Dear OSC Members,
Yesterday, our pantry manager and I walked by the north side of the church and found a young woman in the bushes against the church wall. She was not responding to our attempts to wake her up but clearly breathing. Many of our staff have been trained in the use of Narcan, but after a primary assessment, it was not a clear case of drug use. With her lack of any movement or responsiveness, we contacted 911. Medics and police came out and were able to rouse the young woman with great effort. To make a long story short, she was a woman without a home who was so exhausted from life on the street that she slept face-pressed in the dirt of our planter bed.
At OSC, we believe there are better ways our city can help our homeless residents. Our Justice Works Team — as a part of our city-wide LiveFree Oceanside campaign Team — attend city meetings and advocate for the just treatment of all citizens. Please see the excellent work shared by the OSC leader of Justice Works, Larry Warner:
"Last week, the OPD (Oceanside Police Department) proposed a change to the City Code that would no longer require OPD officers to notify unhoused persons of the resources that are available to them in Oceanside. We actually have a number of services for the unhoused.
The code originally used the word "shall," which mandates OPD officers to notify the unhoused of these services/resources. The proposed change was to turn the “shall” into a “should,” which would mean the OPD officer no longer had to notify the unhoused person of the resources available in Oceanside.
Three commissioners and LiveFree Oceanside spoke against the change, and the commissioners and the OPD representatives had some good interactions. Finally, the vote was called for, and changing the wording from shall to should was approved by the PFC 5-3 (boo). It was a bit discouraging. After the meeting, a discussion about the implications of this change continued. LiveFree Oceanside members and Commissioner Howard spoke with a Captain and the Assistant Police Chief about their concerns. Today, we found out that the police reversed themselves and will be retaining shall.
WOW! "
When I read Larry’s email, I was immediately reminded of Jesus’ words:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” ~ (Matt 25:35-26)
I am so blessed by the work of volunteers to remind our city officials and city workers that we will continue to, by our faith, advocate for all who call this place home. It is a privilege to pastor a church that prioritizes advocacy for those who are suffering most in our community. Thank you all for your care and compassion for our city.
Jenell Coker
Co-Lead Minister
PS: To get involved with our Justice Works Team, click here.