Street Reach for the Homeless

06/03/2026

Last night, I joined more than 100+ people at Citizens Sq. for the Fort Wayne City Council meeting. While it will be next week, before the issue comes to the front of the table, this was the first public comment meeting.

Emails to council members is readily available if you were not able to attend.

This meeting was packed to the gills with both pros and cons.

Two rooms were filled and 2.5 hours at the mic for close to 75 people to speak.

The greatest majority are in favor of not just the services but also the location. I am a strong supporter of both.

This is paving a path to housing which should relieve BOTH sides of the coin. This is NOT a shelter, this is a resource center.

Securing housing for those who are currently in the elements will reduce the numbers of people currently on sidewalks, in doorways, park benches, tents, etc.

Showers and restrooms services will help with human waste that is currently being noted by those who are concerned.

A walled courtyard with trees will provide the needed outdoor space for respite and peace so "hanging around a building" should not be an issue.

I am blessed to support this and so many agreed.

I will be back next week as there will be another mic opportunity since it is just before the vote to be taken. Rohli Booker - 6th District City Councilwoman, Michelle Chambers spoke of their support after and Councilman Geoff Paddock's comments can be viewed in support.

This is a strong opportunity for showers, laundry facilities, food, clothing, restrooms, workforce developments, employment opportunities, secure storage, safe parking, case managers, potential housing, etc. all to help our men and women a chance to reach out for help to change the trail they are following now and make a needed change.

God bless.

It was not on Fort Wayne City Council’s agenda for Tuesday, but nonetheless, a proposed homeless service center drew about 70 people to the microphone.

06/02/2026

Heading to Fort Wayne City Council tonight.

I ask you to remember this in your convos - Low barrier does not mean NO barrier. There ARE rules!! NO guns!! No drugs!! No alcohol!!!

Also, research reveals that most perpetrators are not scary strangers lurking in the shadows as most would want us to believe; they are people their victims knew—and often trusted.
Perpetrators may be family members, neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, authority figures (church or sports coaches come to mind), or caregivers.

As for the published statements - less than 1000 feet from an elementary school correct but no sexual predators will be residing there. Even though right now, someone may be shopping in any grocery store, home improvement store, clothing store, living in a neighborhood, etc. but you will never know because they do not have a sign on their head. Services may be given just the same but NO residency as that falls outside the legal bounds.

Attract individuals with substance abuse and expect open drug use, discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia. I have served the homeless and fought for their rights for more than a decade - not just when big topics hit - not just seasonally!!! sigh I have joined 6 different street teams in the past 2 years and have NEVER seen just. I have done "pop ups" at InAsMuch Ministry and one at Trinity English Lutheran Church, in the past year, and NEVER saw such. I have feed as many as 140 (even ran out of food as we ran to get more) and NEVER saw any such thing!!

Open urination and deposits of f***s ....... see above ........ NEVER!!!!

There is a plan, as the opposing group knows, for public safety, sanitation, Safe parking plan, legal compliance plans, Good Neighbor Agreement, business plan and written protections for neighbors, codes of conduct with standards and accountability for those utilizing the Anchor Resource Center.

So, tonight, one more time (not just because it's fashionable and you are looking for the limelight) I will fight for those 100s of people who might now have a step up for work force development, employment, showers, laundry, phones, address, safe storage of belongings, case management before and after housing is attained.
This could be the light at the end of a very long tunnel~~~ (CHIPS Indianapolis) 92% of those men and women offered housing said YES!!!

I am praying for their success!!

05/26/2026

The "Surprise Sunday Pop Up" was a roaring success!!!

I joined Friemann Sq. Ministries, again, at 7:45 a.m. in Freimann Sq. for our homeless men and women.

I brought homemade donations from Pauline Grotemat but never stayed to see them enjoyed because I had a Pop Up to set up for about 40+ peeps. I did purchase 5 more flavored lemonades and one more Sunny D. Gladys commented to me later she had never seen so many people be that thirsty, but they went through all with no issues.

The "Pop Up" portion was laid out by all who volunteered to help lug items from the van and bring into the park. (at the van I did give one cold gal a hoodie that was still in there and not unloaded and to a cold gent a thermal top that had been donated by another). Thank you!!

