My Kids Go To Church Without Me

My Kids Go To Church Without Me: An Opinion About Religion In Today's World

by Ronald Borst

I cannot ever remember being so scrutinized as I was that very moment.

“Dad, Mom says you do not believe in God. Is that true?”

I looked at her speculating, shining, green eyes. She was looking into my eyes, to see if she could catch me lying. At 14 years old, she held power over me, and I struggled to find balance. “Well, now hold on just a second,” I said. I sat down on the couch and motioned her to do the same, right next to me.

In his book, Experiencing The World's Religions, Michael Molloy describes the ages-old definition of religion as:

“A system of belief that involves worship of a God, prayer, and moral code.”(Molloy, pg. 7)

The point here is the moral code, the ethics of life, and the way that we teach it. As we sat and chatted, Alexandrea Lee, my oldest, asked many questions. Let's examine religion and try to answer her questions.

I have always thought that religion was an odd tale, as it seemed unbelievable to not be able to “see” Jesus Christ, and to pray for seemingly unattainable wishes. But I will admit that I have always open-minded about people's faiths, and the reasons they practice. The “goodness”, that moral high-ground, is the glue in most religions.

And for me, that moral code is the most redeeming quality in most of the religions we know about. We, as Americans know about the different sects of Christianity, and we know that Mormonism is a homegrown religion. But what about eastern religions, such as Buddhism and Sikhism? What can I tell my kids about the good in the world's religions, while maintaining my own “science”?

As I opened the conversation with Alex, I assured her of my acceptance in whatever path she chooses, and of her freedom in those quests. She asked, “But why dad? Who don't you believe in God?”

Let's define “God”, but in a religion sense. The ancient Vedas, the ancient texts about religion in present day India, were recorded as the earliest writings of Hinduism. In those texts, among the many prayers, a theme common to today(and history) exists in the form of “protections”, which are simply prayers meant to protect against life's hardest foes. These prayers are directed at a god, a spirit-like leader and nurturer. Much in the same way, God is revered in Christian beliefs.

As Christians today, pray for better health for sick loved ones, the message is the same. Hindus pray to their gods in the ritual Puja, a ceremonial church-like worship, and tend to focus on just one of the gods in Hinduism. Both religions in theory, practice the moral code of enlightenment and respect. In Buddhism, the Awakening, or bodhi, is the equivalent of Christian spirituality, or at least the direction and end seeked out. In his book, Under The Banner of Heaven, Jon Krakauer writes recurringly, that the “goodness” that permeates Mormonism today, has not always been so “good”, and that critical thought has had a hand in that process.

Which, in a sense, is what Buddha was after. Molloy states(pg 132), that the Buddha searched for the answer to two questions:

1. How can we minimize suffering?
2. How can we attain inner peace?

These questions are repeated throughout history, and has become a common theme in the code and language of religions. The one bold and stark element of this is the Buddhism concept of “ahimsa”, the idea that we “do no harm”(Molloy pg. 137), and it speaks volumes about the fundamentals of critical thought.

I ask her if she knows what the term “critical thought” means.

“Like your sick?”

I reply that, “...no, but close. What it means is that you use reason to reach a conclusion.” If a man that lived 2500 years ago, can teach lessons that survive today, then we must pay attention to the message.

If the message was “do no harm”, then we can look at other religions and observe the same message. The basic tenet of Christianity is The Golden Rule, the idea that one must treat others the way they want to be treated. It is taught, from an early age, on throughout college, in an enlightenment sort of way. In both, the religious zen-like enlightenment described by the Dalai Lama, and as the political reform movement that has occurred repeatedly throughout history, and even has become a creed in some societies. But generally, like all powerful religions, that concept of the “golden rule”, is universal.

In Tibet, hundreds of years before Christ, this moral standing manifested itself in the altruistic teachings of moral conscience. The word altruistic itself means selflessness, and the Dalai Lama is modern society's example of the teaching.

