What can we do to improve conditions for homeless families in our county?

There's a growing imbalance of income and wealth in the U.S. Many large corporations now have unprecedented levels of economic and political power. In a Bill Moyers NOW program (December 2003), a correspondent stated, "Wal-Mart is now the nation's biggest retailer and its biggest grocer too, but there's evidence the low prices come -- in part -- at government expense -- that the corporation shifts financial burdens to taxpayers. Health care is one of them. Consider this contrast: Unionized supermarket workers pay little or nothing for their health plans and have an average hourly wage of $10.35 per hour. Wal-Mart workers earn about 25% less" (and pay for health coverage).

Poor employee pay and benefits is probably the most basic factor contributing to chronic homelessness -- as most homeless adults are employed, but usually in the lowest-paying jobs with no benefits. This is defended in the name of free market competition, but even unionized stores with better wages and benefits may be forced to cut back to meet their competition. A UC study shows taxpayers pay $86 million per year for health care and social services needed just by Wal-Mart employees in California.

Growing numbers of working people don't make enough to afford a home (not even a rented one) or private health care coverage. This situation is faced by most homeless families in Contra Costa County. The county government has applied for a "two-for-one" matching grant from First Five, a group committed to helping families with children ages birth through five years. They hope to keep existing family shelters open -- at least during the coming winter.

A new family shelter is also proposed by the Interfaith Council. Last year, over $73,000 was donated to the Winter Nights Program, and motel rooms were provided to homeless families in the absence of shelter space. Unused monies will carry forward to this year's program, but more is needed to fund the program through the winter of 2004-05. Please make a pledge to contribute money, supplies, and/or volunteer hours, as you are able, at 925-933-6030 (the Interfaith Council).

We'll have the opportunity on November 2 to cast our votes on providing health care insurance to all workers in California. Wal-Mart, McDonalds, and other large retailers are supporting Proposition 72, which would eliminate a new law that's scheduled to go into effect requiring retailers with 50 or more employees to offer health care insurance. In order to vote FOR the health care insurance you need to vote NO on Proposition 72.

Another local group is working on a program to wipe out homelessness in the Bay Area within the next ten years. Homelessness is one missed paycheck or one serious medical emergency away for many people. It could happen to any of us under a combination of unforeseen circumstances. Let's respond as we'd want others to respond if it were our OWN family that happened to find itself homeless. Jesus said, "Treat people exactly as you would like them to treat you" (Luke 6:31 JBP mod.)
-- Rev. Dr. Rick Mitchell, coordinator of the Koinonia Ecumenical Fellowship at Shell Ridge Community Church, Walnut Creek, CA