The Sheltering Tree

We are big fans of the Rev. Beth Gardner and she is a big supporter of The Sheltering Tree.  Last winter, after moving back from Tucson, we needed to be involved in community activities.  Well, as it often happens, the universe provided me with a connection to the activities of The Flagler County Cold Weather Shelter.   Carla Traiser and Lee Willman were operating a shelter for the homeless at Rev Beth Gardners’ Church – United Methodist Church in Bunnell.  I volunteered to wash dishes.

When the temperature drops below 40 degrees the shelter opens its doors to the homeless, those in transition between jobs and to volunteers that would like to help.  I believe last year the Sheltering Tree served over 600 hot meals and provided to many, cots and blankets.  People also received the comfort of being inside for the evening.  It is hard to imagine not having a home or even a room to call yours.  Imagine not having a pillow.  We do have homelessness in Flagler County and this is a great way to help.

It is important that a community recognizes  the social needs of their community and acts to satisfy those needs in a respectable way.  I have been told that during a recent survey of the homeless in Flagler County, a phone call was placed to the Sheriff’s Department.

When asked how many homeless people were held by the county for the night, the answer was zero, that Flagler County does not have homeless people.  This attitude is a result of ignoring the fact that a county line is not a boundary for homelessness.  Homelessness exists in Flagler County, homelessness exists in the State of Florida and in every state of the union.

When speaking with Doug Baxter, President of the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and a strong supporter of community involvement with homelessness prevention, Mr. Baxter said that many non-supporters of a county wide homeless shelter believe that having a homeless shelter would only act as a magnet to attract homeless people from other counties.  This is an attitude that education can change. Understanding that prevention cost less, benefits all and is the right approach must be expressed by our community leaders. Ignoring homelessness only compounds the problems associated with the prevention.

Volusia county is already acting on a ten year plan to eliminate homelessness in their county.  By address the issues, we too can act now to prevent homelessness before it happens and to assist those that have fallen into it’s domain.  I firmly believe that homelessness is preventable and will one day be totally eliminated.

The Sheltering Tree wants to operate 24/7 in Flagler County. It is just as cold to a person without shelter when the temperature drops to 45 degrees as it is at 40 degrees.  Only hunger is mute to the temperature drop.  Please help me to help make a difference in our community.

Please contact The Sheltering  Tree on how to volunteer or you can make a donation here.

First United Methodist Church
205 North Pine Street, Bunnell
386-437-3258