I ask Alex if she knows who this revered religious leader is. “I've heard of him,” her reply a green light to learn. Tibetan Buddhism, born in the northern reaches of India, in the 5^th century B.C., has a common religious theme with America's own Christianity. My daughter is surprised to learn of a religious figure that predates her own learned information.

The entire Indian region, including Tibet, Pakistan, and China, were influenced by Buddha. His birth name was Siddhartha Gautama, who would become “the enlightened one”, or Buddha.

As I told my oldest and most inquisitive child, about the way Buddha was born, her eyes widened. The striking similarities in Jesus' birth story and Buddha's were too much to ignore.

“Are they the same?” she asked.

Not quite, I told her, but the messages are much alike. The similar births, Jesus in a manger with Mary via Immaculate Conception, and Buddha born by way of an Elephant Dream, where an elephant “entered” Buddha's mother's abdomen(side). Buddha's childhood was sheltered, even spoiled. But like Jesus Christ, Buddha set out to find enlightenment. For an entire world. According to Malloy, Buddha set out in the night, leaving his belongings behind, in an event called “The Great Going Forth”, and entered the world with only questions(pg. 129).

Much like Christ, Buddha was ascetic, meaning simple and austere. That bareness almost cost Buddha his life, and changed the philosophy to one of balance with needs and wants. A moderate approach to practical things became the essence of Buddhism.

We talk about the Dalai Lama, and what his teachings mean in today's world. We talk of people's civil rights, and we discuss non-violence. She sounds impressed that the Dalai Lama has a website. It is about adapting, I tell her, into a world that needs that message of peace.

And this, I tell Alex, is the best part: All this simply means is, “Do your best, be practical, and treat others as you want to be treated.”

She asks awesome questions: “Do they have more than one religion, like us?”

“Yes!”, I reply. And we move into Hinduism...

The Hindu religion encompasses the same Indian regions as Buddhism. The religion is best known for Mahatma Gandhi, and the everlasting, worldly, influences of his non-violent teachings.

In Malloy, the Upanishads are credited with an acceleration of the progressive thought in India around the time of Hinduism's beginnings(pgs. 82-83), and much can be said of American progressive thinkers being inspired by this critical thought. Malloy continues the credit:

“After many centuries, questioning of Vedic religious beliefs and practices began to emerge with strength.”

The comparison here is extraordinary, as every moment of American time has been, to say the least, questioning barbaric beliefs. The last 70 years saw two of the greatest examples of non-violent, religious activism, in all of history.

Gandhi was, to put it lightly, world changing. Martin Luther King Jr., was inspired and influenced perhaps mostly by Gandhi, singly due to the non-violent teachings of Hinduism. The religion's core expects one to “...find their proper work and to do it unselfishly.”(Malloy pg. 89)

Gandhi was born in the late 19^th century, and was a practitioner of Hinduism and Jainism. He refrained from meat and married early. Studying in Britain, Gandhi was further influenced by the non-violent, forgiveness bearing, teachings of Jesus Christ.

In King's civil rights movement, King found the non-violence that is found in Hinduism. The mere fact that Hinduism:

“Allows for differences in personality types.” (R. Andersen, REL103, Fundamentals For Studying Religion Booklet)

It is the key, the above quote. Alex knows acceptance is a virtue. It is the reason she believes in God and the reason she prays, attends church, and has Christian friends. It was the key to Gandhi and the freedom of India. It was the theme of King, who, along with other leaders, founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957. It was the motto of Stephen Biko, a black activist in South Africa, who in the 1970's, preached non-violence in a country sworn by violence.

The non-violence that Gandhi inspired in these men, can be traced to the Dharma, the sort of self awareness that empathy brings. The “matters of duty”(Andersen), are also the social conscience of the 1960's.