I brought a bag of 60 socks and left with 0.

I brought 20 blankets and 2 sleeping bags and left with 0. FYI that is 37 blankets to this same group in that past 2.5 weeks.

I brought 3 tents (and had to make a trip to Walmart for tent #4) and left with 0.

The actual line began with a 24-bottle case of water. Each got a bottle of water, socks (obviously multiple once we got to the end and peeps asked for more pairs), two snacks (bag of popcorn and cheese/peanut butter crackers) and a bag of donated freeze dried sour candies (have never tried one) but was hit for many.

After that point in the line, it was select just the one item you want the MOST!!!

Ball cap (winner for one gent that said he had been looking for one for over 2 weeks), refillable water bottle, tarp or one of the blankets for sleeping bags.

One gent said - how did you know what to bring? This was the best Pop Up he had ever come to as everything was needed after a few very soggy days!!

I grabbed a banana before I headed out for the 4th tent as I had not had breakfast and had a round trip to make to bring it back to the gent who said he would wait. (grabbed a breakfast burrito at Walmart and now breakfast was complete!!)

Drove back downtown to meet the gent with the newly purchased tent. I explained where Promenade Park was so he could go to the 10 a.m. brunch that he knew nothing about.

Drove home and stopped at the Kroger on St. Joe Rd/Maplecrest.

My tradition as a young girl in Indy was Race Day meant the radio went into the kitchen window to listen to outside and we snacked and sunbathed as the official first day of summer. Sunbathing is out now but I bought an "on clearance" cheese ball type of thing (had crackers at home) and an avocado. My usual Sparkling Ice water and a good book, refill my bird feeders and Memorial Day was a gift to me.

For those brave souls who sacrificed their lives defending our freedoms, it is a debt that we can never fully repay. I can only pray all remembered to extend our thanks, our blessings and prayers for all who have fallen and those who still stand in danger.

May we never forget that ultimate sacrifice.

Proverbs 31:8-9
8)Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9)Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

God bless.

05/23/2026

This morning, early, I went through more donations and added socks to the Memorial Day "Surprise Pop Up"

I met Pauline Grotemat for baked goods and a small case of water.

The van is now packed to the gills!!

The time and location have tentatively been chosen, so if I see you ................ SURPRISE!!!

God bless.

05/21/2026

No gardening this morn as I needed to unload the van so I could then load the van for the "Surprise Pop Up" that is happening soon.

My clearance pot of double impatiens (purchased yesterday morn at Kroger's) are now back to perky from watering and waiting for the buds to open to have any clue what color I now own. My Bleeding Heart in the back garden island opened and I hope to purchase one or two more as this is truly one of my favorite flowers.

I sorted more donated t shirts for the "T shirt Pop Up" coming in the next 2 weeks, hopefully. It will NOT be the same place as I do the "Surprise Pop Up" so different peeps have an opportunity.

My thanks for great donations that have come my way from so many in the last two and then an unexpected surprise donation, this morning, from Joseph Didier that is now added to the pile!!!

Nearly ready to roll though the time and place have not been revealed as I continue to monitor weather.

Staying busy!! Staying flexible!! Thankful for your donations that are making this "unplanned" Pop Up now become a reality!!

God bless.

05/20/2026

Was honored to be invited to the Mayor's office for this announcement of the first step for the proposed Anchor Resource Center.

My thanks to the donors making this a true possibility, the founding board (including Austin Knox Wayne Township Trustee's Office - Fort Wayne and Erin Ness St Joseph Missions Women’s Shelter - from my friend's list), along with Rescue Mission Executive Director Thomas McArthur; City Homeless Services Manager Amanda Fall and St. Joseph Community Health Foundation Executive Director Meg Distler.

I support the strategic location and the services that will be provided 24/7 for those in need.

The non profit members who will provide services for case management, job and work force development, mental/physical health, addiction counseling, etc.

Showers, secure lockers, laundry services, parking for secure sleeping for those who select to remain in their cars.

Chuck Surack and foundation for the incredible 1.2 million to help make this a reality along with so many others.

Applause for Mayor Sharon Tucker for addressing the issue and not just talking about it but working to make it a reality for so many in need.

God bless