WS Chronicle

The homeless is coming to the minds of many now that the weather is getting colder. Several nonprofits provide for the homeless year-round in shelters but they do not serve many homeless people. Those people are on the streets of Winston-Salem without basic necessities such as blankets, gloves and knit caps to keep them warm.

The Winston-Salem Police Department has launched its second campaign to gather gently used or new blankets, gloves and knit caps to help the homeless this winter. During last year’s inaugural blanket drive, almost 1,500 blankets were donated and distributed, said Cpl. Joshua Henry in a statement. “Last year’s drive was so successful that this year we are requesting knit caps and gloves, too.”

The Bike Patrol initiated the blanket drive last year to assist homeless people who, for various reasons, cannot stay at a shelter. “On cold nights they come by our office and ask for blankets,” Henry said. “Thanks to the generosity of our citizens, we were able to help them last year. We hope to be able to do so again this year.”

This is a noble gesture by the Police Department. However, why didn’t the department buy the blankets instead of ask residents to provide the blankets? It’s not clear why the police department has joined the ranks of nonprofits that ask the public to help needy people. Is there not a section of the city budget to help needy people such as the homeless? Do the residents who donate get a write-off for their donations?

Police officers are helping the homeless find warm places to stay. But is anyone helping them find food, or better yet, jobs? Are other city departments helping the homeless in other ways?

The police who help the homeless are being paid by taxes paid by Winston-Salem residents. Then the residents are being asked to pay something to provide homeless people with blankets, gloves and knit caps, whether they are paying to have the gently used items they donate cleaned or are paying for new ones. Nonprofits also are asking residents to help needy people all over the city. What are city officials doing?

Some city officials were complaining about homeless people who live in The Salvation Army’s shelter. The nonprofit wanted to move the shelter across town to a better facility. City officials were some of the NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) who yelled, “We don’t want them around us!” Yet, where are the homeless who are getting the blankets living? Could be in their backyards, after all.

Where is the united front from the city with concern for the homeless and other needy people?

It appears some matters have been left to residents to handle. If that’s the case, why do we need city officials? All Winston-Salem City Council members will be up for re-election next year. The primary elections will be in March. Voters need to start grading the officials now to determine whether they should get new terms or be left out in the cold next year.