In the last 24 hours you have rallied together and written some of the most profoundly powerful messages to our mayor and our city council asking how they plan to help their homeless citizens this winter.
You’ve sent them 104 messages so far. In a city with no opposition party I assure you this is uncomfortable for them.
You have spoken from the heart. You are showing that you care about people who are living unsheltered and exposed to the brutal winter conditions of Northeast Ohio.
So far… it’s radio silence from the people we elected. I know they are getting the messages. But they aren’t addressing them in any way, at all. It’s still early. We’ll give them the benefit of the doubt… for a while.
But to not let them sweep your messages under the rug and let them go unacknowledged, I am posting them here with the person’s first name who wrote the message. We cannot allow them to get away with this brutal human rights atrocity.
I’m also going to be sending these to the editor of the Akron Beacon Journal, Doug Livingston from the Beacon and the deputy mayor. (Maybe I’ll send them to some other news sources too.
WE WILL BE HEARD!
Here are the messages we’ve received so far. I’ve filtered out any identifying information other than the first name of the person who wrote the message.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting the homeless citizens of Akron Ohio.
| Name | Leave Mayor Horrigan and City Council A Message About How You Feel About This Dangerous Situation. |
| Sage | This is serious. You shut down a fully functioning day center that served hundred of homeless people in Akron. And now they have nowhere to get out of the elements this year. For the safety of the weakest citizens of your city and for the love of God, please tell us what your plan is this year to take care of your homeless citizens. |
| Cynthia | What is your plan dude? Act like you care for once! You piss me off! I hate akron ohio! |
| SJ | Why can’t you just let 15 Broad St, do what it was doing… no one was being bothered, the tents were well out of the way, and for the most part, out of sight…. You want to complain that they are now forced to live in open public lots….. You cant have it both ways Mr. Mayor. |
| Victoria | Living in the City of Akron use to make me feel proud. Doesn’t seem to make me feel that way so much anymore with the current homeless situation goin on in our City. At least with Broad street there was as place for those who couldn’t get into shelters to go to and now that is shut down as well as the camps that go up. Where do you suggest these people go? There has got to be solutions to this problem we have. And I know that doesn’t happen over night, but what are you and the City working on to make our city safe and safe for those who are homeless and nowhere to go? |
| Caitlin | I am deeply ashamed of Akron and the city council for its treatment of our homeless population. Many Akronites are one missed paycheck or medical bill away from being in the very situation! What is wrong with you, Mayor Horrigan? Is the money you’re getting from gentrifying our city so sweet that you can excuse human suffering? We do not need more luxury condos— we need affordable housing and programming to HELP our homeless population, not shoo them away. |
| Ariel | Mayor Horrigan,
I am worried about homeless people in Akron! What this city is doing (or not doing) right now is NOT WORKING. Please consider solutions that will work for the people who are currently living outside! |
| Linda | Many homeless will die without hot meals and a warm dry place, even if it is just part of the day. That is why the day center was and is so valuable to them. They can eat. Get warm clothes ,sleeping bags and blankets. Mr. Mayor you lead by example and taking care of the poorest of the poor is an excellent opportunity to show the World all people are important.Sincerely Linda |
| DeAnne | I am absolutely disgusted by what is going on with our homeless community. Something must be done to help them. |
| Amy | I would like to know how my tax dollars are going to be used to protect vulnerable houseless people this winter. We have a moral obligation to make sure people are t literally freezing to death in our community. |
| Laurie | Hello, I am wondering what your plan is for keeping homeless people warm and safe this winter. It is tragic that the safety and community of the tent village is not there this year for the PEOPLE that don’t fit in to the shelters. And sad that all the mini camps are being closed down. What will you be doing with the people that can’t just disappear? |
| Zach | Dear Public Servants, What is the plan to keep our homeless citizens safe, warm and alive this winter? The current services cannot service the amount of homeless citizens we have. When the city shut down 15 Broad St, there was never any plan or push from the administration to help not only those homeless folks, but our homeless population in general. I look forward to hearing your plan, and I hope this issue can become a meaningful priority going forward. Thank you for your time. |
| Kathryn | I think it is a disgrace how you have done everything in your power to stop Sage Lewis and others for their quest to help the homeless. Don”t you have a heart? I pray you are never in this situation, because things can change for anyone in a heartbeat. The crime rates will continue to rise. These people are human beings. We the citizens of Akron want to know what your plan is. |
| Brenda | Mayor Horrigan and the City Council
