Breaking news: Man dies on way to Kelso temporary homeless shelter
Thursday, December 18, 2008 8:47 PM PST
By The Daily News
Printable version
E-mail this articleA 55-year-old homeless man died Wednesday night as volunteers were trying to bring him and his wife in from the cold and into an emergency shelter.
Officials don’t think the region’s frigid temperatures directly caused his death, but they say more homeless people will need shelter in the coming days.
Volunteers had met with the couple earlier in the week and went back Wednesday once the emergency shelter had opened in the Kelso First Assembly of God activity center.
The man finally agreed to come in but then fell over and stopped breathing as crews were taking him out. CPR was preformed but volunteers and ambulance crews were unable to save him. His wife was taken to the shelter and remained thereThursday.
Volunteers from Mountain Ministries said their goal is to keep the shelter open as a long as the cold weather lasts.
For more on this story, see Friday’s edition of The Daily News.
Mama Duck wrote on Dec 18, 2008 10:30 AM:
" What a kind, generous, and selfless church congregation. To go around town rounding up homeless people to provide them with shelter from the freezing temps is a wonderful thing to do. God bless you all. That poor man had probably been out in the cold too long already. "
JUST ME!! wrote on Dec 18, 2008 10:42 AM:
" I so agree Mama Duck, thanks to everyone mentioned in this article for giving this man his last memory of kindness and warm place to lay his head. Merry Christmas! "
mstercor wrote on Dec 18, 2008 10:51 AM:
" this church deserves a big thank you for helping the homeless like this, i should aspire to be this giving and caring. this has got me thinking about what i can do to help these people myself. "
lilsue62 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 10:58 AM:
" Thank god for wonderful people who took the time to look out for the less fortunate. However, the question is; would this man still be alive today, if this community had left open all their church doors like they use to do for the ones who needed comforted from the elements? They have become to materialistic and have started locking the doors at 5pm. I thought God never closed shop! So why should the church doors be closed for the oned needing shelter at the time of need? "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 18, 2008 11:10 AM:
" lilsue62, are your own doors open to take in the homeless??? "
day2day wrote on Dec 18, 2008 11:12 AM:
" About closing churches at 5pm...
I am a leader for a youth activity group. A local church allows use their facility. They open the door for us at 5pm. During our meeting time someone came in the church and stole the pastor's purse.
Although we do get to still use the facility the rules had to change and we have to monitor the door and not let anyone else in. "
I am a leader for a youth activity group. A local church allows use their facility. They open the door for us at 5pm. During our meeting time someone came in the church and stole the pastor's purse.
Although we do get to still use the facility the rules had to change and we have to monitor the door and not let anyone else in. "
The1Who wrote on Dec 18, 2008 11:20 AM:
" Yea...God does say to open your doors and your hearts to those less fourtunate...All churches who preach the doctrine of Christ should feel ashamed if they are not doing all they can to help actualy"HOUSEING"the homeless instead of telling everyone they give to the community house!!! "
lilsue62 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 11:28 AM:
" to gondolapete, Yes i have and do offer my place to help others in need. you know why because i was homeless for a whole year myself and know the pain of dealing with it. and whos to say it was not someone who was at the church who took the ministers wifes purse. you never know. its always so much easier to blame the homeless isnt it? besides wasnt Jesus homeless he never preached in a church. he was not into material stuff would he care if you lost a book or a roll of tp to the unknown? "
old bag wrote on Dec 18, 2008 12:15 PM:
" lilsue62...let me ask you at what expense the churches should keep thier doors open? At the expense of the commitments they've made to families and children that are in need? At the expense of programs to help others? The food, clothing, time and expense usually has been set aside months in advance. Volunteers are working 24/7 as it is. Some churches ban together to give services so that door you see shut might be because they are working another church. Or they may be out delivering food. Providing care. Helping the elderly or disabled. The care churches can provide is not endless. The love and faith is. "
tally ho wrote on Dec 18, 2008 12:48 PM:
" Who says it was a homeless person who took the minister's wifes purse? It could very well be any number of people who steal from homes, cars and take copper piping. This is a new day and age and, unfortunately, there is much more thievery going on now. Churches cannot afford to be replacing items stolen, it takes away from monies they try to help others with. Let us just be thankful there is a church who is willing to take in the homeless and hope and pray others will do what they can to help all who are in a time of need
