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REGULAR MEETINGJUNE 27, 2005
<br />Ms. Cheryl Tourlett, 1718 W. Washington, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she is
<br />definitely for the Catholic Worker House. As a former indigent person, she is very
<br />grateful for an agency like Catholic Worker. She is now able to give back to the
<br />community and believes that she owes a deep gratitude to them. At the Drop-In Center,
<br />you are able to gather and sit down for dinner and share conversation with people who
<br />need fellowship and guidance to help get them back on the right track.
<br />Ms. Kathy Schneider, Executive Director, St. Margaret’s House, stated that she recently
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<br />was speaking to a 3 Grade class at St. Joseph Grade School in South Bend and was
<br />asked by a student why there was not a center for men like St. Margaret’s House. Ms.
<br />Schneider stated that with the Catholic Worker Drop-In Center that question could be
<br />easily answered. Ms. Schneider urged the Council for vote in favor of the Catholic
<br />Worker Drop-In Center.
<br />Sean Wendlinder, 1204 Woodward, Executive Director, St. Vincent DePaul, spoke in
<br />favor of the Drop-In Center for the Catholic Worker House. He stated that it is a much-
<br />needed service in the South Bend Community. A place to have food, coffee and
<br />companionship, is the legacy of the Catholic Worker and it is outstanding.
<br />Mr. Wayne Grecco, 1126 W. Washington, South Bend, Indiana, stated that stopping
<br />homelessness seems like an impossible goal. However, with the Catholic Worker Drop-
<br />In Center that goal can be a reality. The facility will allow the homeless to talk with
<br />caring intelligent people who encourage through fellowship to help guide them back on
<br />track.
<br />Ms. Linda Baechle, Executive Director, YWCA, 1102 S. Fellows Street, South Bend,
<br />Indiana, stated that the YWCA has received appropriate referrals from Catholic Worker
<br />House for women fleeing domestic violence, or seeking assistance with chemical
<br />dependency treatment or transitional housing. The YWCA has used the Catholic Worker
<br />House as a resource when women are noncompliant with YWCA programs and need
<br />housing for a short time until they are able to make other living arrangements. The
<br />YWCA has a good working relationship with Catholic Worker House, and sees the
<br />agency as an important resource for their clients.
<br />Mr. Michael Griffin, 1215 Dunham Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has been
<br />affiliated with the Catholic Worker House for one (1) year. They do good work at the
<br />Catholic Worker House and invited everyone to stop in and see for himself or herself.
<br />Sister Suzanne Patterson, Broadway Christian Center, 1412 S. Carroll, South Bend,
<br />Indiana, spoke in favor of the Catholic Worker Drop-In Center. She stated that inspired
<br />by the life and work of its founder, Dorothy Day, the Catholic Worker community in
<br />South Bend strives to translate its faith into action by practicing the corporal and spiritual
<br />works of mercy, as set forth in the teaching of the Catholic Church. She stated that when
<br />you reach out to those in need, when people are given food, a place to shower and
<br />clothing, peace becomes a reality.
<br />Mr. Steve Camilleri, Executive Director, Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan
<br />Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he is in support of the proposed Catholic Worker
<br />Drop-In Center to be located at 744 South Main Street. Over the past year as Executive
<br />Director with the Center for the Homeless, he has become aware of homeless individuals
<br />we want to serve but who are not in a position to receive our services, either because they
<br />do not qualify for our services or are not willing or able t receive them. Oftentimes, this
<br />segment of the homeless population wanders the streets and has nowhere to go during the
<br />day. The drop-in center proposed by the Catholic Worker-offering coffee, snacks,
<br />phones, showers, lockers, and so on would provide a concrete means of helping such
<br />people. The members of the Catholic Worker community have a solid working
<br />relationship with the Center for the Homeless. The Center has made referrals to them on
<br />numerous occasions, and they regularly make referrals to the Center. Mr. Camilleri
<br />attested to several members of the Catholic Worker staff; Mike Baxter, Mike Griffin and
<br />Ben Peters are responsible in their care for others. Mr. Camilleri stated that he looks
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