LANSING, MI — As temperatures dip below zero, homelessness is a growing trend in our community.
As foreclosures threaten the lives of normal people, the city leaders and those living in the community need to take a closer look at formulating relationships with those who are willing to tackle this issue with action and not the same old rhetoric.
Dr. Justin Sleight, coordinator for Open Door Ministry states that there is a real need for affordable housing for the homeless and his group has been fighting relentlessly to help but have constantly run up against brick walls.
According to a report, prepared by the City of Lansing, Human Relations and Community Services Department in February 2007, area agencies saw 3,220 different homeless persons in 2006. The statistics for 2007 are currently being compiled.
Oftentimes people in the community wonder what the churches are doing to erradicate homelessness.
Dr. Sleight states that his Ministry and a coalition of other churches would like to purchase Oliver Towers which is located at N. Capitol Ave. and Ionia in downtown. They would like to redevelop the 80 efficiencies and 19 one bedroom apartments. Each apartment has its own separate bathroom.
Oliver Towers has 100 units which currently sit empty due to a fire in 2000. The Lansing Housing Commission still uses the downstairs offices to conduct business.
Dr. Sleight believes that because the building was designed to maximize security for the residents by having a single entrance that it would be suitable for housing.
The building also has offices and large spaces that could be used to provide support services to the residents.
According to Chris Stuchell, Director of the Lansing Housing Commission, Oliver Towers will not be up for sale until the Commission finds another location. He also stated that when they sell, it will be a joint effort between the City of Lansing and the Commission. However, he added that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has to approve the final sale.
Rina N. Risper, Publisher and President of The New Citizens Press believes that Oliver Towers should be sold to Open Door Ministry. She states that many of the homes that are available to the homeless are not monitored properly and are not in neighborhoods that are conducive to family living or kicking any type of habit.
“Currently, there are many innovative projects across the country who are trying to do what the Ministry would like to do with Oliver Towers. They service many people in this community and offer a place to wash clothes and take showers right inside the church (Central United Methodist Church) on the corner of Ottawa and Capitol, with our state Capitol and City Hall casting their shadows right over the issue. It is ridiculous that they are providing these types of services and struggling to get what they need.”
The Wall Street Journal just printed an article about successful low income housing in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and Brooklyn, NY. There are many successful programs from Seattle to Grand Rapids.
Lansing needs to be more inclusive and developers need to have units that are affordable.
Risper said, “For those who have their head in the sand, one is no longer homeless if they have a home.”
Others agree that there is an issue with the homeless situation.
“There are so many issues that are against homeless people. The homeless need adequate housing and medical treatment. They need to live in a healthy enviormnent and a healthy neighborhood with people who care about them,” said Greg Stafford, community member and advocate for the homeless.
Stafford said that there are many stigmas attached to homeless people but that the community at large needs to realize that people need hope and forgiveness in order to succeed.
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