Salt n' Peppa'

Lawrence was ranked as the second meanest city towards the homeless in the United States by the National Homeless Coalition. That is staggering when I know that there are dozens upon dozens of organizations and agencies that work hard to meet the needs of the homeless in the Lawrence community. So, being naïve, I decided to do something. I have begun asking the homeless what they need.

This is how I met Salt n’ Peppa (this is one of the ways in which the two gentlemen refer to themselves). What I learned in the conversation with them is that some type of “safe place” is needed for the homeless – especially on Friday and Saturday nights. A place away from the police who are required by ordinance to remove them. A place away from small groups which, encouraged by inebriated bravado, choose to beat them for sport. Another thing I learned is that “the food is crappy.” This is interesting since there are several agencies that exist to feed the homeless community. Salt n’ Peppa’ indicated that the food was readily available, just crappy. They identified L.I.N.K. (Lawrence Interfaith Nutritional Kitchen) as the best place to eat. So, I’m going to L.I.N.K. to see the level from which better food must emerge.

Salt n’ Peppa’ indicated that a “hospitality house” would be most welcomed by the homeless – a place where they could get a healthy snack and something cold or warm to drink. They also indicated that semi-permanent housing (maximum 6 month stay) would be helpful.

We are taking all this information and going to do something meaningful with it. Our community exists to help and love the “unwanted” of our society. The next time you are wandering the street, stop and ask the homeless person how you can help them. Then do something about it.