IN MY OPINION Charlotte still ignores its homeless

[surfermaw]

IN MY OPINION
Charlotte still ignores its homeless
DANNYE ROMINE POWELL
I saw him again on Sunday.

The first time, his old swagger had almost returned as he sauntered down East Boulevard, across Scott, toward town.

Later in the afternoon, his shoulders drooped, and a beer can dangled from his right hand. His demeanor gave new depth to the word "weary."

He can't last the winter, I thought, as I watched the man whose long blond hair and deeply sunburned face have grown familiar to travelers along two streets that cross Sugar Creek -- East and Morehead.

In recent weeks, I've seen him leaning against telephone poles, holding up two fingers in a peace sign. I've seen him wink as cars whizzed by, a near-twinkle in his eyes.

But lately it seems a new hopelessness has burrowed in.

Shelter closes

Earlier in the day, I read our front-page story: "Shelter Closes to Women." And the smaller headline beneath: "Only 12 churches have answered call for help ..."Is it my imagination or was there a slightly judgmental spin in the word only? Could the implication be that churches should be the ones to step up and shelter our city's homeless?

Why?

We didn't turn to churches and synagogues when we wanted a new baseball stadium.

Or the five new cultural arts venues coming to uptown -- to the tune of $158.5 million.

In Charlotte, we put our money into sparkle and gleam -- things that amuse, entertain and enhance us.

http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/291753

[Stargazer99]

1. The whole nation doesn't seem to really give a damn about it own

If you are homeless/poor ....oh well. Typical Republican attitude