Vineyard Church's Friday program to feed Ann Arbor's homeless growing, but some question need
Volunteers from the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor visit Liberty Plaza on East Liberty Street every Friday to hand out free food to the needy.
They've been doing it for more than four years, and organizers say the program has grown during that time. But some other community organizations are questioning the need for the program.
For more than four years, a local church has offered free food to the homeless at Liberty Plaza.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
What started as a few volunteers handing out pizza and coffee has grown tremendously to provide meals to some of Ann Arbor’s neediest residents, said Lisa Aunins, co-leader of Vineyard’s homeless ministry. She said the program is simply attempting to help people and raise awareness of the homeless problem.
“We’ve never missed a Friday in four and a half years, and that’s something I’m very proud of,” Aunins said. “Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, people give a lot, but the need is there 365 days a year.”
The program is one of many run by the church to help the homeless and other needy local residents. Volunteers from the church go to Liberty Plaza at the corner of Liberty and Division streets to give away food, donated clothing, tents, sleeping bags and other goods.
But Ellen Schulmeister, executive director of The Shelter Association, said she doesn’t believe it's the best use of resources. She said she's not opposed to the program, but many other places exist in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area for needy people to go if they want help.
“Are they perceiving a need that’s not being filled or doing it to connect with people in a friendly, spiritual way?” she said. “If they’re reaching out because people need help, that’s different than just providing a meal.”
Schulmeister questioned whether the program was designed to meet a specific need or was simply the same as other established programs.
“It’s a duplication of services. The question is, does it make sense?” she said.
Aunins said the main difference between the program and other resources in the community is the church’s Friday program goes out into the community instead of having people come to them.
“Most of the time, they have to go somewhere and we go to them,” she said. “We go downtown to Ann Arbor where we meet them out in their element.”
The trust built up between the needy and the program’s volunteers is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program, Aunins said. She said it can be hard to connect with the homeless due to their unwillingness to trust.
“Trust is a hard thing with people on the street, friends will steal from friends,” she said. “It took them a long time to realize we’re there every week.”
Anyone interested in helping with the program or with questions is encouraged to e-mail Aunins at homelessministries@annarborvineyard.org.
Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com.
Comments
Don Bromley
Thu, Oct 14, 2010 : 2:20 p.m.
My name is Don Bromley, the Executive Pastor at the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor. I also oversee our Homeless Ministries. For the record, I think Ms. Schulmeister's comments haven't been portrayed fairly in this article. I've spoken to her, and she is very supportive of what we're doing. We've partnered with her in the Rotating Shelter program, and have had a good relationship with her. She was simply asking whether there was duplication of services here, and whether there are other ways that our resources could be used more effectively. It's a fair question. She understands very well that what we're trying to do as a church is different than what she's doing at the Shelter Association. Our primary motivation is to build relationships with people in the homeless community by doing a simple food giveaway once a week. We know that this isn't going to solve the issues of homelessness and hunger. We need shelters and organizations like hers that provide help on a daily basis. I think the question she was getting at is, are there other areas that are more under-served than Ann Arbor that perhaps we could also serve? That's something we're looking into.
Brent Williams
Mon, Oct 11, 2010 : 1:06 p.m.
Pretty dismaying to see negative (i.e., non-helpful, negative in tone) reactions to Ellen Schulmeister's comments on the Vineyard Church program. Ms. Schulmeister has a long and remarkable track record of facilitating meaningful services for homeless people, with a clear and consistent community-wide focus. The vast majority of comments posted to date are speculative (negatively), and baseless - free of the burden of actual facts or direct knowledge. Just as easily, positive motivation could be assumed, with a very different, and more productive, dialogue. There is firm basis for Ms. Schulmeister's questions - basic needs assessment is foundational to good social service. However, when good people are in the business of doing good things, like reaching out to meet an apparently obvious need, with immediate and seemingly self-evident benefit, it can be counter-intuitive to ask questions as well, like: Where are the greatest needs for human contact, a friendly face, engagement for substance abuse services, or basic needs among our community members? Since volunteer services are a valued, precious, and limited good, are they being sent to the places where they can do the most good? It is an ongoing challenge to coordinate services among unrelated social service activities. Performing some type of basic needs assessment can seem cold and heartless - quantitative answers to questions whose roots are deeply connected to the human heart and our connectedness as human beings. These types of questions, raised by Ms. Schulmeister, are never the whole picture, just a vital part of it. Above all, it helps no one we snipe at well-intentioned, committed people ultimately working for the good of the community. So stop it.