My daughter is well aware of Martin Luther King, Jr. And she is aware of racism in today's world. The mere fact that she questions her father's faiths, speaks volumes of her act of understanding, her empathy. It is this fact, that I try to equate to choices. Mine, hers, yours, everybody's. In his book, The World's Religions, Huston Smith tells of that belief from the Hindu perspective:

“That Hinduism has shared her land for centuries, with Jains, Buddhists, Parsees, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, may help explain a final idea that comes out more clearly through Hinduism than any other of the great religions; namely, her conviction that the various major religions are an alternate path to the same goal.”(pg. 73)

It is simply acceptance. Or non-ignorance, whichever you prefer.

The same can be said for the various Sunday School stories and lessons, that preach moral values. And also, the sermons with which we craft our daily lives. It is acceptance of others, and nurturing of life overall. The teachers of our world have that power, to influence moral high standards, by means of critical thought. Those teachers are our parents, schoolteachers, religious leaders, and our conscience.

 

While reading a book called Better Angels Of Our Nature by Steven Pinker, on the history of violence, and the rise, over time, of better standards, laws, and progressive thought, I was struck by two things. One, was that Pinker has an astounding amount of clinical studies on violence, that date back some 250 years. And two, Pinker credited critical thinkers, the educated, with having a hand in the civil rights victories that were closer fought than anyone wants to believe.

Religion also had a part in this as these men and women were also fervent about their faith. The moral codes of that religious affiliation is similar to both Buddha, and Gandhi, and that moral quest for enlightened understanding transcends humans. And time.

Alex and I talk about Gandhi, and how, even after repeated jailing, the message of non-violence remains bold and stark. We discuss the similarities to King and his Letter From Birmingham Jail. We both conclude that these men should not have ever been jailed. It is interesting to note that Gandhi read Thoreau and Tolstoy(Molloy pg. 113), and those readings helped progress Gandhi's law practice and helped to form the basis of the crusade of non-violence to free India.

“So if you believe all the things I believe, then why don't you believe in God?”

This kid is good.

Another Indian religion is Jainism, a smaller, but very noteworthy and active religion. The religion has roots in Hinduism and Buddhism, but has remained largely Indian, and because of that, is much smaller than its counterparts. The period of early Buddhist development also saw a progressive, enlightened awareness about the treatment of animals and people alike, and from this also came Jainism.

This religion adheres to strict ascetic values and respect for anything living. The qualities that provoke egalitarian thinking, can be seen easily in the Jain creed, or “ethical recommendations.”(Molloy pg 195) These ethics are: Non-violence, Non-lying, Non-stealing, Non-attachment, and Chastity.

Sounds like the story of Moses? Indeed. In humankind's quest for good, stories are either repeated, or coincidental. Either way, the message comes at you with teeming clarity. Be kind to one another, is the repeated theme, like a scratched record on the turntable of history.

“You still haven’t answered my question,” she says, hands folded and legs crossed. Eyes stern.

“I'm getting there.”

In our world today, much conflict exists between religions. None more deadly than the strife between Islam and Christianity. Instead of diving into that polarized mountain of information, let's just look at Muhammad’s teachings and core belief.

The ideas that formulate Islam, and were at the forefront of the religion, are honesty, kindness, charity, respect for elders, help for the weak, food for the poor, etc...(web: religoustolerence.org) This seems, as noted above, extremely similar to the fundamentals of Christianity.

Which brings me to my answer. In the grand scheme of things, no, I am not a “believer”, but I do believe in the goodness of religion's teachings. I always have.

Often, in our world of set-in-our-ways thinking, we lose sight of what is really the most moral path to take along the road of life. But do not fret, we have educators like Molloy and Pinker, Priewe and Clark and Andersen, that can not just point in the direction of knowledge, but present it in an engaging manner.

The message is similar across the board, and I agree with the caring for humanity, enlightened thinking. I choose to hold a lot of weight in those teachings, without adhering to any particular religion. I tell Alex, “I care deeply about morals and good deeds. You do too. That is all that counts.” It doesn't matter that I do not go to church, or don't believe in any god. I believe in the goodness of souls.

