Posted on 12/29/2007 8:59:55 AM PST by 3AngelaD
They sleep in mosques. Or on the streets. Or in Christian-oriented shelters that might hold prayer meetings or services at odds with their own religious beliefs. For Muslim women without a place to live, particularly those who have been battered or are immigrants, being homeless can test their faith at the time they need it most. When Muslim women are sent to shelters that serve the general population, they are often exposed to lifestyles that challenge their faith, such as drinking, abusing drugs, eating pork and undressing or bathing in front of others, says Imam Faizul Khan of the Islamic Society of Washington in Silver Spring. They return from such shelters "with sad stories," he says.
The Virginia Muslim Political Action Committee estimates that several hundred Muslim women are homeless in the Washington region, based on U.S. Census Bureau data and local surveys. That is a small fraction of the homeless population and of the estimated 250,000 Muslims in the region, but local Islamic leaders say the problem has grown in recent years. Kahn said homelessness in the Muslim community was almost unheard of several years ago.
Some Islamic leaders have begun to raise money to establish more shelters that cater to the Islamic community. There are now just two serving the Washington-Baltimore area, according to local mosque leaders. The leaders said they were unaware of any in Northern Virginia....
Michael Stoops, acting executive director of the D.C.-based National Coalition for the Homeless, said, the largest shelter organization is Catholic Charities, followed by the Salvation Army and the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. Traditionally, Stoops said, many Christian-oriented shelters have offered clients "soup, soap, sleep and salvation."
Stoops added: "I've always found that to be offensive. Shelters in this country need to get with this century."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Good point.
Well, why don’t we solve the problem by forcing the Christian Shelters to give up Christianity so that they won’t be offended? Maybe they can install a footbath or call in a muzin./sarcasm off.
These people are so ‘fing arrogant.
Stoops added: "I've always found that to be offensive.
What's offensive about soap?
Jackie Spinner
Stoops added: "I've always found that to be offensive. Shelters in this country need to get with this century."
What????????? Now we need to provide homeless muslims with muslim shelters? I'll put that on the list right behind muslim hospitals.
I don't know anything about Mr. Stoops organization but, unlike the Salvation Army and other "throwback" groups that actually do something, I'll bet his organization is just a money filtering lobby group. Maybe he should actually do something tangible. Or influence that kind-hearted Muslim group, CAIR, to do something if this is such an issue.
Not arrogant, just stupid.
As is anyone that agrees with them.
Hey jack***, ever hear of not biting the hand that feeds you? Dolt.
I find Mr Stoops offensive, to say that that good, giving people should censor the faith that drives them to do good for these poor people.
All I know is if those Christian shelters take a single penny of government money, they are pretty much screwed.
News flash
People who become homeless have limited options
“Christian-oriented shelters have offered clients “soup, soap, sleep and salvation.”
Stoops added: “I’ve always found that to be offensive. Shelters in this country need to get with this century.”
I find Stoops offensive. Criticising folks who are trying to help.
Maybe he could start a Muslim shelter.
Salvation is offered, cannot be forced. If they find it offensive, they can go to the Muslim shelter down the road.
Volunteers do not need to do anything.
If Stoops wants a different type of shelter, then let his organization fund them.
The parasite protests too much.
Stoops added: "I've always found that to be offensive. Shelters in this country need to get with this century."
"Stoops"....that's grade-school slang for "Stupid".
Fits too.
The Muslims should then go back home to Somali...
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