Speechless
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 6:41 p.m.
The comments from shelter director Ellen Schulmeister, at least as quoted in this article, are disappointing and senseless. In making them, she damages her credibility and hurts the shelter's reputation. Her "duplication of services" argument against the church members' delivery of food at Liberty Plaza is so strange and devoid of logic that I'm not sure what to make of it. Somehow, I doubt that the homeless have been overwhelmed with provision of services. It might help if Schulmeister would post here to clarify her thoughts further. It would certainly seem that the local shelter and the Friday volunteer work at Liberty Plaza are both worthwhile projects deserving of community support.
earthchick
Sat, Oct 9, 2010 : 4:55 p.m.
When every homeless person in Washtenaw County has a place to sleep and every hungry person here has enough food, then I will be more open to the whole "duplication of services" argument. In the meantime, I applaud the Vineyard for their efforts to reach out to those who have fallen through the cracks.
gamebuster
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 9:49 p.m.
I applaud the homeless ministry of Vineyard church. Liberty plaza was the first place where I started to serve the needy people. Do you know that certain people are banned by the shelter? Some are suffering from addiction or had made troubles at the shelter (argument with others or talk back to the staff). Liberty Plaza not only offers food, but also friendships and love. You can see many people chatting, hugging, laughing, praying for each other. As I've been serving there, I know so many people are being stuck in their struggling situation, illness and poverty. Liberty Plaza was the place where I learned that the homeless had slept on chairs at shelter as there were only 60 beds. Luckily, the city listened to our comments and replaced chairs with cots since Dec 1, 2009. From now on, we don't need to worry "Duplicating services" as the new proposal "Coordinated Funding" will be voted at City Council, County..at early Nov. If the proposal is accepted, all the Human Services Funding will go to one or two big non-profits "United Way" & "AA Community Foundation". If you'd like to know more. check annarborchronicle.com search "Coordinated Funding", read all the comments, you might feel sad as there might be big changes in funding, more and more people will go to Liberty Plaza.
stelmo
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 7:58 p.m.
Ellen may have been misquoted, or at least had her thoughts taken out of context. Reporters need to have a second opinion for a "balanced" story, and Ellen's was it. The story makes Ms. Schulmeister sound like an antagonist, but she's barely given fifty words to make her case. Point being: I don't do my part when it comes to taking care of my neighbor. Both Ms. Schulmeister and the Vineyard (and others belonging to various churches and organizations) are doing something beautiful. For those who feel uncomfortable with being asked for money, I can empathize. However, one must recognize that along with a need for sustenance also comes a need for the recognition of one's humanity. That is the major contribution of the church. Thank God for our humanity, and thank God for those who recognize the humanity of others, whether part of the public or private sectors. Thank you Ms. Schulmeister and thank you Vineyard for your significant contributions to this community.
wiley
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 3:07 p.m.
I am one of the people who go out to Liberty Plaza regularly. We go out there to visit our friends and if we happen to bring along food to share with them, then that is an extra bonus for them. In the beginning, we brought food because we knew we could gain their trust and friendship. Over the past couple of years, our group has been blessed with lots of extra food and clothes. We in turn share it with our friends who are on the street. We have made many lasting relationships and have given a lot of people someone to talk to and to laugh and cry with. We have helped others find housing, doctors and yes, sometimes church. Sure we could just pass out food and clothing, but that would be the exact thing that the formal organizations do. When we go out to the streets, we give our friends just that. Friendship. We tell them they are not just another homeless person. We tell them that they are a person, with friends.
Atticus F.
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 2:43 p.m.
jay thomas, also, the homeless are entitled to use that park. If you don't like that, maybe YOU should find somewhere else to go. And to 'long time no see', I think it's upsetting to think that she is willing to take food, sleeping bags, and tents away from people in critical need under the guise of being more efficient. I might be a little bit more accepting of her views if the Delonis center didn't have such strict guidlines for who recieves benefits. Sounds more like a money grab at the expense of some of our most vulnerable people.
RuralMom
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 2:17 p.m.
@ Jay Thomas, this has been going on for YEARS, 20+ that I am aware of. This isn't a new issue, its just newly brought up and being argued about.
