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REGULAR MEETINGNOVEMBER 14, 2005
<br />each rezoning is critiqued on an individual basis and allowing this rezoning is not setting
<br />a precedent.
<br />Jim (a recovering alcoholic/drug addict) no address given, stated that he has been clean
<br />and sober for 20 months. He stated that there are no promises or guarantees in life,
<br />however, with people like the Catholic Worker Home, there is hope to be able to change
<br />your life around. He urged the Council to consider favorable the rezoning for the
<br />Catholic Worker Home.
<br />Ms. Naomi Vandevoor, 1244 Eclipse Place, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she and her
<br />children have gone to the Catholic Worker Home for supper. Ms. Vandevoor stated that
<br />she works three part-time jobs to raise her children and provide a place for them to live.
<br />Sometimes there is not enough money to cook a meal, and she relies on the Catholic
<br />Worker Home for a meal for her children. She stated that the staff at the Catholic Worker
<br />Home are kind, caring and intelligent people, who truly care about each and everyone
<br />who walks through their door. She asked for the Council favorable consideration of this
<br />bill.
<br />Ms. Brigitte Smith, 1121 W. Jefferson, South Bend, Indiana, stated that as a mother of 2
<br />small children she strongly supports the Catholic Worker Home. The home is located
<br />directly in her backyard. So, yes in her backyard. The Catholic Worker Homes teaches
<br />values in a community who strives for a place for everyone to belong. The Catholic
<br />Worker Home brings stability and a safe environment to all the neighbors.
<br />Ms. Samantha Lema, 1130 W. Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she
<br />had lived in the Catholic Worker Home for a while. She was born in Mishawaka and
<br />moved away. She came back to the Michiana area to care for her elderly grandfather,
<br />Triphon Lema, who was a former Mishawaka City Council Member. Ms. Lema stated
<br />that when it came time to put her grandfather in a nursing home, the family home had to
<br />be sold for Medicare reasons. She found herself homeless and struggling when she was
<br />introduced to the Catholic Worker. They provide so much more than just a place to
<br />sleep. The staff is knowledgeable is helping to find resources to get back on your feet
<br />and are just the kind of people you need to be around when things look their worst. Ms.
<br />Lema strongly urged the favorable consideration of the rezoning.
<br />Ms. Mian Matee, 716 Coronation Gardens, South Bend, Indiana, stated that she struggled
<br />with the idea of speaking tonight. She stated that she does not live in the West
<br />Washington Street area, however, she believes that if a topic that you strongly believe in
<br />is so dear to your heart, you must stand up for what you believe is right. The Catholic
<br />Worker Home is an asset to the neighborhood. There is someone at the home most all the
<br />time. This helps control unwanted activity in the neighborhood. She urged the Council’s
<br />favorable consideration.
<br />Mr. Todd Witmore, 1101 Riverside Drive, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has taken
<br />his family to the Catholic Worker Home. The Catholic Worker Home is great place to
<br />have a nice meal and converse with staff and guests who have such wonderful stories to
<br />tell. Mr. Witmore stated that lessons can be learned and taught to his children about
<br />caring for other human beings. Mr. Witmore offered that if this issue fails tonight, please
<br />come to his backyard, he would love to have them.
<br />Mr. Aaron Vandevoor, 1244 Eclipse Place, South Bend, Indiana, stated that he has gone
<br />to the Catholic Worker Home with his mother for dinner and to play basketball and to
<br />have conversation with the guests and staff. He stated that the CWH is a great place for
<br />him and his siblings to go to when his mother is working late at one of her 3 jobs. Mr.
<br />Vandevoor stated that if the Catholic Worker Home is forced to close, he worries about
<br />where people who are down on their luck will go. The shelters in town are so crowded,
<br />especially when the weather gets cold. He urged the Council to favorable consider the
<br />rezoning to allow the Catholic Worker Home to continue their service.
<br />James Bilek, 54368 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill.
<br />Mr. Bilek stated that he is the son of a Doctor in town, and he has grown up all his life
<br />watching his parents care for other people. He stated that it takes special people to give
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