Resistance to Housing Those In Need
Do you ever think about how many different “schedules” or “calendars” or “seasons” we follow? There are seasons of the year, seasons for flowers and plants, and sports seasons. There are work schedules, rehearsal and practice schedules. There are seasons of the year: spring, and summer, and fall, and winter. There are official dates which follow celestial phenomena, like the position of the sun, e.g. fall equinox. There are unofficial dates like “the end of summer” in Wisconsin arriving with Labor Day. The Packer season is a dominating schedule in the Green Bay area as it influences traffic, parking, economic activity, hotel prices, TV watching, and Mass attendance. Yes, there is a change in Mass attendance overall, and depending on the game time, at particular Mass times.
Regarding one of the items above – hotel prices and availability – I have experienced and observed special frustrations. I know how the market works with regard to supply and demand. I understand and do not blame anyone for the great fluctuations. However, as our parish receives requests for emergency assistance to house individuals and families, the cost of a room for a weekend when the Packers are in town, even at the lowest priced hotels in town, creates an extreme burden on our funds for the poor.
I am not a real estate agent, nor a social worker, but I can tell you that Green Bay has an affordable housing problem. Many of the emergency cases I cited above, are people who have been evicted, or simply could not find an affordable place to live after the end of their lease agreement. While there are some really “upclass” new apartment buildings in downtown Green Bay, along the river, and planned for other center city lots, I have not seen plans to address the needs throughout the price market. Those people who are perhaps low income, physically disabled, or mentally ill and receiving disability payments need significant assistance to both find housing and keep it. At times, landlords do not want to engage these persons in helpful ways which will make them successful, long-term residents.
So, as you can read from my limited experience, there are multiple challenges, and at times resistance to housing those who are most in need, and who also need accompaniment. The calendar or schedule for being generous and compassionate does not change. Today, if you have a chance to advocate for someone in need, then do it! Everyone needs an advocate, someone to be at their side, even if silently. We all feel the strength of God’s love, when God’s love is standing by us.
Peace, Fr. Andy