We know it’s hard. We feel sorry for them, too. But people can’t keep giving money to panhandlers and homeless on the streets. Or they will not go away.
Panhandlers and homeless are a blight on our communities of Marysville and Arlington. Both cities are doing a lot of great things. But the image people have if they are just passing through is not a good one. Seeing panhandlers and homeless all around the towns give locals and visitors a bad impression. That’s not a good thing when both communities are trying to recruit new businesses and quality workers and homeowners.
Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring recently said we have a generous community, and some people stick around to take advantage of that. Yes, they do. Some even come from out-of-town to panhandle.
Police remind us that it is not illegal to panhandle, unless they become aggressive.
Both communities do have many groups and agencies that can help the homeless and panhandlers. We all know more needs to be done, such as getting to the root of the problem of drugs, alcohol, mental illness and lack of affordable housing.
But in the meantime, don’t enable them by giving money.
We are including in this editorial a list put together by Allen Creek Community Church where those in need can get a free meal six days a week, along with places to go for free clothes and groceries.
So, instead of giving a street person money, hand them this list instead. If they want help this will provide it much more than money will. And we all know what the money could be used for instead.
Free Meals
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, lunch 1-2 p.m.: Unitarian Universalist Church, 1607 4th St., 360-659-6621
Tuesdays, Thursdays breakfast 9:30-11 a.m.: Salvation Army, 7227 44th Ave. NE, 360-926-2228
Wednesday dinner 5 p.m.: Salvation Army. Opens at 4 p.m. for coffee. Clothes Closet 4:30-5:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday dinner 5 p.m.: Master’s Feast at World of Life Church, 9028 51st Ave. NE, 360-659-6716
Thursday dinner 6 p.m.: The Table at Reclamation Church, 4501 88th St. NE, 360-659-0445
Sunday dinner 4 p.m.: Reset Feeding Ministry at Reset Church, 1410 8th St., 360-322-7725
Free Clothes
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: Saint Joseph’s House, 1924 4th St., 360-651-8246. 10 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
Tuesdays 5 p.m.: Word of Life Church, 9028 51st Ave. NE, 360-659-6716
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: Kloz 4 Kidz (by appointment only) Marysville United Methodist Church, 5600 64th St. NE,, 360-658-1021.
Free Food
Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays-Saturdays: Marysville Community Food Bank, 4150 88th St. NE, 360-658-1054. 9-11 a.m. Mondays for 62 and older or disabled, and 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9-11 a.m. Fridays for everyone.
Wednesdays and Saturdays: Seeds of Grace Resource Exchange Days Allen Creek Community Church, 7302 44th Ave. NE, Suite B2. 1:30-2 p.m. cookies and coffee social and 2-3 p.m. for 62 and older or disabled on Wednesdays, and 9-10 a.m. Saturdays.
Friday: Jake’s House, 18824 Smokey Point Blvd. #105 in Arlington. 10 a.m.-noon and 7-8 p.m.
Women & Children
Tuesdays: Salvation Army for school-age children, 7227 44th Ave. NE, 360-926-2228
Women at the Well, 1412 8th St., 425-760-6076. Women and children’s day and resource center.