Have we become such an uncivilized Nation that the value of human life means nothing to this office and the people that run Akron? Everyone one has a story no one can judge these people as to why they do not think the way you do or maybe even the way I think! They have their reasons for being homeless and there are many reasons, and even more people out on the streets of Akron looking for shelter. And this can happen to any of us!! You, me, people you or me love. And if it does would you have the same type of attitude toward them? Maybe this fight or crusade has left a bad taste in the mouths of the Politician’s of Akron but don’t let that be the reason we have to bury humans that have froze in the cold climates here in the Winter! If someone is offering solutions please listen to those solutions and work with the people. We all deserve a safe place in life don’t ignore the needy and homeless out on the streets when there are things that can be done to stop this. Thank You Brenda |
| Cathy | I’m very concerned about the lack of safe housing/shelter for the homeless as cold weather approaches. Please consider the needs of others. Thank you. |
| Carol | I once was homeless and lived in a tent behind 15 broad st. Sage gave me a tent and a heater, which saved my life. I am now buying my own home, working a full time job and am a productive member of society. What are you doing to help the homeless of akron achieve this? |
| Sharon | |
| Delaina | Here is what i got to say. Y dont u mayor and coucil commenty go be homeless in the deep cold weather for 72. Hourswalk in our shoes and see what its like to be homeless sleep in tents go with out eating or freezing or try to find a restroom. Because i know u cant or wont. After u do that than really see make ur decision . i believe u just made it worse shutting board steet down . taking away tents.. U all should be more worried about the shoots everyday than worry about a homeless person sleeping somewhere. U might even really solve the issue or better understand or even help out alot more .. So yes Give them somewhere to be warm and help with food and just maybe homeless problem will get better.. They no different than u but less unfortunately in areas…we all going to the same place dirt an dust when we die. Then u be no different..stop making it harder for the homeless and really do something to make it better . so please go be homeless in the cold freezing and be in there shoes until u do . u really dont know what it is like .. Help them LEAVE WARM PLACES OPEN AND GIVE THEM A PLACE LIVE BROAD STREET .. THANK U |
| Shawna | This is disheartening, cruel and unnecessary. I was born and raised in Summit county, and now am currently in Massachusetts an I see he change in the states around us have been more reformed. I’d like you to get off your butt and do something to help these HUMANS. You will have a whole lot of tax payers in an uproar if you continue to make bad decisions such as this. |
| Bernice | It’s so sad that you keep evicting the homeless and tearing down their camps. What do they do now, go to the business’s front door where it may be less windy? Maybe you should try staying outside all night and see how it feels! |
| Rose | I see you are up for re-election. Now since you serve All the People how do you propose to keep the unhoused or homeless people safe? You shut down the day center. The shelters are full and you shut down camps. You hunt them like feral cats. You sir made this problem worse. So since you are vowing to serve all the people how will you start? |
| Sandra | Good afternoon Mayor horrigan. I would like to know how the city plans to help the homeless stay warm in the upcoming winter months?
I pray that you will do the right thing and help the most vulnerable around us. God bless you |
| Eva | You shut down everything that we were doing for the Homeless at 15 Broad Street because you have a vendetta against Sage. You used the old biddies in the apt. next to there to complete your hate. I live in Medina and I went there every Tuesday with homecooked food for them, you took that away from them. What is your plan to feed them? You also took away their showers, toilet, laundry and their tents. Why??? Why do you hate the homeless??? They are human beings. All the talk about helping animals, how about humans??? Do you even know what a human is??? Get off your butts and find them something or leave them alone to camp where they have each, safety in numbers. |
| eva | Stealing from the homeless isn’t nice, you jerk. Acting like you care, well your a hypocrite. Using tax dollars to hire people to go STEAL from the homeless proves what a rotten, hateful, bastard you are. Yes, it is stealing. How do you sleep at night knowing you steal from the homeless that have nothing but the clothes on their backs???? How can you and council allow them to go without??? |
| Kim | This is a inhuman thing to do .Not everyone has become homeless by choice. But these are still human beings that we all need to help |
| Lindsey | Regardless of how people became homeless and your thoughts about them: the bottom line is that people will freeze and die in the cold if nothing is done. These people are humans and citizens and deserve certain rights. If these people freeze… it’s on you as the leader of Akron. These are your people. |
| Gregory | please help the homeless this winter in Akron
I appeal to your humanity and kindness. Greg. |
| Richard | here is a little insite to being homeless and out in the cold it is the most unpleasant feeling in the world what if you had to ender what these people had to for the winter you would be begging just like them so help them they are people too. |
| Jessica | |
| Annie | Dear Mayor and City Council,
It has been absolutely heart breaking to watch the destruction of every service in the community to help these people. Are you so removed from reality that you don’t see how we are all one bad thing away from ending up homeless? Jobless? Forgotten? These people are someone’s daughter, sister, son, brother, aunt, uncle, grandson, granddaughter. |