Jay Thomas
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 2:10 p.m.
When did the people of Ann Arbor decide that Liberty Plaza should be dedicated to the homeless? If you keep feeding them there it will only encourage more of them to congregate there. Ellen Schulmeister, a professional in this area, is correct; the knee-jerk pathos of her critics notwithstanding.
Long Time No See
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 12:43 p.m.
Wow... the hate for Ellen Schulmeister seems kind of extreme here. What's wrong with looking into whether efforts to help people could be more efficient in order to do the most with the limited resources that are available? Do you all know her and dislike her for personal reasons?
concerned
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.
dear ellen schulmeister do u feel your job being threaten by one group of concerned people if so u must be quite shallow or you know that you are not doing the job you were given,
concerned
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 9:32 a.m.
homeless people:the main part is people its seems that when you get on the streets the powers that be forget they are dealing with people with feelings and issues that got the better of them.and the city council prey's on that fact and use it to their advantage to put in place laws that work against the homeless people in their city.but the real shame of the issue is that the public does not realize that the city council is not working for all but working to move out the homeless and the services that work with the homeless people,and the city is getting away with it because there is no one on the city council that cares about the homeless issue and for that fact the homeless are like leaf's in the wind..what is freedom today is it for the working class or is it freedom for all,and as long as the powers to be will have it the homeless class will not get a fair deal,but if the spotlight shone on the city council they would say that they are doing this in the best interest of the city,but if the truth be known how many people would stand for the way the homeless are being handled not many would stand for it.but the city council and the powers to be will not let the homeless come to light.for if they did they would have to face their wrongs but as long as they can keep the public blind to the homeless issue they can railroad the homeless right out of town,But the big shock is that you who read this will someday day may face being homeless too,,,
Quercus Alba
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 9:22 a.m.
"So often the homelass are looked right through as if they were ghosts. How nice for them to be remembered, called by name and treated with dignity, respect and kindness." Yes. The Vineyard people are beautifully following Jesus' example. As for Ms. Schulmeister, it sounds like she feels threatened by these people and their work. Why should she mind?
Janetplanet
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 8:51 a.m.
I know some of the dedicated and sincere people who go on Fridays to serve the food etc. It is not some grim distribution for "the needy" but rather they see it as meeting up with friends for a party of sorts. Almost like a happy hour without the booze. Instead of treating the homeless who attend like clients they treat them as friends, and indeed many genuine friendships between the groups have been formed. So often the homelass are looked right through as if they were ghosts. How nice for them to be remembered, called by name and treated with dignity, respect and kindness. I encourage anyone who is in the area on Friday evenings take a gander. I think you will be inspired by what you see.
Brad
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.
That last thing we'd want is any duplicate feeding.
RuralMom
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 8:41 a.m.
The Homeless hanging out in Liberty Plaza is nothing new, this has been going on for at minimum 20 yrs (and I would bet much longer) along with musicians, students, etc. Simply put human compassion can never be redundant.
Killroy
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 8:33 a.m.
I think none of us want to jeopardize the good work being done by the Vineyard Church. However, Liberty Plaza on East Liberty Street has become the unofficial resting spot for the homeless and I wouldn't mind it so much if it didn't also bring its fair share of troubles, including aggressive panhandling, open intoxication, and a misuse of a VERY public park! If the Vineyard Church would perhaps team up with St. Andrews (on Division) that might be the best possible solution in safeguarding ordinary citizens from being harassed and assisting the folks who need it most in getting food and shelter? As for Schulmeister, clearly she doesn't "Get it".
babarossa
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 8:32 a.m.
Ellen Schulmeister the answer is YES! It does make sense. Why question people who are trying to do good and be compassionate for the less fortunate in our community. It sounds like a thinly veiled attack on the Vineyard. Maybe we should take a closer look at where all the taxpayer funding for the Delonis center is really going?
Atticus F.
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 8:09 a.m.
"A person gives... Another receives... Who is more humbled? Who is more honorable? Who is the true gift recipient?" "When we share with each other a puzzling and dynamic situation occurs... The giver receives... The receiver gives " That was really nice A2grateful. Very inspiring also.
Brad
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 8:05 a.m.
So why was Ellen Schulmeister even interviewed for this "article"? Is she Queen Of Homelessness or something? She sure sounds like she thinks she is.
