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.org. Please 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.

Comments are closed.

Featured

Resistance is Challenging Grip of AIPAC on Congress

The pro-Israel AIPAC lobby is one of the most powerful lobbies in the country, but its influence over our elections and Congress is increasingly being challenged by candidates and voters.

Angie Nixon, Senate Candidate for Florida, Resolves Capitol Protest Case

Florida US Senate candidate Angie Dixon is no longer facing a prison sentence, having resolving resolved the case brought against her by Florida authorities, after she was arrested for trying to meet with Florida's governor about their redistricting plan.

ICE Shooting of Austin Delivery Man Sparks Outrage

Austin shooting came 10 weeks after ICE agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, whch followed a series of shootings involving ICE, including the killing of US citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti in MN. Austin community protests arose immediately with renewed calls to Abolish ICE.

Americans Have No Constitutional Right to Clean Drinking Water Ruled Appellate Court

Americans do not have the constitutional right to clean drinking water, ruled the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, following a lawsuit alleging the negligence of the City of Jackson resulted in children having lead poisoning.

Musk Builds Polluting Data Centers in Poorest Black Communities

Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson asks, “Why aren’t we making polluters pay for being in Memphis and Shelby County?”

More from the People's Tribune