| Bailey | Services for Akron’s housing challenged population are essential to their livelihood. Without access to the food pantry and a warm place to sleep these citizens are in danger. We can and should do better. |
| Sheila | Shame on all of you!! |
| Heather | If you have any companion at all you will not let the homeless of Akron freeze on YOUR streets. |
| Rochelle | I am very concerned about our vulnerable neighbors who do not have homes and sleep hidden out of site and unprotected. What will you do to help them now that 15 Broad Street can’t offer warmth or showers or laundry? Every single homeless death is on you. |
| Melanie | I don’t understand how you can keep shutting down services to the homeless with Sage Lewis. What is being done to help these people that fall through the cracks |
| Ashley | I think this is rediculous that instead of letting homeless people have a village somewhere they can be safe that you are making them go out into our streets again. Guess no one cares until they are actually homeless themselves. |
| Devon | |
| Lara | |
| Amanda | What will you do to shelter our homeless after shutting down their services last winter? |
| kayla | |
| Lisa | I am seriously concerned about our homeless citizens with the upcoming weather changes. With full shelters and no day centers, where are these people supposed to go to avoid freezing to death? Warming centers are not open/available 24/7. These are our citizens, veterans and neighbors with no resources or access to warmth. I understand the controversy over tents in the city, but why can we not offer a reasonable solution to save lives? |
| Aimee | There is no reason any Ohioan should be without a warm place to stay this winter. What are the city’s plans to help our homeless population? You cannot ignore them anymore. |
| Lynn | Dear Mayor and City of Akron,
The Homeless are people. The Homeless are citizens. The Homeless need help no matter the reason for their situation. What is your plan for helping them this winter? Yes, there is the Haven of Rest. Yes, there are many Churches that offer food and clothing. But, what are you doing? The Homeless Charity at 15 Broad Street treated many Homeless people with dignity. It gave them food, resources, and pride. You have taken this away. Lynn |
| Deborah | How do you plan to supply warmth, food, and shelter to one of the most in-need populations in the city? It is irresponsible and heartless to have denied them these services. They are Akron citizens and deserve to be treated as such. |
| Jill | You are heartless. These are human beings who need help. Shame on you. |
| Brenda | Will these homeless people be able to live with you? How about one of your other ruthless friends. This is is unconscionable what you’re doing to these people! |
| Jen | Shutting down these free simple services that we all take for granted is not helping the homeless by any means. Where are they supposed to wash their clothes, take a shower, catch a break from the cold or get a hot meal? We all know not everyone qualifies for the Haven of rest. There are more homeless people than there are shelter beds available. We as a community need to find a solution to help homeless return to being constructive members of society with stable housing. Casting them off out of the public eye is most definitely NOT the solution. |
| Linda | Mayor Horrigan and city council, we the people would like to know your plans to help the homeless now that they have no place to go for basic needs or help of any kind. We are not talking about dogs or cats here, but human beings that God created and that God himself cares about. This is definitely NOT acceptable to take away a place to be,to take away food, to take away shelter, to take away any way for them to exist and be able to live. Do you in your heart, really want human beings to suffer and die on the streets of Akron? That is exactly what you have set them up to do. When you have your cocktail at night and crawl into your warm bed, in your nice home, I pray the spirit of God will not let a one of you rest until you help our homeless in Akron. He is watching. You will stand before the Living God one day and give an account for every single person you have destroyed, callously and willingly. |
| Barbara | Why can’t you open up a shelter at a church or a heated room at a parking deck? Do something besides nothing |
| Mitchell | Just curious what the plan would be after shutting down broad, and before that, tent city? Seems as though we are just demonizing those trying to help… |
| marcia | Finding a new location and setting up a new camp has to happen within one day otherwise they risk dying from exposure to the elements… it gets brutally cold… . C’mon Mr. Horrigan, Please have a heart to heart talk about the situation and modern ideas of helping the city build tiny house communities, who live as neighbors on their own blocks, having public resources there as well as their block’s community center for cooking / eating, reading doing laundry, getting hot showers… we HAVE TO LIFT UP the poor and give them a forward purpose. … and need you to see this vision…. if some of those3 residents in a village, we are sure there are more houseless people that are on there way here, and adds to our homeless population … i believe it was last week or so, a young mother w/ baby told Sage she was homeless and did know where she could stay. all the shelters were full. WE NEED YOU TO LET ‘THE HOMELESS CHARITY’ fulfill the compassionate work and vision for the future Akron has.. we must make room for some of them. … and each community block of tiny ‘villages … it could be such a plus for the city. ,,,,,,, C’mon Mayor, how about you approve Sage’s non-profit ideas and goals…. he really IS a very smart man… he could do great things if you’ll let him. |