As I sat there that day, talking not just of morals and religion, but laughing and learning with her, I thought of the sacrifices by an enormous number of guru-like leaders, that have given my daughter a chance to be more than anyone ever dared to dream.


Attribution:

Experiencing the World's Religions by Michael Molloy

The World's Religions by Huston Smith

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

Why Violence Has Declined, the Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker

Internet Website: www.religioustolerance.org

 

 

With a face like my own, Alexandrea Lee Borst.

TNT at LBCC

It was  a babysitter who first brought him to the rickety, smelly, and loud gym. It was in that gym that an Olympic Team boxer was born. That boxer is now at Linn Benton Community College(LBCC) in Albany, Oregon.

It was not an easy path from that boxing gym to LBCC. Along the way was an Olympic boycott, divorce, murder, drugs, crime, prison, religion, and then back to the gym. And college.

His name is George Evans, and he is an LBCC student.

George "TNT" Evans, in the Student Learning Center, Linn-Benton Community College 

By the time he turned pro, he had the customary nickname, "TNT", and in the fight game, a name like that is earned. But it started much quieter, in a little town in western Oregon, in the fertile farmlands and sparsely populated Willamette Valley town of Albany.

The babysitter was sick, so her brother was in place. And this fella happened to box a little bit. Not long into the babysitting gig, the substitute sitter asked Evans' mom, if he could take the boys to the gym. Away they went.

"He just took a liking to me," said Evans, about the coach in that boxing gym, "I went back."

And so our story begins, in that gym as a kid, Evans learned to box. He learned it well. There were not many defeats in 483 amateur bouts. Evans was good enough to qualify for the Olympic Trials, and most likely a spot on the United States Boxing Team.

Timing was not on Evans side. The year was 1980, and the Olympic Games were to be in Moscow. Evans probably would have been an alternate, and the chance to possibly compete for gold, but The Cold War would prevent the U.S.A. from going, as the U.S. Government boycotted those games.

Evans turned pro a few years later, rising to 15th in the world rankings. Drugs would get the better of him by the mid 1980's and boxing professionally disappeared from Evans' life.

Things didn't get better, as Evans found himself divorced and monumentally depressed after the murder death of his brother. To say the two were close is the absolute exact description. After his brother's passing, Evans officially descended into the gallows of methamphetamine at that point. And although repeated efforts to change, to quit cooking meth and to quit using, were always on his mind, Evans could not quit.

He went to prison on multiple charges, the time spanning some 90 months. The one-time Olympian who had become a contender as a professional, was now sentenced to prison almost 8 years. The investigations and charges ranged from Possession of Controlled Substance, Delivery, Assault, Burglary, Robbery, and onto Aiding & Abetting. And although Evans did not have suspect to victim contact(Evans drove the getaway car), the sheer involvement was enough to rattle his conscience. He would have plenty of time to think about it.

He would do seven and one half years behind bars.

"It was a blessing."

He told me this while we chatted about family, that it was a blessing he went to prison. "I went in a stupid man and I came out with a faith in the Bible. I came out with faith in studying to be a better man."

Evans has daughters, a step-son, and grandchildren. Those close-knit relationships are rooted deep in Evans' everyday life. He is not lost on the reality of relationships with who he cares about the most. "I lost more than my brother. I lost my fishing buddy, my hunting partner, and a great friend. I'm not losing any more loved ones."

George "TNT" Evans still gets in the ring. He coaches three nights a week in Corvallis, at the Corvallis Boxing Club. The years lost have taught Evans the value in coaching. The mentoring aspect and physical nature of the sport keeps your mind moving fast and alert. Evans is profoundly aware of the benefits of boxing, and even more savvy about life's knockouts. Mentoring is a way to help kids understand that and be prepared for adversity.

Dan Dunn, head coach at Corvallis Boxing, said "I've known George a long time. I have always like him. George is great when he stays hooked to that bible." When I pushed Dunn to elaborate, he put it simply, "Boxing draws an element. George has a talent with them."

