NIMBY wins in Toms River. Christ Episcopal Church came to the town zoning commission and petitioned for a 17-bed homeless shelter. In response to the petition, the town’s mayor threatened to take the church by eminent domain to build a soccer field. Certainly needed more than some church trying to live the Gospel.
“These people,” meaning the homeless, “need someplace to go,” just not in my back yard, said one zoning member. So what are we in New Jersey, with four of the wealthiest counties in the Nation, supposed to do? Certainly not build affordable housing, according to at least one politician running for Governor. Goodness, no!
We need to have walls around us, imprison the homeless if they try to live in tents, let them rot and starve. And we – not just the fearful in Toms River, who probably think of themselves as decent Christian folk – but all of us still will not face our obligation to care for the least of these.
Prayer or the Day
Turning ourselves away from the world around us,
We seek to isolate ourselves from others who call upon us;
Refusing to open ourselves to those around us,
We seek to rely only on ourselves alone.
Forgive us, Compassionate Heart, and transform us
Letting love triumph over fear and hopelessness
In the name of the One who shares your love with all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
Thoughts for the Day
There seems to be a large reliance on very negative stereotypes about people who are our neighbors, our family [and] our friends without any understanding that pretty much most of us are one or two paychecks away from not being able to pay our mortgage or our rent and be out there.
Rev. Lisa Hoffman, Rector Christ Episcopal church
Then you want to tear down the only church that has us come out and helps us get resources [and] food.
Mark Mossop Jr., who has been homeless for two years
To me, it seems like a very clear case of retaliation because they don’t want that type of activity happening in Toms River. This is not the first time there has been some pushback against efforts to support people experiencing homelessness in Toms River.
Taiisa Kelly, Monarch Housing Associates, a nonprofit
And then the righteous will answer him, “Lord when was it we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing?” And when was it we saw ou sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer thus: “Truly I tell you, just as you did it t the least of these, you did it to me.”
Matthew 25: 37-40