Poetry Draws Attention at Budget Hearing

Homeless Helping Homeless urged the County Commission at last week’s budget hearing to protect money for homeless programs. The group wrote a poem to express its concerns:

From Homeless Helping Homeless
We thank you for all you’ve done
With the monies you have given
A few of our wars are won.
We pray you protect the funding
Of those of us in need
And continue to support the agencies
Sowing important seeds.

The poem drew laughter and praise from those in the hearing. In fact, the group picked up a mention in the Charlotte Observer’s coverage the next day:

The hearing lasted more than three hours, though it ended about 90 minutes sooner than county staff had predicted. Some speakers were straight and to the point. A few, like the group Homeless Helping Homeless, recited poetry. One of the group's members also drew a few laughs when she asked commissioners whether there was a secret bank account the county could use to help with the budget.
-From “Don't deepen cuts, speakers urge” from Friday, May 29th in the Charlotte Observer. (For the complete article: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/141/story/751569.html)

HHH member Robert Munn comments, “I think it made a positive impact on the commissioners.” He notes how the Commissioners remained seated and attentive during the presentation, which seems to be rare in such meetings.

To see the HHH presentation, go to: http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/BOCC/Meetings/View.htm
Click on the May 28th meeting and fast forward to 1:44.