In response to an article regarding the ongoing debate about policy concerning the act of feeding the homeless, I feel obliged to speak about a recent experience that may provide some insight for others on this situation.
About two weeks ago, the University of Florida's Leadership Development Institute co-sponsored an event called "GOT FOOD?" with Actions, which included a daylong fast and a scavenger hunt. Amongst the tasks were feeding and then interviewing a homeless person. Upon interviewing several of the homeless, I was surprised to hear that many homeless steer clear of the meals served by the St. Francis House.
With the mention of the St. Francis House establishment, most of the interviewees retorted with repudiation and disgust. Why? Many, if not all, of the homeless interviewees reported that they often fall sick after eating a meal from the St. Francis House.
This is an inevitable problem when it comes to housing and nourishment. Such problems as those expressed by the homeless interviewees may contribute to the onslaught of serious health issues that would only lead to a greater problem within the Gainesville community.
While there is the obvious problem of what policy should be passed in order to regulate the number of meals that should be served at places such as the St. Francis House and the Salvation Army, perhaps the true question is how much longer will the Gainesville homeless be subject to the low-quality food served at the local shelters.