God Bless the poor gentleman who passed away and give comfort to his widow. Also, God Bless these wonderful volunteers who are doing all they can to help. We do have a generous community. "
God Bless the poor gentleman who passed away and give comfort to his widow. Also, God Bless these wonderful volunteers who are doing all they can to help. We do have a generous community. "
Gondolapete wrote on Dec 18, 2008 12:50 PM:
" No where in the bible does God command churches to open their doors..he is commanding all of us to do that...dont blame the church if you yourself are not opening your own doors... "
lv resident wrote on Dec 18, 2008 12:50 PM:
" First of all I would like to say God bless you to the members of the of the church who were there to meet the needs of the homeless. Second to the hopelessly naive "lilsue62", people today homeless and not have little respect for the rights and property of others. I am sure all the churches would love to go back to the times when they could leave their doors open 24/7 and not have to worry about people coming in and taking anything not nailed down or vandalizing the church. But I am sure if you would post your address for all to see you would fully understand why churches as well as individuals do not leave their doors unlocked for just anyone to enter. "
lilsue62 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:23 PM:
" Lv resident, no need in lowering yourself by name calling. I have a right to state a fact. And the fact is I too was homeless and I have respect for everyone and everything.
I know I was treated like I was a second class citizen because I was homeless. I would not steal even though I had not eaten in 2 days. You cannot judge all by one, now can you? All I'm saying is; we knew this was coming, we could of had volinteers at the churchs to keep them open. And Yes I would of been there to help in my wheel chair! Would You? "
I know I was treated like I was a second class citizen because I was homeless. I would not steal even though I had not eaten in 2 days. You cannot judge all by one, now can you? All I'm saying is; we knew this was coming, we could of had volinteers at the churchs to keep them open. And Yes I would of been there to help in my wheel chair! Would You? "
who am I? wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:37 PM:
" lilsue62, it would be nice if churches could be unlocked 24 hours a day but unfortunately that isn't possible any more. you know how often churches in the area get broke into and have instruments and other equipment stolen? also, this church has a day care in it. It would not be safe to have the doors open so people can just come in without the knowledge of staff of their where abouts. I think the churches help as much as they can, but they do need to protect their building and supplies/equipment and also consider the safety of the members/staff, etc. not knowing WHO is in the building wouldn't really be safe for the early workers/kids at the day care. "
who am I? wrote on Dec 18, 2008 1:41 PM:
" oh and let me add, it's not all about having the best stuff, but they use those items in their ministry and can't afford to replace them all the time. again, I think there is nothing wrong with protecting themselves but at the very least it IS a safety issue these days to allow unlimited unsupervised use of a building. I wouldn't want to take the chance especially where there are kids in the building early in the morning. "
lilsue62 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 2:21 PM:
" regarding who am i, not all day churchs have daycares. Im just asking that the doors be open during really bad weather so more people dont have to die! Would that be to much to ask for. My own church knew I was homeless and never stepped up and offered me a place to stay. That made me question why? One woman out of my church stopped by every so often and gave me food and money when she could and i was very thankful for her help and i wish her the best. But when my own church turned their backs to someone in need you sorta lose faith and you look for another church. "
who am I? wrote on Dec 18, 2008 3:14 PM:
" lilsue, I know you weren't ONLY talking about this church, but all of them. there are good reasons now days that they don't just leave doors unlocked. it's not safe. NO, I'm not saying all homeless people are a danger, and it's not just the homeless ones that cause the problems. but truth is, there is dangers out there that keep them from being able to just allow anyone in at any time (leaving doors unlocked). I think they are legitimate reasons. I DO agree with reaching out to help others and I know that Kelso First Assembly and some other churches do reach out to those in the community as much as they can. I agree, churches NEED to try and help those out there. not just one church but all churches. I just don't agree that they should leave their doors unlocked for anyone to just come in whenever. I'm sorry your church turned their back on you. I don't know your situation, if it was one they could have helped more (sounds like it) or not. I know a church can't solve all the problems and they do have limited resources to financially help but I agree, they need to help when and where they can. "
old bag wrote on Dec 18, 2008 3:20 PM:
" In the article it said the man "finally agreed to come". He was offered help and refused until talked into it. My condolences to his family. God bless them.