| Cindy | How do you help the homeless this area summit co has none no help everyone outta funds and I’m homeless due to a domestic violence from a krysten holmes 28 yr repeatedly in and outta summit co jail I have a income I just need help with a deposit and I gave up home in new franklin only to move in with my boyfriend’ and he let sat and watched his daughter assault me in front of him after I’d moved in on aug 16 and then she was high on meth and told me I’d had 15 mins to get outta her house so I’d been mentally abused by Rick holmes and had my ass beat by his daughter within one week of moving into his house he locked cabinets up took food outta refrigerator throw me out barberton police was called on me for nothing at all he tryed to get a t.p.o on me filed. Domestic violence charges against me put me though hell that’s not even half I’m still going to court for a small claim these 2 people messed my mind my soul my life up and due to this I’m now homeless sleepin in my jeep with busted out windows they did to me help me I get ssi monthly I cant get no place I’m 59 yr old woman I need help homeless here in akron Ohio cindy tanski 330 601 5417 thank you |
| Lauren | It’s a sad day for the homeless of Akron when the local governing body turns their backs on those that need help the most. Not one person should have to be turned away from a cari g community of people that only want to try and help provide for them through anyway possible. To shut down Sage and the efforts that have tried tried to help in even the smallest of ways is a cold hearted act. No person is except from the possibility of loosing it all through job loss or illness and my hope is that none of your family member have to tell you they can’t make the rent or need assistance of some sort in the years ahead because we see how your hearts truly beat. |
| Angel | There is an undeniable problem with housing security and food security in Akron, and those people in our city effected by that deserve respect, care, and kindness all year round, but especially in the face of dangerous cold weather. I’ve encountered many of Akron’s homeless population, not only on the streets asking for change, but seeking services at Portage Path Behavioral Health or taking their chance at an open mic in Highland Square—and each one is worthy, lovable, and valuable. Life is precious, and our politics must reflect that. So, what are you going to do? |
| Leslie | How does Akron plan to protect the homeless this winter? Especially since 15 Broad Street has been shut down. Can’t you find a bit of funding to help them get up to code so they can reopen? |
| Michael | Why would your administration be against helping the needy? The 15 broad Street center really helps this community. |
| Ann | Ignoring homeless populations during the winter takes your actions from cruel, to malicious. I hope you intend to reinstate all the homeless programs you butchered and give them a space to grow. |
| Shari | Disgusted. Help your fellow Americans! How can you eat a meal knowing someone is outside cold and starving?? Do something positive in this world. It’s your legacy!! |
| Priscilla | Please come up with a plan to help the homeless. Their needs should not be ignored. Many people find themselves in dire circumstances; the cities should have plans in place to help them. |
| Janine | Please open one if the many abandoned and empty buildings and allow the homeless to have shelter. Sage Lewis had sone very useful programs going and all you do is shit them down. Shame on Akron… |
| Loretta | |
| Tabatha | I use to be homeless now I’m married have a job car license. Please help them all homeless are not bad their not doing shootings |
| Dawn | I would like to hear your plan for the shelter and care of homeless peoples in Akron, Ohio. We cannot ignore the basic human needs of families who have lost their homes and linger on subsidized housing lists for years. |
| Barbara | I love living in the city of akron after working here for 20+ years but living elsewhere. I’m generally supportive of all the plans to improve the city even with all the disruption. I voted for Horrigan in the last election but am struggling this year. The way the houseless have been treated in Akron is shameful. It seems like now its personal between the mayor and Sage Lewis. He has undone all of the good PROGRESSIVE work of the Homeless Charity. Where are these people supposed to go? What do you think will happen to them? They’re not just gonna go away. We need services to help ALL of them. Not just the ones that fit the template of the few organizations that are already overwhelmed. What are your plans Mayor Horrigan and members of council? Just more of the same old same old? That is not how a progressive city operates |
| Dusty | We need a solution for these people to get them to a protected shelter. They are human beings. No matter what put them on the streets how can we not offer some where for them to go to get what they need. I understand zoning and ect but we must do something. Please tell us how you are going to assist them with all of the assistance they provided now gone. |
