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Among them were:
- HOPE
- Project Touch
- 211 (which is a resource in itself)
- TIP (Trauma Intervention Programs)
- RTA
- Helping Hands
- Dream Center
- Oak Grove Center
- Women Organizing Women
- EVMWD
- Elks Lodge
- Rotary
- Wildomar Chamber,
- and several local churches including: Gracepoint, Latter Day Saints, Lake Elsinore First Assembly of God, and OakStone Community Church.
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| A panoramic view of the group at the U shaped table made from 6 folding tables 10 mins before the meeting started. |
Earlier in the day I'd asked Mayor Bridgette Moore about the meeting.
The idea of the Summit came about with wanting to learn more about what each church and non-profit is providing for our citizens. By doing this, the City can even better assist our residents. The needs will vary but having the information put into a directory will give us all better access to the resources available.
On the agenda for tonight is "What's Next?" I would like to have this type of gathering 2 times or 4 times a year - if the majority of the attendees tonight feel that is something they want. By meeting again, we will only further the education and support.
The meeting began with the Mayor welcoming the attendees and a giving little background to how it came about.
Earlier in the year, Wildomar Code Enforcement specialist Keith Ross suggested that the Mayor meet with Lakeview Chapel regarding the many things they offer the community.
She met with them in January and thought it would be a good idea to get as many of the local churches and organizations together at one time to discuss ways to help the needy in the area.
The original month for this meeting was going to be April, but the scope grew and the date was postponed until August (it's always difficult to juggle so many different schedules).
The Mayor then introduced the various organizations and each spoke about their roll in the community.
At the halfway point of the two hour meeting, everyone went into groups of 5 or 6 and discussed three topics.
- Panhandling
- Definition of homeless
- How people end up homeless
After about 20 minutes, everyone took their original seats and the three topics were discussed.
A universal view was that you shouldn't give money to panhandlers.
One suggestion, if you're so inclined to give to a person asking for money, was to keep a granola bar and a bottle of water in your car and offer those to the person instead of money.
That along with the contact info for 211, which is basically just a phone number that connects the caller with resources in their area.
The point of the meeting was to gather information to compile a list of the various community resources, and for the local organizations to network and better know each other.
When the group was asked about another meeting, there was enthusiastic support for one, and though the aim is for a quarterly meeting, busy holiday months have to be kept in mind. The next meeting has been scheduled for Monday October 24th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
After the meeting was over I asked Mayor Moore how she thought it went and she said, "Excellent, it was a great turnout, and everyone made great contacts."
My impression was along the same line. I had thought it was going to be a small group, maybe ten people. How nice it was to open the doors to the chamber and see so many people there.
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If the good Lord had intended us to walk, he wouldn't have invented roller skates.
— Willy Wonka, (Gene Wilder) 1933-2016
Wildomar Rap will always love Gene Wilder's portrayal of Willy Wonka. — Willy Wonka, (Gene Wilder) 1933-2016
I am so excited to hear that it was a success! Project Touch recently helped me out with information for a homeless family. So excited for the future of this group.
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