Since I am dealing daily with the homeless right now I have to add that refusal is often the way it goes. If they are given anything new that can be sold most sell it for what they want/need. They want their freedom more than the shelter. They have their own community they rely on. They take care of each other. They don't want to be taken care of by big brother or sister. "
Since I am dealing daily with the homeless right now I have to add that refusal is often the way it goes. If they are given anything new that can be sold most sell it for what they want/need. They want their freedom more than the shelter. They have their own community they rely on. They take care of each other. They don't want to be taken care of by big brother or sister. "
CONCERENED wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:16 PM:
" MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE WIFE AND FAMILY OF THE DECEASED MAN.PRETTY TRAGIC STORY , WITH THE HOLIDAYS UPON US!! "
lilsue62 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:22 PM:
" old bag you need to reread that here i copied it for you it does not say he refused. "Volunteers had MET with the couple earlier in the WEEK and went back Wednesday ONCE the emergency shelter HAD OPENED in the Kelso First Assembly of God activity center.
The man finally agreed to come in but then fell over and stopped breathing as crews were taking him out.
They put the word finally in there should be questioned. Because the shelter was not even open before.
I say do not assume nothing. why people say anything they want you to believe. And for you to assume your making assumtions out of all of us not only yourself. "
The man finally agreed to come in but then fell over and stopped breathing as crews were taking him out.
They put the word finally in there should be questioned. Because the shelter was not even open before.
I say do not assume nothing. why people say anything they want you to believe. And for you to assume your making assumtions out of all of us not only yourself. "
BlueSkies wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:43 PM:
" The way our economy is going, any one of us could become homeless. We need to help those in need while we are capable. I would suggest anyone feels compelled to help out to contact Mountain Ministries or stop by the Activity Center at Kelso First Assembly of God and see what they need. I'm sure they will be needing food and maybe blankets or coats.
Remember, this is the season for GIVING, so reach out to those who need it the most. "
Remember, this is the season for GIVING, so reach out to those who need it the most. "
longview_resident_1 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 5:58 PM:
" I was Homeless at one time in my life and never did once a Church help me re-gain a home to live in. I had to make changes in my own life before ANYONE could ever help me what so ever. I so sorry for the man's lose of his own life and sorry that his wife is without her husband. But, it is thier own fault they were homeless and WHY? were the two of them homeless is what i want to know? I live right near the Community House and im so so sick and tired of the people that stay at the Community House. Im so sick of my own beingings being stolen right from my own Porch and my car being stolen, gas being stolen. It was probely smeone who belinged to that cchurch who stole that purse, I get so sick of the people of the church's and how P E R F E C T the people of the Church's say they are. Well lie lie lie its all bull crap. No-one is perfect and there are going to be theives everywhere and even WITH-in the CHURCH MEMBERS. DO I FEEL SORRY FOR THE HOMELESS? no IN FACT hell no!! GET A JOB GET A HOME IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY!!
C H U R C H "
C H U R C H "
who am I? wrote on Dec 18, 2008 6:09 PM:
" I certainly have never claimed that church members are perfect. me or any of the other ones. "
lilsue62 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 6:25 PM:
" To Longview_resident_1 the question is why were you homeless? Another Question is; Why would you leave your stuff outside to be taken time after time knowing it would be? Another Question is; Do you know what a locking gas cap is? If you hate living by the homeless shelter there is one thing you can do is move away from that area! My excuse for being homeless was because the state only gave me 339 dollars a month to live off of. That did not even pay for rent around here now would it since most places start at 400 a month. Yes I use to work as a teacher, caregiver and a private caregiver till my body could no longer work. So no I am not a lazy person and not on drugs or alcohol as most will assume! They would be so wrong. However, I am now on SSD where I should of been years ago. But the government took their sweet time hoping i'd die also. Well I didn't I will pray for that woman for her loss. To bad there are a lot of people out here with your attitude. I feel so sorry for you! "
herenkelso wrote on Dec 18, 2008 6:45 PM:
" Churches are basically people in a building. Any one of us could leave our doors unlocked and let anyone who needs help just walk in day or night. Personally, I wouldn't. Nor would I want to be in a building by myself with strangers walking in and out. It's a safety issue. A lot of homeless have mental health issues or have already gone through the people they know..or both. Reality check. If the weather is so bad that people need to be in from the weather, who gets to risk their life driving to the church and manning it? "
tally ho wrote on Dec 18, 2008 6:59 PM:
" Well, I see after six hrs. everyone is still sniping at each other, and blaming this church or that church for not helping more; and then Longview Resident 1, who claims to have been homeless, saying she doesn't even feel sorry for the homeless. Granted there may be some who are not trying to help themselves, but there are plenty who are. They didn't choose to end up in their situation but possibly they were laid off from work unexpectedly or had an illness that kept them from returning to work in a short time. If they had a family they probably could not keep from losing their home, car, etc. because they didn't earn enough to save money for emergencies.
