block from the shelter. Some prefer to sleep outside, unless the weather turns bitterly bad. Every so often the authorities make a sweep of the area and clean it out, then -- what do you know -- soon after the homeless are back.

It's kind of like an undeclared war. I look for this to become even more frequent because this park has become a spot for drinking and drugging, and a homeless man was nearly knifed to death there last week.