Melissa King is shown inside her tent huddling against the wind around 3 a.m. this morning.
(Oneida, NY- March 28, 2015) If you were out and about Friday night (March 27) then you may have seen a strange sight in front of the First United Methodist Church on the corner of Grove and Main Street. To raise awareness of homelessness in Madison County, volunteers from the community had pitched a tent in front of the building to brave the ever changing New York weather.
Layers of clothing, heavy coats and multiple blankets were also seen.
Visitors throughout the night stopped by to drop off hot chocolate.
“Unfortunately, our team’s tasks for the day took longer than expected, so it was late when setting up,” said Ashley King, an alumni from Holy Cross Academy. “It got me to thinking: I have a warm bed I can go to. But what about those who do not have a choice? What about someone who is following rules at a friends’ [home] that they are staying with, but because work took longer than expected, can’t sleep there? I know just worrying about it would affect my life whether it was employment or school.”
Melissa King, coordinator for Karing Kitchen (Oneida’s Soup Kitchen) said she continues to see a large increase of individuals in danger of becoming or are homeless over the past years. And that increase does not include the flood survivors, some who have yet to return to their homes.
Currently, the Madison County Task Force on Homelessness is looking at ways to combat this problem.
According to Melissa King there are many more homeless than is known but the hardest part of being homeless is the shame and guilt associated with the situation. There is the misconception that it is because of drugs or alcohol or they have chosen that way to live, she said. Ask anyone and they will tell you that they did not choose to be homeless. There is always a situation that leads to being homeless. It can be an injury, illness or even a simple reduction in hours of a family living from paycheck to paycheck that places them in jeopardy.
“I think it is cool that Melissa King is willing to go to these lengths to educate the community. I know some call it crazy but she would tell you, she is only crazy about getting people to be aware and help each other,” said Nick Park, participant. “With an awareness campaign, hopefully telling your employer you are homeless can someday no longer be held against you,” he said.
Melissa even planned a special day at Karing Kitchen with Cornell Cooperative Extension as a tie- in to educate the children. When asked what the group hoped to accomplish, education was the unanimous answer. Sometimes it is that willingness to take someone in, a landlord allowing that person to stay at least for a week, so they can apply for services, or just being there to listen. Communication is the key. However, the number one goal is to not be judgmental. Someday, you or a family member may find yourself in the same situation.