The merchants who oppose the homeless shelter downtown are hypocrites! They believe they are Christians but where is their compassion? Their excuses make no sense.
The immediate downtown area makes the most logical place for a shelter. Homeless people don't need parking spaces, they walk where they need to go. They need close proximity to the library, soup kitchens, churches, charitable organizations, city and county offices.
Merchants say the Market Street building is not the best choice but would support a shelter if it was elsewhere. In other words, anywhere but near me. Maybe out in the country would be the ideal place, hidden away, so you don't have to see those people! Is it disgusting to see someone who has no warm bed to lie down on each night, does it make you feel uncomfortable?
Warsaw has been relatively fortunate to have fared so well in comparison to other communities in this recession. But we have people who need help, our help.
Rise up, Warsaw, and show what compassion really is. Homeless, out of work or out of luck, people are people and need a helping hand. They are no more likely to be drunks, sexual predators or criminals than your neighbor or coworkers.
I plan to boycott any store that opposes the shelter. I will not have my seasonal family photo taken, nor buy my holiday outfit or gifts, chocolates or my daily cappuccino at stores where the owners are so heartless. I propose to others to do the same to let merchants know that we, the people of Warsaw, have a voice. Need I remind you of the Warsaw race track? It only takes a few to change the course of our lives.
