Given the current City of Brownsville administration's attitude toward the homeless and panhandlers, it was not really surprising for us to hear that former Good Neighbor Settlement House director Rosalio "Leo" Rosales was out and that rumors persist that the facility may be closed.
Sources at the Settlement House said that Rosales' last day was this past Monday and that his replacement – one Ruth Hunter – had taken over his chores as house director.The Settlement House is virtually the only place where homeless and destitute people can go to get a shower, a new set of used clothes and a meal to stave off hunger. In addition, the House's staff refers the needy to get assistance with utility bills and rent if they quality. Alcohol and substance abuse referrals are also made.
Rosales, for all his peccadilloes, had been a moving force behind the fundraisers to keep the house's finances afloat.
Under Rosales, the House's thrift shop did a brisk business supplementing its funds from sales of donated clothes and home appliances.
Rosales' departure has also triggered rumors that the House was on the city's chopping block. For years, he had been pressuring the city that it needed a bona fide homeless shelter close to the downtown are. At one time, a bond issue was passed that allotted some $161,000 toward that purpose, but nothing ever came out of it.
His plan to make the homeless shelter at the House's current site was shot down because the expense required to make the building compliant with the dicta of the Americans with Disabilities Act made the project prohibitive. Did Rosales push too hard for the Powers That Be to bear?
Until there is some definite word on whether the city plans to shut down the assistance center, the rumors of it closing will persist.
Until then, the center will continue serving meals to the homeless and needy.
The hours for breakfast is from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.; lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and dinner 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Regardless of the outcome, local residents and the homeless and need y will long Rosales' tenure at the House.
10 comments:
The 100,000 plus bond for the shelter was misappropriated by the powers that be in this fair city .
For a long time there had been rumors regarding funding issues at the Good Neighbor and "Leo" Rosales
has been on the chopping block before. He didn't get along well with that gaggle of white women at the United Way so you knew his days were numbered with that gang of haters after you!
The city commission doesnt have money to keep the settlement house open but they do have money to spare on an old ugly shack that belonged to an anglo saxon that lived in Brownsville for a while, was rich, made a fortune with the backs of the mexican american community and our local mayor and commission gives a "crap" about the poor citizens over some rich guy that lived here over a century ago. We ARE REALLY SCREWED with our local government officials.
What I don't understand is the good neighbor has apartments there why don't they ever open then to the homeless that are living out in the street
The City doesn't have any money for poor people yet they fully support the Un-TIED Way and the efforts of the white women there as they skim enough money off the public to support themselves.
They also support the efforts of the white folks (and affiliated coconuts) that run the community development agency...you know the ones that want to homogenize Browntown with their planners from the North.
Doesn't anyone pay attention??
Use the La Casa del Naylon. It is perfect match and be named the Antonio Martinez memorial homeless shelter.
Shit, have Rose Gowen put them all on bicycles.
No offense, but the person who created this article does not have his facts in order. The city does not decide whether to close or keep the good neighbor. The city is not in charge of making those decisions. The rumors about the good neighbor closing are just rumors.
Makes alot of sense
The City has nothing to do with it. It is an outreach of the Methodist church.
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