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REGULAR MEETINGJUNE 27, 2005
<br />enhancing the general welfare of the area.The exterior maintenance will be well kept
<br />and up to date. The neighborhood will be better off with a now vacant building being
<br />utilized. The proposed use will not injure or adversely affect the use of other adjacent
<br />area or the property values therein as no negative impacts will be imposed upon any
<br />adjacent properties, as it is in an area of other “LI,” Light Industrial Buildings, and not
<br />residential structures. The proposed use will be consistent with the character of the
<br />district in which it is located and the land uses authorized therein; for example, said
<br />property is adjacent to the Homeless Shelter, and shall provide a place for men to
<br />congregate and have meals. The approval does not interfere substantially with the
<br />Comprehensive Plan adopted by the City of South Bend.
<br />A public hearing was held on the Resolution at this time.
<br />The following individuals spoke in favor of this bill.
<br />Mr. Mike Baxter, 1126 W. Washington, South Bend, Indiana, stated that the general
<br />purpose of the Drop-In Center is to provide a place for homeless people to stay during the
<br />daytime and early evening. They plan to be providing some food but do not plan on
<br />starting a soup kitchen. The plan is to provide a place for people to sit and talk, read, and
<br />make phone calls. Eventually the Drop-In Center would provide a place to shower,
<br />launder clothes, and store personal belongings in lockers.It would function as, so to
<br />speak, as a St. Margaret’s House for men, although we would welcome women as well.
<br />The Drop-In Center would complement services provided by other agencies in the area,
<br />not duplicate them. Social Workers in the area shared their beliefs that this project would
<br />fit well into the comprehensive plan for providing services to the poor and homeless and
<br />develop into a part of the Continuum for Care in the City. This Drop-In Center would
<br />draw people who currently spend many hours a day on the streets to a place where they
<br />could be off the streets, especially in the hot summer months and the cold winter months.
<br />The Drop-In Center would be well equipped to handle people who would be served. The
<br />members of the Catholic Worker community and their volunteers will staff it. It will
<br />develop gradually. It will be able to keep foot traffic away from the street due to side
<br />parking lot, a gate that will be placed on the Main Street entrance of that parking lot, and
<br />a fenced in area on the north side of the property. This Drop-In Center would provide
<br />services for homeless people already in the area. It would not attract homeless people
<br />from out of town. This Drop-In Center could also provide people with what they need to
<br />get work, such as a contact telephone number, a place to clean up, and a place to get
<br />clothes for an interview and for work. It could eventually be the site through which
<br />homeless people could make important contacts for getting work. Mr. Baxter stated that
<br />the staff at Catholic Worker House has grown from three to eleven. He noted the original
<br />three were Margie Pfeil, Ben Peters and himself, joining the staff in 2004 were, Geoff
<br />Keating, Ceil McGowan, Michael Griffin, Pat McGowan, Catherine Gehred, Liza Peters,
<br />Liz Fallon, and Brenna Cussen.Mr. Baxter further noted that taxes for this property
<br />would continue to be paid.
<br />Mr. Marcus Wicker, 1126 W. Washington, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has been a
<br />guest at the Drop-In Center for approximately two (2) weeks. Mr. Wicker stated that he
<br />currently undergoing a divorce, which has affected him significantly and was unable to
<br />financially stand on his own alone. The Catholic Worker Drop-In Center has provided a
<br />Christian environment, with caring people who share their spiritual guidance. Mr.
<br />Wicker stated that he is very lucky to be their.
<br />Mr. Renaldo Hernandez, 702 E. South Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has
<br />lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years.Mr. Hernandez advised that the history of
<br />social programs for the disadvantaged and less fortunate often display a negative voice
<br />before these programs are put in place. Mr. Hernandez urged the Council to give the
<br />Catholic Worker Drop-In Center a chance.
<br />Mr. Chris Miller, 1106 Foster, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of the Catholic
<br />Worker Drop-In Center. He stated that as the Associate Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, he
<br />has worked with Catholic Worker for over two (2) years, and has been active with the
<br />Hope Rescue Mission and the Center for the Homeless. The staff at Catholic Worker is
<br />hard working and well disciplined.
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