Evans as coach. 

Back in the "real world", Evans decided to continue the Bible studies, and enrolled at Linn-Benton. And although many classes are entry level classes, Evans welcomes the added and refreshed education. Enrolling at LBCC meant doing things he had not done in many years. Learning to execute basic math and keep up with homework proved a task not as easy as it seems. Evans keeps the balance with a solid and grounded regimen of up early, school and homework, the bible, then the gym, and then finally, back home for dinner and the rest of the homework.

In that role of coach and mentor, Evans instills a studious caring motto to the sermons. Caleb Lau, an Oregon State student and frequent subject of Evans proddings to succeed, had this to say:

"Trust," Lau said, "...he is watching out for me, he tells me, 'Here's what you do to be better', and that is trust."

Evans is enrolled as a general studies student, and hopes to get a Associate Degree, and continue the Bible study and mentoring.

In his quest to better his life, while helping to better others' lives, George Evans has come full circle. Around the world, I said.

"Around the ring," Evans replied, as he walked towards the speedbag.

Photos from the Corvallis Boxing Club:

 Teaching the jab.

 

Evans has a laugh. (Background: Dan Dunn)

Head Coach Dan Dunn and George "TNT" Evans. 

 Wrapping hands.

Yikes!

Caleb Lau listens as George Evans instructs.

Head Coach Dan Dunn(bottom right) teaches the "Sweet Science."

Congratulations on a gorgeous gym, and fine coaches. Much luck to all.

AT A GLANCE:

The Corvallis Boxing Club, check them out on Facebook

In Corvallis at 4900 Hwy 99

On the phone at 541-497-3706 

At google email: corvallisboxingclub@gmail.com

To view photos in gallery format, click any photo. Then scroll left or right. 



Homeless In Oregon: Cold & Hungry

Where did you sleep last night? When was your last meal?

About a year ago, I wrote a short commentary about my local(Albany OR) government, the city and its police, and their use of barbaric means to eliminate homeless community problems.

This story, will attempt to create dialogue, for the sole purpose of lowering homeless statistics, and their negative impact on society, as well as dialogue and critical thought, in regard to social constructs about homelessness, and that negative impact on resources.

Homeless in Oregon

The group above(Portland), complained that I was making money off of them by taking their photograph. Yeah, I have made lots... Maybe you should get yourself a camera. I have noticed a trend in interviews, as some are willing to place blame solely on society. While some, are fully aware of their actions, and the resulting consequence, which is the street. Later, another faction of angry youth, upset at my photo shooting, attempted first intimidation and then assault and robbery(my Canon XTi & EF 28-135mm IS USM). That element deserves society's scathing scrutiny.

In Albany, problems with the homeless include trash, vandalism, theft, public potty habits, and drugs and alcohol. In the quaint small town atmosphere, that behavior particularly stands out. It is dealt with harshly. In early 2012, the city and Albany Police aggressively removed the homeless from the underpass area, and posted the canal bike-path as a park only. At night the park closes. After dozens of interviews with homeless, and photos, one group was drunk and angry. At the train station, they said they were going to break my camera. I walked fast.

The strategy for the underpass area where many homeless congregate, was to lime the area where the homeless congregate. In my opinion, lime is not the answer, and is possibly a health issue.The underpass lime and patrols forced the large group east, towards Swanson Cool! Park and its adjacent outdoor playground. Numerous encounters in the past year have been met with anti-homeless laws, but little proactive solution.

Lime goes down, but the homeless stay. They just put cardboard down. 



Police and Homeless

One thing you do not see as often is the police bias and the use of unnecessary force. The problems regarding that use of force reached a boiling point a few years back, with protesters and homeless winning in court, winning sleeping rights and man's own breath. The Portland Police Bureau along with the City of Portland have made a concerted effort to create better relationships with homeless and more efficient dialogue on the street.