| Rocky | I heard you say at the debate that you’d spent 5 million already to help the homeless. “Listen I threw money at it. I’m done.” I think your blind faith in the COC is misplaced (considering they couldn’t even house everyone in tent city as promised). I am not sure who got the money and for what services,… maybe it is going toward camp sweeps and clean ups? Wherever it went, it didn’t have much of an impact. But no worries, right? You’ll be re-elected anyway. Thankfully the Homeless kids in Akron documentary is coming out soon. Between the films and books and news articles, you’ll always be known as the mayor who hated homeless people, did nothing for the poor, and loved roundabouts, bike lanes and other misguided roadwork projects. Cool legacy. |
| Margaret | Please rise to the challenge and do something to help these people who are not being fully served by the Continuum of Care. Homelessness is not a problem that is going to go away in Akron but the way you and your administration deal with it can and should be honorable and humane. Thank you. |
| Gloria | Would be nice if someplace is open for all of them:) sad to see someone get shut down for just trying to lend a helping hand. |
| Lori | This is horrifying! please help our homeless not harm them. ????❤️❤️❤️❤️ |
| Lillian | Please let us know how you plan to help the homeless this winter since you have closed down all the tent communities. Do people need to freeze to death before you find good solutions to these problems? They are not going to go away. They need our help and we are obligated as a community to work with them and help them. What is your plan? |
| Danielle | You CANNOT solve homelessness by criminalizing it! Homelessness is a complex problem in need of thoughtful solutions. You have the local expertise in Akron via leaders in the social service realm. Partner with them for policy-making instead of turning your backs on your most vulnerable citizens! |
| Maxine | Why were the services shut down to 18 Broad Street? What is the City’s plan for the homeless this winter? How can the city proclaim to welcome all dreams and immigrants when as your back is turned on some of the most vulnerable in our society: those who have mental illness, those who have served our country and now struggle with PTSD, those who struggle with addiction. This is shameful. |
| Geri | I have volunteered at the Homeless Charity and am really taken back that these people have no where to go for a warm meal, a hot cup of coffee or shower. Sage’s building provided so many necessary services for people in need. How could you shut this down with our harsh winters? Where are they supposed to go? Why won’t you do anything to join Sage on his mission to help the homeless? Why do you seem to hate them? It saddens me that more isn’t being done to help them. |
| Carol | There are homeless folks unprotected and unsupported in Akron.Your “contingency plans” from earlier this year have fallen short of providing safe housing for the homeless in our city. Now what are you going to do? Sage Lewis had a plan for giving folks a safe place and support for their human needs. By shutting his camp down you have thrown many folks literally out into the cold without support. What are you going to do now? |
| Colleen | So, what’s your plan? The temperatures are supposed to drop pretty low this winter. Polar vortex cold. You remember how horrible it was to be out in that for even minutes, dont you? Now thi k about what you’re going to be subjecting A LOT of your citizens to. Your CONSTITUENTS, YOUR VOTERS! Some of these people are ill, others are young children, pregnant women, elderly. You WILL be cleaning up frozen bodies, after all is said and done. How could you be so heartless? Mayor, you are IRISH, that means you’re either a Protestant or a Catholic. How can you sit there and claim to be either, when both speak out against what you’re doing and teach you that you should help those in need, and the less fortunate. I know you dont give a crap, in your fancy car, your expensive house and your plush corner office. Now think about those who are out on the streets. How would you feel having to pick up a frozen, lifeless child? How about an expectant mother? A VETERAN, someone who has fought for our country and cant get the help they need, and are FORCED to live on the streets? With all due respect, you are horrible and despicable for what you’re doing, and at the same time instead of helping, making it harder for folks who are out in the cold. Please consider letting Sage reopen the day center and the only place some people had. Or, if you’re going to continue down your war path, against those who already have so little, why dont you start placing them in safety. I know you wont, because you think so little of these folks, and those who help them. Look at what you’re doing to Ryan Scanlon. You took away his children and forced him out of his house. Why? All because he dared help the less fortunate and instead of celebrating him and his willingness to open his heart, and you dont like it? Youd rather see them freeze and starve and clean up the bodies after, instead of care for them now. I did think highly of you until this, some of the counsel members I still do. But you mister mayor, you’ve lost my vote. And those of a lot of people I know. I honestly do not like you, at all.what are you going to do in retaliation, to me? Come to my friend’s house, where I’m renting a room, and force me out too? |
| Katie | I am a social worker, and I have been trying to help a homeless 59 year old woman who is in Akron. She became homeless when her son went off to Kent State to live in the dorms on a full ride due to his academic achievements. When he turned 18, the money she received in social service benefits disappeared. She has significant mental health problems. She slept in the trees between Bob Evans restaurant recently. You must understand that these individuals who are homeless feel just like you and me. They feel the cold. They feel the fear. They feel the exhaustion from hyper vigilance and not feeling safe. They feel the hunger pangs. Everything you would feel if you were faced with their homelessness. Creative and thoughtful leaders can care for ALL. I challenge you to spend time with experts in this field to help develop a plan. Sincerely, Katie |
