Join us for a community letter-writing event to ask Portland city officials for a permanent warming center for homeless residents. We’ll do this just following the morning sit, using the same Zoom link.

Details:

In the spirit of the Engaged Buddhist election retreats, we will combine contemplative practice with concrete action intended to alleviate systemic suffering in our state. At a recent rally, Pastor Jeff Logan, who works closely with folks living on the street, summarized the need in this way:

While thanking Rev. Norm and First Parish and Brian Townsend at Common Space for stepping up in an emergency -- we will demand that the City come up with a permanent space, on peninsula, that can serve as a year-round day shelter, and also as an overnight shelter during the winter months.  Although the City insists there is capacity at the Homeless Resource Center, the fact is the fews beds available are usually filled by mid-day, and then people are asked to call back as late as 11pm to see if anyone has no-showed.  By that point, those who are outside need to have found a safe place to hunker down for the night.  Also, transportation at that hour is iffy.

Also, the City has set the current opening triggers at 15 degrees for a low temperature, or 10 inches of snow.  They don't take into account wind chill.  Thankfully Rev. Norm and Brian have some leeway on this, but it's still way too low a temperature for people to be safe.

Following our silent meditation and practice discussion, we’ll take a short break, and beginning at 8:20 will share brief background about the current situation, an opportunity for questions, and then simple instructions for contacting city officials.