An officer on patrol late at night, in a rough area of downtown Portland, told me candidly, "I pick my battles out here, I don't see too much of a problem with an old man sleeping on a park bench, but it is illegal. I tend to pursue menacing crime, and a lot of that is just presence." The car, he said, is a deterrent.

He went on to tell me of the area we chatted in, and the problems it faces at night. "Alcohol and heroin," he told me. And the crime of course.

In Albany, much of the approach is to "push" homeless from one area to another without any real solution. And although much money has been spent on the problem, more is needed. The City of Albany spent a good portion of money on the area along the Lyon Street entry into downtown. There is a park and concrete walk/bike path along the canal. The area is landscaped. But huge problems exist. The area is home to a vagrant bunch of disrespectful, drunk, and criminal homeless. They sleep under the bridge and increasing reports of crime and menacing are not encouraging.

In my opinion, two things should happen. One is the city's management of the area, and the trash and crime, should be remedied. Secondly, a community committee would be beneficial in regard to police patrols, community clean-up, and homeless advocates- all coming together with local government to solve the problem.

It is also my opinion that the area needs a porto-potty, a trash receptacle, and an attractive fence along the path. That would separate the Swanson Park and Cool! Pool from the dangers of many of the homeless who act with such disrespect. In essence, "Protect Our Kids!"

These measures, along with better mental health care and better resources, would alleviate stress on local families as well as an overworked and overzealous Albany Police Department. Portland can address these issues, so should Albany. Social awareness and education are crucial to police/homeless relations, and discretion is key. Efficient use of resources(funds) would lessen the impact of "problem" homeless individuals, and would improve the governments credibility in regards to capability.

Volunteerism and Community Resources

The fella above(left), showed up on 4th Street, with a carload of food. Fresh burritos and dessert. He then unloaded an older big-screen television, hooked it up to a DVD player, plugged in a speaker, and before you could blink, it was movie night. Every Wednesday, like clockwork, dinner and a movie is played out on 4th Street, between City Hall and the Justice Center.

This story gets repeated all over the city, as many folks lend a kind hand in the way of food and simple things most take for granted. Like a movie. Like dinner.

The resources in Portland are well known, a fact not lost on many that I interviewed. Food is readily available, from folks who just plain give(like the Movie Night guy), and from the many community centers like Blanchet House and Sisters On The Road.

Volunteer non-profits such as Showers To The People can, and do, make a difference on the street. The benefits to a group like Showers, is enormous, in regards to life in Portland. The most obvious benefit, is in the way of cleanliness, and the spread of disease. But it also makes life more "visible", more normal, if you will. The effects of this are less scrutiny on the homeless, and more opportunity, in the way of jobs and housing.



What you do see out there on the street, more visible than the rain and colder than the Oregon winter, are the mental health problems. It is saddening...



The man on the right, bi-polar as can be, went from singing Beatle's lyrics(perfectly), to seconds later and a raging, ten-minute, undeniable rant. Sadness indeed. Medication would help. The man with the home-made instrument, did not react to being asked to leave. He just did it.

In my opinion, the task to provide help to the street, does not seem that far fetched. Better mental health services, and a more aggressive government focus on social reform, and a demand upon the rich, to do their part(less entitlements), could help solve the problems that America faces. Instead, our politicians spend months debating Benghazi and discussing lower taxes for the rich. 

In an encouraging interview with Dana Haynes, the Mayor's Media Relations spokesman, Haynes spoke of the Portland Mayor's Office commitment to humane solutions and practices. He mentioned that the city did not appeal the ruling about camping and police excessive force, rather the city has a pro-active goal in regards to these issues. Haynes spoke of The Albina Care group, and their inclusion as "amicus status" in regard to a homeless representative, and that all parties were trying hard to reach solutions. "We want the best for Portland," he said.

On The Street

At a coffeeshop, I asked a Trimet Safety Officer if he saw deadly violence every day at work. "Sometimes." I asked if homeless were ever involved, as a suspect or a victim. He told me that generally the answer is "No, but inevitably at times yes." He added that petty crime is a homeless issue, but not an epidemic.