Atticus F.
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 8 a.m.
I'm sickened by what Ellen Schulmeister said. Alot of theses people are suffering from addiction, and are not allowed at the Delonis Center. Would she have these people freeze to death without a sleeping bag, Or die of starvation, because they can't get sober? Just because someone is a terrible non-functioning alcoholic, doesn't mean they deserve to die in the woods, or in a back alley from frost bite. At least not in my opinion. I'm also concerned how someone with seemingly little compassion for a group of people who are hungry, can somehow be director of a homeless center. She should resign.
RuralMom
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 7:29 a.m.
Apparently the NEED is there otherwise there would be no one to feed!
a2doc
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 7:15 a.m.
Ellen Schulmeister, executive director of The Shelter Association, said she "doesnt believe it's the best use of resources". Wow. Would she prefer the Vineyard Church to write her a check so she can spend some time "coordinating" this effort - in the most appropriate way (in her opinion). This is effort, time and money given freely by a church that has care for people in need at the core of its ethos. This is not tax payers money or federal grants, it is extra to all that. When there are no homeless, or needy in our communities I agree that they should consider racking back - but surely every bit of human compassion helps in these difficult times. http://www.annarborvineyard.org/ministries/justice-a-compassion/homeless-ministries
a2grateful
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:52 a.m.
One possible issue here may be that there is a lack of communication and understanding between important caregivers and providers... For example, is there an equivalent of Interfaith Hospitality Network for food provision networks? Maybe the best thing that comes from discussion of these issues is that providers get together to form an alliance that strengthens their effectiveness and outreach... Thanks to those at the Shelter Association, Vineyard Church, and others providing similar services!
glennsha
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:47 a.m.
William Booth founder of the Salvation Army's motto was SOAP, SOUP AND SALVATION, Kudos to the Vineyard Church for providing the soup and Spiritual encouragement to those in need. Thank you for stepping unto the frontlines despite those who want to politically step where they don't belong.Please stay in your offices of the Delonis center and make your statements and see how much the public continues to support you financially.
tdw
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:40 a.m.
Fact is that anytime a Christian church or Chistian orginazation does anything no matter how good some people want to question it. ( sorry about poor spelling )
a2grateful
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:37 a.m.
Having served in numerous kitchens and shelters, I'll say that there is a "duplicated" activity: A person gives... Another receives... Who is more humbled? Who is more honorable? Who is the true gift recipient? When we share with each other a puzzling and dynamic situation occurs... The giver receives... The receiver gives... It makes little sense until you experience the activity. Bottom line? Go to any of the benevolent venues that fit you, and lend a hand to someone that needs it!
flightmom
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:17 a.m.
I'm at a loss to understand what Ellwn Schulmeister's issue is with ANY program that helps the homeless! With so many in need now days, every meal, every bit of help is a blessing! Is she worried that funds will be given to this group rather than hers? I find "spiritual one-up-manship" so counter productive. If I had the resources, I'D stand on the street corner and hand out blankets and food! Don't worry, Ms. Schulmeister! There's enough homeless to go around to all the facilities, and then more.
a2grateful
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:16 a.m.
The shelter association benefits those who meet the all their requirements, rules, and regulations. Kudos for that, and those who benefit. Many of the people at Liberty Square can't get into Delonis Center, and if they do, they don't stay long. Does "duplication of service" really mean, "You're treading on my highly funded monopoly... What you do is outside our model, so it's not good or needed."
sbbuilder
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:13 a.m.
Alan You're right on the money again. Perhaps a better use of the 200K being spent ont the shelter would be to give it to groups like the Vineyard. I think they would be far better stewards of those resources. Food, clothing, shelter. Those were the three primary needs people have, or so I was taught growing up. Not solar panels and back up generators.
joe s
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:09 a.m.
Feeding at the Shelter does not Raise awarness the way it does at Liberty Plaza.Since there are no health codes/laws being broken,it is a little SAD to question motive or put negative spin on the Church for providing alternative food source.Probably a good idea to find something else to talk about-Unless of course you want to help
Chip Reed
Fri, Oct 8, 2010 : 6:07 a.m.
hey, it's the "official" park for homeless people. Ms. Schulmeister does sound a little like Mother Theresa' notorious dark side. "you may do good works, but on my turf, you'll do them as I direct".