By Milton Billingsley Santa Monica
I am the founding editor of the Hobo newsletter “Better Times” and I wish to let the city of Santa Monica’s residents, the homeless community, and even the politicians know about the recent developments in the city regarding the new indoor meal program.
After many years of different outdoor meal programs requesting the city of Santa Monica provide an indoor facility for the feeding of the homeless they have finally come back to life and done something about it.And we are very excited that the new programs that started on Nov. 4.
We, as members of the Hobo community, want to thank all the volunteers of Hand To Hand and Hope for working so diligently in making this happen so the less fortunate of us can have a dry, comfortable and safe place to eat and relax for a few minutes. Again, thank you.
Above all, I thank the city and the meal programs of Hand To Hand and Hope for inviting some of the homeless to take part in the planning and physical help in assuring this program will be what will work best for us and not just a bunch of politicians insisting that things be done their way which in the past has assured a programs failure.
I also want to thank Ms. Stacy Rowe of the city for being there and making sure that the tremendous amount of work be completed as we requested and on time, a Herculean effort.
On a more personal note I invite the city politicians and the residents to come and see what a little understanding, compassion and love does. Also, if you want to volunteer in the first of many meals, you are more then welcome.
So, to answer the question:‘Where have all the politicians gone?’ Thank God, they’re back. Again, I thank the politicians of Santa Monica for finally doing something positive for the homeless community.
On Saturday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, at 612 Colorado Ave. Set-up begins at 8 a.m. with the meal starting at 10:30 a.m.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 7, 2006. Read the original PDF.