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.
West Virginia Street Moms aid those living on the margins
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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
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.