West Virginia Street Moms aid those living on the margins

Latest

Susan Brossman and Lynn Kettler.
PHOTO/STREET MOMS

 
WHEELING, WV — We’re cousins … we care, we listen, we share, we open our hearts to those who need. We are blessed!” said Street MOMs, a group in Wheeling, West Virginia, “dedicated to serving those living in the margins in our community. This includes the working poor, the homeless, the addict, the alcoholic, the mentally ill. … We see value in all of our friends and try to meet each person with love and compassion…
“I see us as bridging a gap, filling in the cracks, meeting needs that other agencies don’t meet. I have this vision in my head of the suspension bridge—the only way it can stay up is if each cable holds its share of the load,” said a Street MOM. “[We are] just one of the cables, and this week we pulled together with other agencies and caring folks on a mission, and together we got through a very trying weekend. Our community suffered a blow with the Salvation Army closing its doors to women. We are still giving out tents today … we have folks who are soaking wet from last night’s storms and nowhere to get dry. Street MOMs will be taking our wagon out this week and making sure everyone has water, toilet paper, hand sanitizer. All of this is made possible by you guys who have donated water, toilet paper, sanitary supplies, diabetic supplies, tents, sleeping bags. … Together we can make a difference.”
Street MOMs also educate, refuting homeless myths like, “They just need to get a job … [when] a significant portion of homeless people do have jobs—they just cannot afford to pay rent [in a low-wage job market].”
Editor’s note: The above are excerpts from FB posting and messages.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

2 COMMENTS

  1. I was wondering if the pools could be used to keep them warm during the 3 to 7 hrs they could shower and maybe heat up if possible. Not from here I moved here from Mississippi. I just thought if doors were shot and you have a separate place for men and women it could work

  2. I’m needing the phone number for Street Mom’s please. My name is Amanda Lemasters and I’m currently homeless and I’m in need of moral support and information about other agencies that can possibly help me.
    I am enrolled with the Homeless Coalition too.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Minnesota Doctors Condemn ICE Terrorizing Patients, Medical Staff

On Jan. 20, a group of Minnesota physicians representing various hospitals and different specialties held a press conference at the state Capitol in St. Paul to denounce the presence of ICE agents in hospitals and the horrific impact the ICE raids are having on patients and healthcare workers.

Minneapolis Labor, Community Leaders To Join Jan. 23 General Strike Demanding ICE Out

A broad coalition of Minneapolis labor unions and community organizations is calling for a general strike January 23 to force federal immigration agents to leave their city.

Minneapolis Clergy Call for Faith Leaders to ‘Join Us’

Minneapolis is a crisis of our Constitution, federal overreach, militarized enforcement, erosion of civil liberties, democracy, morals, and of faith communities. Join the collective effort.

The Killing of Renee Nicole Good: State Violence in Broad Daylight

Renee Nicole Good — a 37-year-old mother of three, poet, writer, U.S. citizen, and volunteer legal observer — was killed by an ICE agent during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis, January 7.

‘Minneapolis Is Test Case’: Trump Threatens Insurrection Act to Put Down Protests

Trump threatens to use the Insurrection Act against Minnesota's ICE protesters. The editorial board of the Minnesota Star Tribune described the city as being “under siege” by the federal government.

More from the People's Tribune