"Homeless people are people" In Their Own Words - Part 2

 

Columbia's homeless shelter, Hands Across the Street/The Columbia Dream Center at 291 South 4th Street, must move from its current location, because the Lancaster Mennonite Conference, which owns the building, plans to lease it to another tenant. The shelter will have to move in late March or early April, according to Pastor Dave Powers. Unfortunately, Columbia Borough claims it's unable to help. Powers recently reminded council, "Homeless people are people."

In the video, current shelter residents Travis, Janice, and James tell their stories.

Halloween Party in the Park - Saturday, October 29

 

Baby boy born in a car in Columbia today

 

 Part of the scene along Lancaster Avenue early this afternoon  

A baby boy was born shortly after noon today on the first block of Lancaster Avenue, near the former Rising Sun Hotel. According to a source with the borough, the mother was en route from Marietta via Uber when the baby started to emerge. The vehicle was parked on Lancaster Avenue when emergency personnel arrived to assist with the birth.

Blueprints CEO urges Columbia officials to act on homelessness, offers assistance

Chris Dreisbach, CEO of Blueprints for Addiction Recovery, recently sent the following letter to Columbia’s Mayor Leo Lutz and Columbia Borough Manager Mark Stivers in response to statements about homelessness made by borough officials at a recent council meeting. He urged officials to act on homelessness and offered assistance from his organization's resources to help with the issue.

The letter is published here with permission from the author.

(Page 1 - Click to enlarge.)

(Page 2 - Click to enlarge.)

("Blueprints for Addiction Recovery is a fully licensed and independently accredited addiction treatment network headquartered in south central Pennsylvania. Our unique extended and continuing care programs are designed to assess and treat the complex physical, emotional, spiritual and environmental issues arising out of addiction, mental & behavioral health disorders," according to the organization's website.)

Columbia's General Edward C. Shannon memorialized with Hometown Hero banner

 

Columbia's General Edward C. Shannon was memorialized today with a Hometown Hero banner at 5th & Chestnut, across from his former home at 500 Chestnut Street. His banner was ordered by Ted Weaver and the Downs family. 

Shannon had an acclaimed military career and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. He also served as lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania 1931-35.

More information on Shannon's life can be found HERE.

Columbia Mardi Gras Parade - Thursday, October 27

 

“Homeless people are people" Columbia shelter residents tell their stories in their own words

[Some of the following information was provided by a recent LNP article.]

Columbia's homeless shelter, Hands Across the Street/The Columbia Dream Center at 291 South 4th Street, must move from its current location, because the Lancaster Mennonite Conference, which owns the building, plans to lease it to another tenant. The shelter will have to move in late March or early April, according to Pastor Dave Powers. Unfortunately, Columbia Borough claims it's unable to help.

“We’ve outgrown what we can handle,” Council President Heather Zink said about the borough’s homeless population. Eric Kauffman, council vice president, said, “We do have compassion and empathy for all people, but our priority, as borough officials, is the taxpayer of Columbia Borough. When we put them in harm’s way, we’re doing an injustice.”

“Homeless people are people," Powers told council.

Recently, Leo, Samantha, and Carol - residents of the shelter - told Columbia Spy their stories in their own words…