People are not poor because they are lazy. I wish it was that easy to explain that people in Waterloo Region go to bed hungry and in inadequate housing. There are many factors that shape the need for affordable housing in our Region. There is a long list of people who need better housing in our area. We live in one of the best areas of the country ( and the world ), and yet people need better places to live, and houses, and apartments that are more affordable in our neighbourhoods.
It is understood that Jesus depended on his community to have a place to sleep. Although, in Mark’s biography of Jesus, it seems to imply that Jesus had a home in Capernaum. At other times, he says that the Son of Man ( that is another name for Jesus ) had no pillow to lay his head. Jesus must have depended on his friends, people from the synagogue , and strangers that he met while travelling for a good place to stay.
I have always had a place to stay. I have never had an inadequate place to stay. I have always been able to afford a place to live. I knew I could depend on family, friends or the church to help me, if I ran into money problems, and could not afford my housing. I never talked to them about it , but it was understood. This is what community is all about.
But, some people who live in our neighbourhoods do not have the same kind of support that I have had . They might be new immigrants. They might have lost their job . They might live far away from family. They might suffer from mental illness.
My dad worked as a milkman for over 25 years. His day included 12 hours on the truck delivering dairy products from house to house. I think he worked very hard, but he was always considered to be poor. He bought his first “new” car when he was about 80. He did not pay off his mortgage until near his retirement. He had good support from family, his church and the community.
So, we in Elmira are the community support for those who need affordable housing. They need us to provide help for them. Near the corner of Arthur and Church Street a new three story building is almost finished. I am so impressed with the Elmira people, who have not said , “ Not in my backyard … NIMBY ) . The people who will be residents there, offer to the community the gifts of friendship and caring as well. The Woolwich community will learn from them what it means to be part of the community.
I will be biking to raise funds for this project . I do not actually raise the money. I am inviting you to be generous towards this project . My biking does not really mean much. But this project will make a difference in the lives of its residents, and it will change all of us. Housing makes all aspects of life better. It keeps kids in school. People eat and sleep better . Make a difference in our community. I am riding for MennoHomes on June 17 at Elmira Mennonite Church. Come out and see us, and GIVE GENEROUSLY.
Fred Redekop
Ponder Anew 