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BrotherJombert t1_j0041kv wrote

Reply to comment by Setter_sws in Positive Springfield Growth by VaderTower

Thank you. The Missouri Hotel on Commercial got closed and now everyone wonders why the "homeless problem" downtown got worse. This city does as little as possible for the unhomed, commits to clearing out "encampments," then cries about the results while offering no solutions.

Maybe get your head out of your ass, Springfield government and general voters, and try to solve problems insead of pushing them around.

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Setter_sws t1_j007rpa wrote

I worked for harmony house for awhile so I have seen how hard it is to find shelter. I understand the troubles with this community, but there has to be a better solution. Who owns the bible Baptist college? It's been vacant and there are dormitories. This is necessary.

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throwawayyyycuk t1_j0a0j76 wrote

We absolutely need to utilize this, that place is absolutely perfect

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Setter_sws t1_j0a4u18 wrote

I worked for the census a couple years back and had to verify there was no one living on the properties. There is just so much vacant space while people are sleeping outside.

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MrZanzinger t1_j0091jk wrote

The things that bothers me is every time the city tries to build an Eden village type thing or places like the little camp trailer park on west chestnut it’s always in already struggling neighborhoods or terrible locations(heavy industrial). I feel like the city is all for it as long as it’s north of sunshine.

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VaderTower OP t1_j009og0 wrote

While I don't disagree, there isn't just free money anywhere.

To do the level of support we need additional taxes, bond measures, or some avenue for additional revenue to earmark for these programs.

If you don't have billionaire money. Write your council person, state representative, and state senator. Seriously, it makes a difference. Don't use premade forms, write a letter or call their office directly. They truly love to hear from passionate and non crazy constituents.

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renny065 t1_j01p4cl wrote

All good suggestions. May I add that another desperately needed resource is PEOPLE who are willing to volunteer? It’s so easy to say, “ They need to do something,” or throw a few bucks here or there at a problem, but the people who are trying to help our unsheltered friends right now need HELP. The staff at Connecting Grounds is working literally around the clock to run their emergency family shelter and outreach center, and so much more help is needed. Volunteers who are willing to get their hands dirty, to sit with vulnerable folks when they are going through their darkest hour, serve food, clean toilets, play with kids. If you care about the unsheltered in our community, we need you to step up and help. Look up Connecting Grounds on Facebook and learn what you can do (or go to any other social services agency in town and volunteer … but do something … everyone can do something.)

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VoidDemon0226 t1_j04nvc6 wrote

Agree with this! There's a lot we can do without needing to wait for what the city can or won't do.

Any person can help our unhoused neighbors. You can collect donations and hand them out, hold food drives or cook for the local community, get a group and you can achieve a lot.

Pessimistic to say, but our system is not going to always be there to provide. We can step up to help and provide support without any government official giving us the okay or waiting on the tax support.

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CloudofAmethyst t1_j01q3d4 wrote

I don't think Hotel Missouri is safe for residency any longer, and if I'm remembering correctly, an investor looking to buy it as a business venture said it would be something like ten million to make it a usable building.

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MrZanzinger t1_j03f2at wrote

The person has owned it since 2017 so it sounds like his goal is to neglect it enough the city will let him tear it down.

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the_honeyman t1_j06troi wrote

I mean, that building really just needs to be torn down at this point, the renovating costs would be more than new construction.

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