A couple in Waynesboro attempted to organize its neighbors against a church that was providing respite to unhoused community members, but instead, many stepped up to express support for the hospitality.
In a letter distributed to mailboxes in the Tree Streets, Wayne Avenue homeowners Michael Jacobs and Michelle Weeks asked residents to attend a meeting with St. John’s Episcopal Church Tuesday night. The couple called on their neighbors to join them to “strongly voice” concerns about how the church’s “permissive attitude toward homeless persons” could affect safety, property values and the neighborhood’s character and charm.
The couple wrote that the church allowed a homeless woman along with her male companion to occupy an empty lot on Chestnut Avenue. Also, the it stated, a man was allowed to sleep in the bushes in front of the church.
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The church previously met with the couple and a few other residents to listen to their concerns and also shared plans to expand its outreach to the unhoused with a re-education center. A second meeting was set up to give the church time to process the objections raised by its neighbors and continue the discussion.
Mayor: Community has ‘sincere desire’ to help the unhoused
St. John’s Episcopal Church hosted approximately 100 people this week for a 90-minute conversation on its role in helping unhoused individuals living on the streets in the River City.
The discussion addressed the growing need for more services for the unhoused and the role the city and church might have in offering permanent support to a population without a roof over their head.
“It was very encouraging to see how many people really support the assisting of the unsheltered and understood and applauded the role of the church in seeking to be the hands and feet of Christ in providing care and love to the unsheltered,” said Alec Gunn, executive director of Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry, or WARM, a nonprofit that organizes a thermal shelter during cold-weather months that rotates between area churches.
Gunn thought the church did a good job facilitating the discussion and was pleased to see members of City Council there.
Waynesboro Mayor Kenny Lee attended the meeting to listen to what residents had to say about the issue.
“I came away knowing there is a sincere desire by these residents and citizens to help the unhoused,” Lee told AFP.
While there were strong opinions on both sides of the issue, those who took part in the event felt it was a healthy debate among all parties.
“We had a very constructive, open, thoughtful meeting with our neighbors, congregation and the wider community,” said Rev. Tom DuMontier, who facilitated the discussion on behalf of the church.
“I was proud of everyone being so respectful of comments, for or against,” Lee said. “This is what makes Waynesboro special – the ability to have respectful dialogue.”
The conversation served as a promising start to something bigger to help those who need a hand up in the community.
“As far as outcomes go, I think that remains to be seen,” Gunn said.
The church pastor remains committed to serving all residents of the city: housed and unhoused.
“We hope this dialogue continues to help shine a light on the plight facing the unhoused in our community,” said Rev. DeMontier. “It is our goal to be good stewards of the gospel to all.”
The “next step is prayer, discernment, and reflection with neighbors, other churches, our parish and folks who have been stirred by the conversation.
“The meeting ended gracefully. We closed in prayer.”
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Crystal Graham