| Debra | Homelessness is a human right violation, because it is torture. there is no way for a person to manage any area of their life, medically, psychological, physically, financially, socially or emotionally. Homeless are subject to predators and fluctuation of weather and its extremes; to stigmatism, marginalization, legal harassment, to lowest indignities and excessive stress. Are you a dictator of an impoverished third world country? there are people in the community willing to provide help, but you make it even impossible for the good Samaritans to step forward; so what is your plan? Where are the homeless supposed to be. How do they exist? Do you propose pest extermination? These people are citizens of the United Sates. Statistics show that the wealthy live 15 years longer than the poor, ie poverty is a death sentence, ie homelessness is a death sentence. You sentence these people to die without even a tent. that makes you the lowest of low people, if you can even be considered a human being. Your lack of concern and humane action is criminal. |
| David | Where’s the compassion, decency, and desire to look out for our fellow people? To turn your back on our most vulnerable citizens really shows your true colors. If you don’t have a better plan in place for our homeless, you should all be ashamed as you are unfit to lead and influence a city of such culture. |
| Paula | What is the homeless supposed to do when the temperatures are freezing? How are they supposed to stay out of the elements? I worry for them. ALL LIVES MATTER!!!!! |
| Molly | Hello, While on my mind often, the homeless have a special place in my heart as the cold weather draws near. So many in this population are stuck in a cycle where they do not qualify or can not access the services available. I am aware that last year there were services with less restrictions in order to access, but those services/programs have since been sadly shut down. What are your plans to act quickly and make up for this loss the homeless in akron are facing? What level of protection is being offered for their safety from frigid temperatures as well as personal safety? |
| Vicki | The Mayor’s Office and the City Council could honor the pledge made last Winter to find housing for the homeless. Almost a year later nothing has been done except to close down a private day center for them and close down every tent community. NO SHELTER, NO SAFETY, NO HELP for citizens who have nothing and nowhere to go but in the streets! |
| Larry | U Mr.Mayor and City Council members are heartless and need to help these people they are human and their lives matter they are someones loved one what if it was one of yours |
| Judi | Now that the Homeless Village on Broad Street has been shut down, where will these people go for a warm, safe place to sleep; a place to clean their clothes and their bodies; a place they can meet and help each other; receive a warm meal, and be treated as a human? They are not asking a lot. What would it hurt for the City to hire Sage to direct the operation, help finance a new “village”, and get these folks back on their feet. No, I dont want a San Francisco situation in Akron, but unless something is done for these people, YOU Mayor Horrigan, will have their blood on your hands. I realize you are attempting to change the landscape of Akron to introduce new businesses and prosperity to the area, but a good Book I read says we will always have the poor amongst us. While you plan for a good future for the City of Akron, I pray you will search your heart and WORK with the homeless to help them through the winter and into the future. Please do something before it is too late. |
| Lee | These people have little or no resources. Please help them survive the winter. |
| Faith | Do you know how many deaths this is going to bring?? How many people almost freeze to death before they jump off the bridges? How many people die from freezing to death? How will you feel if you drive down the road one cold winter morning and you see dead bodies laying there? Money can come and go any day! Imagine if you didn’t come from money, & you ended up in the streets! And you ended up in the homeless people’s shoes! How does that image make you feel?? I dont like the way your mindset is set up! Its sickening to me. ??? these people were finding hope! & you took it all away! They weren’t harming you! There is homeless people everywhere!! And it just so happens that there is homelessness going on here in Akron too! You are mayor of Akron! & are making our city look bad! EVERYONE DESERVES LOVE, SUPPORT, HOPE, HELP, ECT! I COULD GO ON, BUT IM SURE THE WORDS IM SPEAKING ARENT IN YOUR VOCABULARY. |
| Faith | Yeah it’s me again. I should of spoke on more things. As to why you think it’s okay for the homeless to wear dirty clothes! Have no showers and go hungry!! THEY ARE HUMAN. YOU MUST BE INHUMAN if you think that’s okay!!! |
| Mary | Dear Dan Horrigan, Akron, Ohio Mayor and Akron City Council: It is Wednesday, October 23, 2019. Since the outdoor ttemperature WILL reach 39 degrees Fahrenheit this Friday, you, Akron City Government, closed the only generic, meaning accepting everyone, day center for Akron Homeless at 15 Broad St., Akron, OH 44305, EACH winter Access Incorporated mini shelter and Haven of Rest Shelter are filled to client capacity, since winter weather starts this Friday, what are YOUR, meaning you, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and City Council, plans to prevent the remainder of AKRON’S Homeless living on the street/ in woods, from freezing to death and what are YOUR SPECIFIC PLANS to create an immediate emergency winter weather day center and warming center (nighttime cold weather shelter) for those Akron Homeless who WILL REMAIN stuck in dangerous freezing outdoor temperatures, given limited shelters Akron has do not help every type of person or situation and they fill over capacity each winter? “WARMEST REGARDS”, Mary |