He also stated it is a "high alert job," and that most of the stress is about violence. "Helping old people is the best part of the job," he told me. I asked...

One fella I talked to, had rode his bike to Portland in December, from up in Bellingham Washington. This 57 year old, tall and lanky, with a tough mind and strong will, told me he went broke in Juneau Alaska. He came here for work and obviously winter conditions are better in Portland. He spoke of the ways to survive:

"You find good people and buddy up. They watch your back, ya know. Like when you go to pee at night. And when the thieves come in the wee hours, 4 and 5 A.M., that's when it counts. Numbers are protection. So they don't steal your stuff from underneath ya. They don't care, they got their own agenda. They use bolt cutters and Freon to steal the bikes. They rob your bags. They got no education and no ambition. A man can eat out here, good food if he's sober and respectful. Places to eat all over all day. I know where to get coffee in the mornin'. I know where to eat in the evenin'. I don't sleep in shelters. Too dirty and too much sickness. I'm safer out here."

I would ask my reader to digest all of that. If you cannot see, and feel, the dangers of the streets of Portland, check your pulse.

There has been some chatter as to the "friendliness" of Portland, to the homeless. The result of that, people argue, is more crime and more sleeping bags on the sidewalks. Those are possible, but in the pro-active agenda of Portland, the argument against current resources as a negative are unfounded arguments. Fallacies. The fact is, innovative approaches to deconstructing social constructs about homeless, will only help to solve homeless problems. Any kind of critical thought will help society solve its problems as well.





The black man(below) is 99. The old and gray white man is Hayseed. I spent a handful of nights with these men, and the humble, peaceful, and engaging conversation was simply chat that I will never forget. The men lent me their stories and gave me coffee. The warmth from both was entirely similar.

Sleeping bags covered with tarps, are people, sleeping under dry awnings, until daybreak. The cycle of free daytime meals and nighttime concrete beds, never ceases. The man in the photo below, locked his bike up there at Union Station, then he sat down next to me.

"That is a nice camera," he said. "It does okay," I followed up. He told me about his days as a frame-maker, and how it gave him an appreciation for good photos. He told me he was headed to the coast. "The beach baby!", he smiled.

He told me how he lives off his Social Security, and that sometimes he sleeps on the street, but "...mostly weekly rate motels."

He told me he had spent a few nights in jail. This part seemed odd, as he did not seem harmful or illegal in any way.

He told me he had gotten a ticket for sleeping on a park bench. Missing court did not help, as not paying the fine led to more fines and warrant fees. The monetary amount is now insurmountable, and is a testament to the oppression imposed by these sorts of arbitrary rules and enforcement.

There is more here than just the arbitrary oppression of the poor, and it is the social constructs that form our stereotyped assessments of these people. The generalizations could not be further off and wrong.

Indeed a certain criminal element inhabits the streets. And that is a problem in any society. The issues that cloud the people who sleep on sidewalks are more than just the criminals who take to the street as an only resort. Alcoholism and mental health are the most visible, and loads of bad-luck stories are on every block. These are easier to treat than the full blown criminals with nothing to lose and a lot to gain, no matter how temporary that gain.

The long-timers, the ones who have lived peacefully outside for eternities, also have little to lose. The difference, is that they have little to gain. The idea of this story is to create more social awareness in regards to managing the homeless, and to alleviate some of the pressures the situation brings to everybody.

Yes, there are some, even many, who are not deserving of humanity's empathy and charity. But the fact is this, many out there are abused by power, and most die out there without ever seeing a helping hand that changes life.

In Albany, the homeless story is similar, with folks needing shelter and winter clothing, medical attention, and food. But a stark difference exists, and that lies in our government. In the coming weeks much will be printed in the press, and it will be about how the city essentially spends money. Where in Albany is there a public bathroom? Or even a porto potty where many of Albany's homeless sleep, under the 9th Avenue/Pacific Overpass. But we have a beautiful Carriage House($9 million) down along the riverfront. Too bad it is empty.