As the churches have said, they don't have enough to help everyone, they are just like everyone else, very limited in funds and they do what they can. I happen to know of 18 churches in the Longview/Kelso region that go out of their way in order to help people as much as possible and have wonderful volunteers to make this possible.
Please people, quit your sniping, show some compassion for those not as fortunate as you. Get off your duffs and get out there and offer to help whereever you can. Believe me, you WILL FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF. Merry Christmas to all and remember to count your blessings, no matter how large or small. They all count. "
As the churches have said, they don't have enough to help everyone, they are just like everyone else, very limited in funds and they do what they can. I happen to know of 18 churches in the Longview/Kelso region that go out of their way in order to help people as much as possible and have wonderful volunteers to make this possible.
Please people, quit your sniping, show some compassion for those not as fortunate as you. Get off your duffs and get out there and offer to help whereever you can. Believe me, you WILL FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF. Merry Christmas to all and remember to count your blessings, no matter how large or small. They all count. "
tazer baby wrote on Dec 18, 2008 7:21 PM:
" Wow...you people (I say this collectively meaning most, not all, but most) are a trip. Commentors demanding to know why someone was homeless? Across the board accusations of "...all homeless persons are thiefs..." or worse, forgetting the basic rule of life, therefore by the grace of God go I...what is a matter with you guys? At least fake a little bit of compassion for this loss of life if for no other reason, just cuz the season. Look around man, it's pretty good for us (you know I'm right) and we should not take that for granted. Even when things appear to be messed up, we as a whole have alot to be thankful for so let's keep the ugly to a minimum and pretend it's Christmas. January 1st, you can go back to being generally unhappy...okie-dokie? "
lilsue62 wrote on Dec 18, 2008 7:28 PM:
" Right on for you Tally ho! Oh I dont blame the churchs. I just wish the doors would be open when the weather is really bad is all. I remember how cold it was last year when i was homeless. Well I am no longer homeless and I gave all my outdoor gear to the ones that needed it more then i did. I also bought cloths for poor homeless children who were sleeping under trees with their parents. This is the time of year we need to remember all. But we also need to remember that the recession is getting worse and we will be forced to help others also. Merry Christmas! "
longview_resident_1 wrote on Dec 19, 2008 2:25 PM:
" why should I have to Lock anything up of mine what so ever? yes i do have a locking gas cap but, that will not keep someone from stealing the gas for anyone if they want it that badly. If anyone wants to steal anything that badly it will be done no matter if it is under lock and key or NOT! If you think for one second that I have never tryed to help any of the homeless anywhere, your so so very wrong for your own stinking thinking. I have done everything within my own will and power to help many people all over the states and I have come to learn that , YOU CAN NOT HELP ANYONE WHO IS NOT WILLING TO HELP THEMSELFS FIRST AND FOR MOST. people make me sick. So like I said, get a job, you get a home and pay your rent and bills and people wont be homeless what so ever. By the way, I made to many excauses in my own life to know better that drugs and alcohol and people enabling thoes who use drugs and alcohol only dig the hole bigger and bigger and bigger, so deep that no-one not even them selfs can find the way. Beisdes out! God is only a myth anyways the bible a man made story book. "
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