| Melissa | My question is what are you going to do to help the homeles ? I understand that we care over populated but hay these people wernt always homeless we have vets and retired elderly and people who have been abused out there running for some reasons but it doesnt make them bad people in akron we have alot of abandon houses that are just there my question is instead of fighting to keep homeless out why cant you allow them to be screened tested to see what they know about rebuilding things allow people to live in the buildings re build them paint clean up putting walls in every person has a trade in life come on they wernt always homeless why not allow them to use this to learn live and maybe even clean up their lives instead of pushing them further in a hole to suport city pockets teach them let them express them selves to better our cities use these old houses buildings and shelter them give hope where its needed their would be less violance less deaths overdoses and well i myself would rather know where they are then gussing do i have to worry or is it safe to let my kids out to play safe homes it would help alot of people in both ways so instead of shutting them out to die help everyone but thats just my openion |
| James | So my large working family,of 12 children,30 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren would very much like to know what the city of Akron is doing for our homeless this winter. Hope this isn’t too much to ask of someone We voted for. |
| Michael | Homeless folks need a warm, safe place to sleep when the weather gets bad |
| Sandra | I’m not a resident of Akron, I am in Cleveland. But the news that you have absolutely no plan to help the homeless this winter is infuriating. Please, give us an explanation. No one deserves to live outside in this brutal weather. Please, put your pride aside and do something. |
| priscilla | So many people who depended on Sage are now stranded with no hope. Surely there is something the Akron government can do since you are responsible for closing down Sage’s organization. It’s hard to believe your Republican opponent sounds more helpful to the homeless than you do. |
| STACEY | There are so many others things this city needs it amazes me that this is a focus. Other cities have found a way to live with their housing challenged PEOPLE why can’t we find a better way. So many solutions have been tried and they continue to be shut down with no alternatives. What would you do if you were homeless in your city? |
| Sophia | Dear Mayor Horrigan,
The weather is growing colder week by week as October draws to a close. Akron has a large number of citizens who don’t have the luxury of a room with a bed and a roof they can return to at the end of the day. We the people of Northeast Ohio demand that you and your administration prioritize safety of Akron’s unhoused population this winter. The basic function of government is the safety of the citizens. You MUST create a plan to provide emergency food and shelter to the homeless this winter. Sincerely, Sophia |
| Travis | Listen dude, stop with all the high horse crap. I know it’s not a black and white situation, but imagine if it was you on the streets with no resources. You at least have to do something |
| Tammy | Please help those in need especially this winter. |
| Sherri | My God show some compassion. These are human beings not trash. What are they to do ? Shame on all of you ! This totally disgusts & infuriates me! |
| Carole | Now that the shelter at 15 Broadway has been shut down, what about the homeless? By the Grace of God go you or I These people could freeze to DEATH for real. Please help them. Thank you, Carole |
| Wendy | If you are going to create barriers for the people trying to help the homeless, then offer some alternatives or solutions. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Places like Haven of Rest often fill to capacity and need to turn people away. Where are they legally able to go? Where are they legally able to stay? Solve the problem! |
| Marla | Please help the homeless stay warm this winter and to have them some where to go that is save and warm |
| Deanne | “Not in My Backyard” policies don’t work; and they’re inhumane. There’s other ideas that have worked. For example converting dead big box stores/malls into housing or programs such as Housing Works LA. Akron should strive to be a forward thinking innovator. The City should explore new ideas. We should be looking to set the example. Turning your back has not only not stopped the problem, it give the City a bad look. – Signed concerned former resident |
| Rebekah | Mr.Mayor dont you think it’s time to put the big money people aside or put their dollars to use and HELP OUR HOMELESS!?!?! IF YOU DONT WANT THE RESPONSIBILITY AS YOU ARE CONTINUING TO SHOW PLEASE STEP ASIDE AND LET THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW WHAT COMPASSION AND HUMANITY ARE AND LET US HELP HOUSE AND HEAT THE HOMELESS!!! SHAME ON ALL WHO WONT DEVISE A PLAN!!! |
