Homeless Coalition wants public input on action plan

The Puyallup Homeless Coalition was doing God’s work last Thursday when volunteers set off to count the homeless. Sean Langdon, the vice chairman of the coalition, said it simply: “We’re the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.”

Langdon, an associate pastor at Community of Christ Church in Puyallup, was joined by volunteers Rita Rose and Erin York. Rose, once homeless, has a passion to help others, as does York, who volunteers for Freezing Nights and works full-time at Share and Care House.

These three individuals are, in a sense, ambassadors for the Puyallup homeless, getting the word out about their plight.

“The need is the awareness,” Langdon said.

“A lot more could be done and needs to be done,” York said.

While Freezing Nights serves adults, mostly male, in churches during the winter months, there has been a lack of service for children who are homeless.

And unfortunately, that is where homeless numbers have increased — a lot. Langdon said there are about 400 to 500 children in Puyallup who are homeless.

As vice chairman of the coalition, Langdon is inspired to foster change and progress for the homeless population.

“I want to create a grassroots movement to create more community support and an atmosphere of change,” he said.

Langdon recognizes that the coalition has come a long way since it has partnered with the City of Puyallup, but more needs to be done.

The Puyallup Homeless Coalition will present a community forum tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Puyallup United Methodist Church, 1919 W. Pioneer Ave., to discuss the next steps for resolving family homelessness in Puyallup.

Residents are encouraged to attend to compose an action plan for 2012. A plan would include further partnership with the Puyallup School District to better the lives of homeless students; private-public partnerships to create more emergency shelters, transitional and permanent housing; affordable housing development; updating the coalition’s strategic plan; and enhancing education on homeless issues in the community.

More information on the mission and work of the coalition is available by calling 253-845-2897, ext. 777, or by email at puyalluphomelesscoalition@gmail.com.

The Herald will cover the forum online and in next week’s print edition.

One sobering thought: In January 2011, Pierce County volunteers counted 2,067 homeless, 15 percent of whom were unsheltered.

There are hundreds of non-funded agencies that help feed, clothe and house the homeless. And what they need most is financial donations from individuals and private business.

Let’s all pitch in and help, because we all share in homelessness.

It can happen to anyone.