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With President Steve Day suffering from infection of airborne disease (common cold) causing his absence, president-elect Benjamin Fisher opened the meeting right on time. Following standard protocol, Benjamin promptly called upon PP Ron Lyster to recite the 4-Way Test, Janet Schwartz to lead the Pledge, and Jim Crane to express the Thought of the Day (a prayer for the homeless since this is the focus of today’s meeting). PP Ed Gauld led the members in an off-note rendition of My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean.
PP Tom Barron introduced his long-time friend, Fred McMillan. Tom pointed out Fred had the same last name as the new member inductee for the day, Sean McMillan. Not a coincidence, he said, since Fred is Sean’s father. After the announcements (see nearby), Benjamin called the Membership Chair and PP Mark Rogo, along with PP Tom Barron, to the front to formally induct new member Sean McMillan. As his sponsor, Tom summarized Sean’s real estate background cumulating in the purchase of Heyler Company, a real estate brokerage firm around the 2010 time frame. However, with his spiritual growth over the years and wanting to help others (does Service Above Self fit in here), Sean joined and eventually became the head of the non-profit organization, West LA Homeless. Tom asked Sean’s father to come forth for the “pinning” process. Welcome aboard, Sean!
The speaker for today was introduced by Jim Crane. She is Aime Quigley, Director of Community Outreach for Hollywood Presbyterian Church. In that position, she formed three healthcare partnerships or programs to assist the homeless population.
Aime very articulately discussed the homeless situation, identifying the characteristics of the homeless person and the need to treat their needs with various types of services. There is no single solution, however housing is the most important ingredient in solving the problem. The strategy does not depend on a “lemonade and Lakers” personal visits, but a combination of various relief services. Some homeless suffer from mental illness or some related disability, so passing out blankets for their comfort will not cure the problem but certainly helps them.
Geography is paramount in Los Angeles. If homelessness were just in a small area, it could be handled. However, with LA so large, numerous issues need to be addressed. For instance, over 30% of the homeless population have arrived in LA in the past year. Returning a homeless person to their state or city of origin is precluded by the ACLU. The ACLU claims a homeless person has a right and cannot be denied that right. Where have we heard this before!
“Tent Encampment” is a large issue. Aime did say that placing a homeless person into a shelter is successful 95% (how is this % arrived at?) of the time, but getting them there is difficult with drug addiction, mental problems, etc.
All in all, Aime outlined the issues, complications, and solutions in a very understandable manner. During the Q & A portion, new member Sean McMillan, in his role as the director of West LA Homeless, had some very salient and meaningful commentary.
Benjamin Fisher brought the meeting to a close with still hands raised for further questions.
I hope you are feeling better, President Steve. See you next week. With that, PE Benjamin Fisher closed the meeting.
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