Cheyenne Memorial Brings Attention to Plight of the Homeless

Cheyenne Wyoming Tribune-Eagle ^ | 12-23-03 | Dynes, Michelle

[Theodore R.]

Memorial brings attention to plight of the homeless

By Michelle Dynes rep2@wyomingnews.com Published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle

CHEYENNE - The holidays are in full swing. But not everybody has a family or even a home to go to at the end of the day.

On Monday, the Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless held its 14th Annual Homeless Memorial Day to raise awareness and remember the homeless who have died.

Advocates met on the steps of the State Capitol to bring attention to the plight of the homeless and the need for more affordable housing.

Holding the memorial on the first day of winter also is a way to remind people of the natural elements homeless people face, said Rev. Bill Jividan of Beacon Hill Baptist Church.

The memorial was a chance to remember those "who died on the streets without family and friends," he said.

During the holidays, those without a support network often get forgotten, said Virginia Sellner, executive director of the coalition.

Three homeless people have died in Wyoming this year, she said. While this may seem like a small number, she added that in Denver, 85 have died.

She said she hoped the memorial also would gather attention from local lawmakers and encourage the creation of more affordable housing.

Gov. Dave Freudenthal said he hoped to learn more, mainly about how to approach this need for basic services.

"Affordable housing in Wyoming is an incredibly difficult issue," he added.

But he said it's important not to forget those who need help, especially during the winter.

Cheyenne Mayor Jack Spiker said he wished there were no need for memorials or coalitions for the homeless.

But instead of feeling helpless, he added, work can be done to lobby against homelessness. The public also should be educated to lift the stigma attached to the problem, he said.

"We need to work toward a future where no one is homeless," Spiker said.

Earl Janack used to be homeless. He said too often the homeless are victims of violence - just because they are homeless.

And, he added, it's easy to ignore the problem when it's presented as statistics. He said numbers make the problem seem impersonal.

Herman Thunder Hawk also used to be homeless. While he now has a home, he said it's easy to fall into the trap of being just one paycheck away from a life on the streets.

"The person next to you might be homeless tomorrow," he said.

[yankeedame]

Holding the memorial on the first day of winter also is a way to remind people of the natural elements homeless people face, said Rev. Bill Jividan of Beacon Hill Baptist Church.

So, has the good reverend, like, invited any of the homeless to share his home and hearth? (And I don't mean for just a couple hours over the holidays) After all, doesn't to Good Book say something like "..by his works ye shall know him.."?