| Mark | I have been ministering to the homeless for the better part of 12 years now. I have a vested interest in what I do. I was once homeless myself. I’ve watched the building of a new Metro busing station. That helped to move along homeless from downtown. I’ve visited tent cities over the years that no longer exist. Sage Lewis had a wonderful outreach and you shut him down. Mayor, out of sight out of mind doesn’t work. You continue to put a band aid on a compound fracture. We are talking about human beings, Mayor. People. People who have the right to pursue comfort and any dream they have for themselves. You help to take that away. I have seen many, MANY success stories, comebacks by those homeless that were given a chance. An outreached hand, a meal, a shower, a haircut, a roof, albeit temporary goes a long way for those who have little or nothing. You can not continue to turn a blind eye to the problem that exists in your city. This is YOUR city mayor. And your lack of community pride and compassion I find reprehensible. Get off the pot. Move and shake. I’ve a feeling that if you put as much or even one half of the energy you put into campaigning for office into helping those less fortunate you could become part of the solution. Right now, you’re part of the problem. |
| Carly | Leaving people to die is not, nor has it ever been, and effective strategy to combat homelessness. The homeless population is a public health crisis waiting to grow by the minute. Spending the money to protect them now means spending significantly less in emergency funds later down the line. Horrible though that for city officials to care I have to put this into a financial arguement, instead of just an argument for basic human rights. Do you job- protect all people. |
| Darryl | The action is a perpetuation of an already grave circumstance. Cease the orchestration of genocidal actions such as terminating and unfunding life-sustaining services provided by The Homeless Charity. Fund the organization and ensure Akron’s homeless can live to strive for a better future. |
I would like to know the answer myself Me. Mayor you gonna let them come stay with you including me in not homeless anymore but who knows what the future holds as for that matter you could be homeless tomorrow yourself then what would you do you need to look at the big picture not just what’s in front of you what would help in the long run you shitting 15 Broad street down was just a portion and look what that’s done now you closing them down wherever they set up camp come on now you ain’t stupid wake up and Snell the coffee duh what part of the situation don’t you get you really have no morals or compassion for anyone but yourself and your rich friends
Since the government;(mayor horrigan),shut us down, at 15 broad street. Things will never be the same. Sage Lewis gave us a unique opportunity to run,secure,and manage our lives thrue a village of homeless and maybe people just down on there luck. They was united and respectful and governed the village with a security and staff,that worked with no pay.(We all felt safe and rarely had any big problems that we couldn’t solve ourselves. It was like a family and for some the only family they have. IT was a stepping stone that got pushed out from under us. Then you take our day center. Now they have no safe landing and there life’s are in danger nightly. Give us one building(since you don’t like tents and we’ll show you greatness. I DARE YOU HORRIGAN!Let’s see what you got sir…
As I read through all these messages to the mayor and city council asking what their plan was, and folks asking the mayor how he would feel freezing and going hungry, and how he would feel seeing frozen dead bodies on the streets——it’s all very clear, he DOESN’T FEEL anything—–he wants them to die, THAT is his plan, and city councils PLAN to rid the city of Akron of the “undesirable homeless”. Are you folks REALLY going to vote him back into office again? Such a parallel to the Hitler regime.
MAYOR horrigan and akron city councial
i have a really good question ?
why is it everytime every year the ciy of akron comes to other campsights that has no problems kept clean do drugs no drinking and its quiet u come in and lye and say that the owners came and spoke to us and said that we was a public nusence and needs to leave asap when they never did in the begining and then have the cops also with them for protection :
they are more campsights that never been hit by the city at all
they always hit the same one every time
they were over 21 sights that i know that got hit
that the city been going and harassing the homless for no reaon at all
what are u going to do about that
what are u going to do about getting into houseing for the peopple for the homless when the shelters are not helping u at all the staff at the shelters are
rude
steal ure person stuff
staff sexual harassing the people there
women staff are rude to clients
when are u going to wake up and smell the coffee and help your citrry out and make it right if u want to be mayor again u need to do something now
please help out otheres mayor horrigan u suck as mayor
More needs to be done to help our homeless citizens in our community. These individuals are human beings, they deserve to have shelter, warmth, and food. Many fear the life in the current Akron shelters due to bullying and theft that occur there. People don’t stop to think about the culture of homelessness and all that it entails for those stuck in thsee circumstances. It’s time to think outside the box and support any organizations who are trying to help these vulnerable individuals survive, not to tear them down. So the question remains…will you show you care and make a plan to start supporting the human needs of these people this winter?
Democrats always always let us down! They say they care for the people, poverty, social needs…. but proven over and over again, just lies!!