At the Signs Of Victory Mission & Transitional Housing, daily church services and public meals are a constant influence in the community. The house on 7th Avenue & Lyons and its church on Marion Street are open to anyone and everybody. Donations needed include bedbug treatment and mattresses.

The Albany Helping Hands Shelter provides housing for up to 100 homeless, while providing meals and showers to the public. The shelter has a used goods store and a wood lot that employs dozens of homeless and volunteers. The shelter provides nightly warming comfort and food. Donations needed are a new washer/dryer set-up, women's clothes, laundry soap, food, and hygiene supplies.

Between meetings with the City of Albany(where I live) and meetings in Portland, interviews with police and homeless, and research on mental health on the street, one thing is clear:
Everybody needs to be on board, with the commitment to solve these issues in the best interest of everyone involved.

In the meantime, I think it is relevant to ask whether or not, society owes the homeless. And if yes, what is owed?

Albany's Soup Kitchen

At the 3-days-a-week Soup Kitchen, poor and old alike, along with the city's homeless, come at 5 P.M. to get dinner. The tri-nightly dinner has been run there at St. Mary's Church(Albany) for 31 years, and on volunteers and donations.

On the night I was there, it was full. "End of the month," 15 year volunteer Bill Root told me, "No money." The end of the month shows that people have no money for food. No food stamps neither, he said.

The Soup Kitchen staff has volunteers who have been there 15-30 years, and has recovering addicts, who are clean and sober, and re-entering society. One recovering volunteer said, "This gives me something to do that helps people, and gets me ready for a real job."

Many of the older folks that eat at the St. Mary's Kitchen for this dinner-time feed, are here for the food and the social aspect. One couple, in their 80's, walk the few blocks to the Soup Kitchen, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night. They both smiled when I asked why they started coming to the dinner. They did not hear me, and I just returned the smile.

The Soup Kitchen staff, 30 years of big hearts and big smiles. Pat runs the kitchen and mixes bread mix here.

What is the city doing when the homeless are not eating at community kitchens? Is this why trash problems in that neighborhood, between St. Mary's and Helping Hand Homeless Shelter, are horrible at times?

As the first week of March came to end, the area along the canal, under the overpass(9th Ave) where many homeless congregate, the path was clean. And empty. But by the 11th, the place was full of trash and beer cans.

The area towards the Swanson Park, however, is not clean. Ever. This area, where many sleep under that bridge, needs regular cleaning, a garbage can, and possible a porto-potty. Write your city council, and ask for at least discussion on solutions.

Retrospect

The idea behind an article like this is to not only create better awareness, but the core idea is to discuss possible solutions to the problems of homeless and more importantly, solve society's biggest problems. It is impressive to see things like jobs and showers, available to people on the streets of Portland, and that sort of empathetic approach to treating the homeless issue within society, is crucial to its solution.

In both Albany and Portland, as well as any area with these problems, potential for solutions do exist. Community togetherness, in the form of watchful eyes and volunteer hands, can alleviate some of the impact of homelessness. Better and more efficient government can also pick up the solution pace. And police departments can have better judgement when it comes to "which" homeless to restrain from negatively impacting society.

The responsibility for solving the homeless problems in America depend on the good will of its citizens, its leaders, and the homeless themselves.

Donate

To donate supplies or funds:

Albany Helping Hands Shelter: 541 926 4036
                                               www.albanyhh.org
                                               boone@albanyhh.org

Signs Of Victory: 541 967 8545

Portland Gospel Mission: Donate
                                       503 274 4483
                                       3 NW 3rd (downtown) Portland Oregon
                                       info@ugmportland.org

Showers To The People: http://showertothepeople.org/

Blanchet House: 310 NW Glisan Portland Oregon


 
                                     

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