Three questions with ... Brande Ruiz, organizer of a fundraiser for Lawrence Community Shelter
Brande Ruiz, of Grass Valley, Calif., a fan of the show "Supernatural" who is helping organize an online fundraiser that will benefit the Lawrence Community Shelter. The characters from the show are from Lawrence, so that's how they chose the shelter as a beneficiary.
Renee Clark makes a follow-up phone call about a job from the Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th St. Clark says she and her 4-month-old daughter, Tanisha, have been staying at the shelter and the Salvation Army, 946 N.H., for about a month. The shelter is one of two recipients of the first charity campaign of the Internet site Fandom Rocks because of Lawrence's ties to the CW television series "Supernatural."
One of Lawrence's homeless shelters will be getting a little extra funding from people who've likely never even been to Kansas.
Fans of the CW network series "Supernatural," which features a fictional family from Lawrence, are trying to raise $1,000 by Sept. 1 and donate $500 to the Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th St. The other half will benefit the international charity SOS Children's Villages.
"It's not so much that we're in Lawrence. It's that because of the show, by that extension, Lawrence has become important to all of us," said Brande Ruiz, 32, of Grass Valley, Calif., one of three organizers.
It is the first campaign for the fan group Fandom Rocks, at www.fandom-rocks.com. Members have bonded through their fascination with the drama about two brothers who travel and investigate paranormal events to avenge their mother's death. Fans of the show want to use their connections to help charities, as similar online groups have done.
Dana Stodgel, 30, from Illinois, Rebecca Mawhinney, 24, of Canada, and Ruiz researched Lawrence, and fans voted to benefit the shelter because of its mission, Ruiz said.
So far, 25 people from six countries have helped raise a total $400 through a PayPal account. They post screen shots of the account balance online to show it's not a scam, Ruiz said.
Lawrence Community Shelter's board members were notified "out of the blue" and thrilled with the gesture because a $500 donation would fund a month's stay for someone, director Loring Henderson said.
"You'll never know what tips things for someone," he said.
The shelter serves 35 to 50 people during the day and 31 people at night. It operates on a $500,000 annual budget, although $165,000 comes from in-kind services and noncash donations. Revenue sources are donations, city funding and federal grants. It will become a United Way-funded agency in 2008.
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Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
Renee Clark makes a follow-up phone call about a job from the Lawrence Community Shelter....
While the guy lounging behind her has been homeless for over 7 years.
kmat (anonymous) says…
Typical b.s. on here. Hate those in need instead of trying to help. Here's a story telling something good happening, and all you can do is trash it.
How many at that shelter need some mental help? There are many that because of mental conditions that can not easily find a job or do "typical" work. There are some there that do work, but have fallen on hard times and are trying to get back on their feet. I wonder if any there are part of the growing homeless Iraq vet problem.
Don't judge unless you know the stories behind why these people are there seeking help.
Of course, there will always be a few that will take advantage of the system. The majority really need help!!!
Anytime there is anything on this site about the homeless, all you ever see are nasty posts. I wonder how many of you posters actually help the homeless. My guess would be none of you do. Typical selfish Lawrence attitudes.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Ghandi
smitty (anonymous) says…
**Lawrence Community Shelter's board members were notified "out of the blue" and thrilled with the gesture because a $500 donation would fund a month's stay for someone, director Loring Henderson said.**
I have often used the term poverty pimps in reference to this shelter. Above is an excellent example of why. $500 funds one month for one preson. Why does it take that amonut of money considering all are eligible for foods stamps of over $100 per month per person wwwwith no income, all are accessible to HCA or the emergency room, the overhead is stagnant re: rent and most of the utiliies, much food is provided free by many donations and the kitchens not including food stamp benefits, the city grant is funding the social worker outreach for the homeless, bus tickets donated, on and on.
What costs $500 per month. Poverty pimps are paid regardless of their competence.
If some one retires on ssi at 62 and had paid the minimum into the system they are eligible for $5-600 a month. With that mom and pop pay for rent, utilities, groceries, car expenses/transportation, clothing, etc. True this low income is subject to subsidies for rent, food stamps, and liep, commodities, HCA, etc.
Why does it take the poverty pimps more money by far to do what gramps and grammy are doing on the same amount of money?
smitty (anonymous) says…
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Ghandi
That quote is of course taken to heart by all those in the shelter.
The typical Lawrence attitude is why our town is a sh!# magnet for the homeless from across the country and nearby cities /counties.
leadrain (anonymous) says…
Today, I saw a guy panhandling in front of LINK, he was too lazy to make it to Mass. But I bet he could make it to the licqour store.
Ragingbear (anonymous) says…
There are many problems. I am thinking of running for Commissioner come next election. Think about it...
I'm a formerly homeless person in favor of radical reform on the entire homeless issue, am anti-roundabout, a school drop-out, disabled due to mental illness and a normal joe.
Would be better than "I am a corrupt politician.".
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
Do it, Ragingbear!
Edwin (Anonymous) says:
"I will not be giving any money to the united way this year. They fund the places who keep the cycle of poverty going. I will give to whomever I choose, like the animal shelter, or maybe invest in some bus tickets to another county and give them to the shelter."
Why don't you fund the United Way, but designate where you want your money to go? You can choose which programs you find "worthy" of your cash. Don't waste your money on the Humane Society. Humans could benefit more.
Bassetlover (anonymous) says…
Absolutely 100% not true, Hawkperchedattheriver! Every single United Way board member and the campaign chair(s) is a voluntary position for which zero compensation is given. This has always been the policy in Douglas County. The United Way in Douglas County is one of the most noble organizations in our community and is extremely worthy of our support. Too many viable agencies in our county will be forced to close their doors without United Way support. United Way changes lives for the better. Period.
TC (anonymous) says…
Wow, the compassion for your fellow man is heartwarming. It's not that easy for a homeless person to "just go out and get a job". I see many wanting to work but no one wants to give them a hand because they are just "dirty homeless people" or are pigeonholed as some of you are doing and viewed as "lazy" and deserve to be homeless or are homeless because they want to be. Your prejudice in this matter is disgusting. They can't just easily get a decent job because they have no address or contact phone number to put on an application and many places won't hire them because they have no permanent residence.
How about the veterans who have mental/emotional problems from fighting in this war, or past wars? Do they deserve a little help after serving their country and losing limbs or suffering brain injuries or having trouble coping with the trauma of war? Or do you think that while they sacrificed for our country at some point, they haven't really done anything for you lately except for just being a burden on society, so screw 'em.
Do people abuse the system? Sure. Does that mean that the entire system should be scrapped and everyone in it lumped in with those who abuse it? I, personally, don't think so. If my donation can help even one person who truly needs/wants to get back on their feet then I'm happy to do it.
Did you ever think that maybe so many homeless people drink is because they have no hope left and turn to a bottle? Getting a few hand outs and then buying a drink might look a damn sight better than trying to find work/help when there are people like some of you out there ready to spit on them and judge them without knowing or caring how or why they ended up there. Once a person hits that point, then it's hard to pull yourself out of that mindset. Some may indeed be a lost cause in some sense, but that doesn't mean that they should all be written off.
At any rate, I really don't give a damn about the "plight" of the Lawrence residents if this sentiment is indicative of the mindset towards the homeless. Why should anyone have compassion for you when you don't have any for anyone else?