Housing the 4,000 Homeless in Baltimore

You are bound to encounter one of the 5,000 plus homeless people on any walk through Baltimore.  You can’t help but notice the alarming number of empty vacant homes. Many of the 5,000+ already live in these “bandominiums” with no electricity or running water. Could you do   that?

Hope is a key ingredient in overcoming homelessness. I propose a HOPE BUILD. This project would empower, educate and house many of the 5,000+. It would reduce the number of homeless and vacants here. Many have done similar projects but not on this scale.

PHASE ONE is to get the vacant properties donated for this massive rehabbing project. It could be modeled somewhat like Habitat for Humanity on a grander scale.

PHASE TWO is to get an army of volunteers and supporters to help teach the 5,000+ hands on rehabbing skills.

PHASE THREE is to get legal temporary encampment of safe build sites by the homeless working on that site if they choose.

PHASE FOUR - rehab/construction process.

FINAL PHASE-   HOME SWEET HOME FOR THE 5,OOO+.  Let those who participate in program live there.

OBSTACLES

Not in my neighborhood! Wake up. They are already there even if you can’t see them. Money lost by vacant property owners. Possibly getting the wealthiest 1% of cty dwellers to buy and donate them.

BENEFITS

Reduced homelessness, Less vacants, Education,. Job Skills, empowerment, homes, hope

Come on Baltimore! We can and should do this! 

By: Bonnie Lane

WHAT I WOULD GIVE?

WHAT I WOULD GIVE?

A HOMELESS PERSON'S PLEA

By BONNIE LANE

What I would give to have a home of my own
with a picket fence!
I am tired of sleeping on this park bench!
What I would give to be able to buy new clothes!
I am tired of these used rags
and shoes walking out of their soles!
What I would give to be treated like
everyone else!
Instead of laughed at or ignored
as a bum or a wreck!
I would give everything I am
just to have enough!
I am not greedy
I don't need it all
just to have enough to live comfortably.
What I would give not to eat my meals in a soup kitchen!
but to prepare my own feast!
What would I give for all these things?
I would give everything I am.
I am not greedy.
I don't need it all
Just enough to live comfortably.

Hip Hop to Stop Homelessness Concert Report

Bonnie Lane, an advocate for the Speakers Bureau submits the following:

The first Hip Hop For Homelessness concert was held November 12, 2011 at the 2640 Space. Proceeds helped fund Word on the Street. Three hot acts performed: Axiom, The 5^thL plus J POPE and Funk Friday.  I spoke with Axiom before the show. Axiom said, “It’s the least we can do. So many are less fortunate. We get to eat daily and have roofs. We take nothing for granted.” The 5^th L said they like giving back.

It was great to see people from Healthcare for the Homeless, Project PLASE, St. Vincent de Paul Beans & Bread Center, Project Jump Start, students and the Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau join forces for this cause. Over 135 people attended. It was a smashing success.