There was a fire on Laurel Street on the south end of the 195 overpass. A homeless guy that has been camping near there for the last month or so was storing some of his belongings on the bridge railing. He is wheel chair bound and possibly unable to speak. He did not know who set his stuff on fire. It looks like someone set fire to his bundles on Monday night. Has anyone heard anything?
Editor’s note: I just got back from a vacation out of town. I almost sent an email to police, Richmond Metropolitan Authority, and City about the homeless guy before I left, but I ran out of time. I was hoping something could be done to end the homeless camping around those alleys along the RMA expressway, but I certainly did not want the guy’s possessions torched.
One resident had this to say:
It is very troubling that anyones belongings be set on fire, much less someone who is unable to defend themselves or their property and is wheelchair bound.
The homeless situation has gotten very sad in Monroe Park. On Sunday, there was a traffic jam of people there to feed the homeless. The Korean Church was leaving about the time two other churches were arriving. The result is wasted food and refuse strewn about the park. The people think they are doing a good deed by taking the food to the people when they could be giving to the food bank or feeding in a climate controlled building in Shockoe. Why dont homeless services organize and make the most of their good intentions? Two ladies from a church felt they were entitiled to park cars inside Monroe Park (illegal) because they were feeding the homeless. There were parking spaces on the street 15 feet away.
This is deplorable and if it was done strictly because the person is homeless, than it borders on hate crime. This is the same neighborhood that a homeless, queer man, Ed Northington was living in when he was beheaded.
Re: comment 1
Many of the people that show up in Monroe for the feeding programs are not homeless. I know of several people who are living on the edge, but not homeless, who truly appreciate the helping hand from this program. These individuals do work, but make low wages and can barely afford their rent. Neither has transportation and would probably have a hard time getting to Shockoe Bottom.
I don’t know what to do about the homeless, but I do know the problem seems to have gotten worse. The economic crisis has left many people in bad situations with no where to turn. Thankfully, some of them are able to get a hot meal as well as take home food thanks to the feeding programs.
beth, what is ‘this program’? No one is against helping the homeless and impoverished. And most people are not against organized programs that distribute food in a responsible manner. Food Not Bombs, for example, generally does a great job of keeping things safe and clean and I will defend their right to serve food in the park. But these random churches that just show up on Sunday and give stuff away are creating more problems than they are solving.
Greg, I had not made the connection with Northington. Thanks for the comment.
SOMEBODY SET THIS GUY”S STUFF ON FIRE BECAUSE THEY DONT WANT HIM HERE! THEY SET HIS STUFF ON FIRE!
I DONT WANT THE PERSON THAT SET HIS STUFF ON FIRE IN THIS NEIGBORHOOD!
I have personal experience, in this neighborhood, with someone setting stuff on fire and I just dont even know what else to say…..
I hear you. I also noticed that the homeless guy in the wheelchair is back in the alley, so setting his stuff on fire did not get rid of him.
Scott, I’m glad we agree about the homeless situation around Monroe Park.
I wrote about this in Style last year and in the RTD.
Feeding Frenzy
I also spoke before City Council.
More
here.
Stay silent on this issue means it will never be solved, but no one wants to take this on. There’s got to be a better way to use our parks and help the homeless.
Maybe we someone to organize the chaos instead of just trying to get rid of it. People depend on this.
no one is trying to get rid of the feedings that I know of. These people doing the feedings have Constitutional rights to be there. Historically, Monroe Park has been very appealing to all sorts from the gentry to the disenfranchised – many people seeking justice have demonstrated in the Park. It should be a welcoming environment to all patrons, families included. Getting the feeding situation organized would take some work but is a worthwhile effort. If a church or group wants to bring food in the park, they should make sure it gets cleaned up- too much trash ends up on the ground or piled next to a trash can. Also, cars dont belong in the park, period. This is an issue that many have fought to make right. Quite a change from many buses and cars parking there on a daily basis in the past. Food not Bombs is exemplary in all manners of what they do in the Park. As far as I know, they are the only group that brings in hot foods with the proper equipment, not just stuff piled in boxes. They set a great example in that they seem to be aware of the importance of the Park, are consistent and clean up after themselves. God bless ’em.
Agreed, Todd. How could we reach out to these church groups? Their heart is in the right place, but I agree that we need to respect the environment.
I am newly homeless and am at a computer in a library. I ate at the park last Sunday for the first time and was impressed by the very nutricious food the had. Tofu stirfry, potatoes, fruits and vegetables too. This helps the one feel better during this period of total unknown of what tomorrow will be.
The whole system of “help” for the low income and homeless is in total chaos. You would not believe the mes information that you have to wade through just to find some thing promising and then be told “no we don’t really do that”. It is very frustrating and discouraging. I never thought I would be one of these folds and suddenly I am. There are some very good people I have found, that have had the times catch up to them and thy never thought they would be homeless either. I can happen to you before you know it.
Lee My heart goes out to You and others.
I’m sure that some on this list are thinking that it was old time Oregonhill folks that set the poor guys stuff on fire. Safe bet it was kids from vcu or someone who only wants people here that think and feel as he or she does.
These students have done more harm to the Oregonhill community than I care to post about but then again this really isnt a Community anymore.
I remember when people cared for each other and knew You. Now Your lucky if You get a wave back from others living here.
I happen to know that a VCU student witnessed the cops placing all of this homeless man’s belongings in a trash bags and stepped in to help. The VCU student gathered as many of the man’s belongings and told the man he could sleep in his backyard. The man was very grateful.
Stop scapegoating VCU students, as long as there is bias from the “Oregonhill folks” towards VCU students there will never be a community here.
Three quick points:
There are good VCU students and bad VCU students, just as there are good and bad neighbors. I am familiar with all types.
Like G.W., I am concerned that Oregon Hill is getting overrun with bad VCU students. We are not alone- Carver, Randolph, and the Fan are also experiencing problems with bad VCU students that do not respect the neighborhood(S!) and have no longterm interest in the neighborhood(S!). Some of these bad VCU students are not even residents of the neighborhood(S!)- witness the trash left by bad commuting VCU students who use the neighborhood(S!) as parking lots. I was glad to see the VCU Student Association recently sponsor a cleanup, but VCU as a whole should really be doing more.
But when it comes to things like this, there is plently of blame to go around. We need less complaining and more positive action by everyone. I will say that I have been pleased with the VCU students and former VCU students who have recently attended Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meetings.
In one sense this is independent of the homeless issue, but in others it is not.
Letting the homeless sleep in your backyard is not a longterm solution and may create more problems.
I speak from experience as both a resident and someone who has worked with the homeless.
Well said Scot. maybe a new thread should be started on this issue.
Untill the City and State step up I fear We will see more of this.
Becky high praise for that lone Students actions but One act of kindness does not set things straight.
There is no bias here only hard facts that back up my feelings and Scots words.
my wife and i (current and graduated vcu students respectively) and residents of Oregon Hill for several years have had the chance to speak with this man on several occasions (before and after the fire). We’ve both fed him on several occasions, never given him money for anything, and are both active in helping the homeless community. saying that vcu students are the problem is not helping the situation, its just scapegoating and speculating.