- Field Day |
- Buildings Alive |
- Visions |
- CLGBT |
- Green Community |
- Fun & Free S#!T |
- Crossword |
- CL Space |
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Interview with homeless advocate Rev. Bruce Wright
Posted by Alex Pickett on Wed, Jan 30, 2008 at 8:30 PM
In light of the recent ordinances targeting the homeless, and the waning influence of homeless advocates, I recently interviewed Rev. Bruce Wright of Refuge Ministries. We talked about his 15 years of activism related to homelessness and the present situation in St. Pete.
Wright, 46, could be called the Michael Moore of St. Pete: supporters praise his uncompromising fight for the city’s poor and critics deride him for his leftist rhetoric and “in-your-face“ political stunts. Though Wright still holds a lot of influence in the progressive community, city leaders have been increasingly hostile toward him.
Read the interview after the jump and then check out this week’s Urban Explorer, which examines the push for a homeless-free downtown.
Creative Loafing: Your style of activism hasn’t earned you many friends in the political establishment. How do you accomplish your goals?
Bruce Wright: Well, it puts the issue in people’s face and it give people the chance to think about another aspect of the issue they haven’t thought about before. I think it’s put me in a position where voices that sometimes aren’t heard have the opportunity to get heard. The [Pinellas County] Homeless Coalition and the [Homeless] Leadership Network have made more effort to hear the homeless voice and their issues.
This year the St. Pete City Council has passed more ordinances targeting the homeless than ever before. Is that a reflection on your activism? Have you failed?
No. But some would say so. Some would say, “if only [you] played ball more,†but if people remember the history of it, we [Wright’s coalition of homeless individuals and advocates] did play ball. We negotiated moves of tent cities, and then they slashed them. We shook hands with the mayor on some proposals and they cut us out. So if nothing else, for the most part, we’ve stood by our principles. We’re not perfect, but I think if you don’t have your principles, you don’t have anything. Sometimes you have to take a stance that isn’t popular.
Some people blame you for exasperating exacerbating the homeless problem. Are you?
You can blame the economy for that. You can blame militarism and the war for that. You can blame greed and power for that. You can blame gentrification for that. Yeah, I’ve been at the forefront, among others, of bringing light to the problem in a big way so people can’t avoid it and they have to take a stand.
But everything I study about history, whether it’s the Jim Crow laws in the South, the apartheid of South Africa or the Nuremberg Laws of Germany, tells me if we don’t stand up for the rights of the oppressed, it’s not going to end there.
Those same people would say that you’re exploiting the homeless for your own political ends by criticizing efforts like Pinellas Hope and convincing the homeless to sleep on the steps of City Hall. How do you respond?
I’m not exploiting the homeless, because they’re making their own choices. The homeless community chose to set up on City Hall, for instance. I’ve always involved the homeless in decision-making and, in fact, I look to them as the ones who have informed me, taught me, led me. … There is no exploitation involved. No one has been forced or coerced. The assumption is these are not human beings and they can’t think for themselves.
I’ve never said that Pinellas Hope shouldn’t exist, I merely said nobody should be forced to go there and it should’ve started in St. Petersburg where the greatest need was. And then mid-county and then north county.
How has St. Pete's attitudes toward social issues changed since you began the Refuge in the early 90s?
It’s become more polarized. We definitely have a line drawn in the sand more.
This city has turned into a city of big money, big developers and far-right politics. More than anything, it’s governed by political expediency and money. And because it’s become even more of a metropolitan area, the people who wield the most power in this city are the people with the most money and the most influence.
Every month, the Refuge issues a call for money. Where does this money go?
I get a salary of about $2400-$2600 a month, depending on what comes in. Other than the recovery houses [i.e. Lionheart Residential Recovery], which pay for themselves, the operating budget of the refuge is somewhere between $4,000-$6,000 a month. The majority of the money goes to helping people in need, minimal administrative things like keeping my cell phone, which the office phone; pay for gas for the vehicle I may have at the time, which is used most often to transport people I’m serving to meetings, support services or help; and supporting the minimal opportunity we have to pay their electric bill or water bill that month. But we’re a much smaller operation than people might think.
And truth be told, the stands we take have not made us financially prosperous, which is why we’re struggling every month. We’re a month-to-month, week-to-week operation.
What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
That I’m making money off this. I am, in fact, in debt. Most ministries are, truthfully. Some are in debt because of building projects and selfish ventures. I’m in debt because I probably given more than I should’ve to help people. You know, that’s the one fault I have.
… I’m not getting anything out this, man. I lose sleep. I’m worn out. I’m doing this because I love God, I love people. And I know how much God has given me. I don’t hold myself up as the ultimate role model.
I guess the other misconception is that I’m trying to make a name for myself [laughs]. I guess I am, but it’s not a name that’s making me live any better.
Comments (81)
Showing 1-50 of 81
One thing Bruce is right about in my opinion is there should be city bathrooms that are 24/7. That doesn't give the right to the homeless to pee on storefronts and defecate in alleys. But the city should provide that basic human service.
like
dislike
And yes I know there are many problems associated with such, but I feel the need is worth it.
Hmmmmm,....He says "I get a salary of about $2400-$2600 a month". Well, I've worked 20 years at my job and I don't make that much. Plus I have to pay for my own phone and gas. Not a money maker??? Hmmmmm.
Bruce aka "tent city terrorist"...the only thing we can blame militarism for is the rights it gave this a** monkey to be FREE. Thank God most of us dont abuse that right for our own notoriety. END the ENTITLEMENT...while I am at it that goes for long term welfare too!!! Help those that need help..UP...those that expect help while they lay around on their drunk / drugged lazy rears...well...shove the big foot of the local / federal governement up their a**.. I support the ordinances and those working to enforce them. Uses taxes for those that really need helkp and more would be available cut out those that are ABLE BODIED.
Perhaps the biggest misconception people have is that Reverend Jim Jones(oops i mean Rev. Bruce Wright) believes that Pinellas Hope is a "flawed and disingenuous plan" (quoted from his website at stpeteforpeace.org) or that "Tent Cities" are not the answer . . . but what side of his mouth is speaking from? Go to the following web site for more information on Rev. Bruce Wright's Jonestown (oops I mean proposal for temporary housing). http://www.freewebs.com/forthehomelessbythehomeless/proposalbyfthbth.htm
@ Bill H.: I'm really not sure providing 24/7 bathrooms will stop public pottying. People have to care, and make an effort to use them. Think about how often you see trash laying two feet away from a can. While in London I noticed no free public bathrooms (there were pay loos on the street), and can't say I noticed a lot of public waste lying about. In contrast, the pay loos in France have all gone free and I can't tell you how much human waste I encountered all over while there - and they had 24/7 free access to bathrooms. Think music festival port-o-lets, perhaps it's no wonder why they were going in the streets ...
@Daivid Jenkins: You'll never get all to do it, but I've been to many small town fairs and street festivals and most will use a garbage can if there's one available. I think the same can be said for bathrooms.
While it presumably is "exasperating" dealing with the homeless, I suspect you mean "exacerbating the homeless problem".
I have personally known Mr. Wright for over 20 yrs, and he is exactly what he says. There is no agenda at all except to truly help the homeless and downtrodden and those who are mentally ill and in dire need of support. He is extremely proactive in helping the homeless and getting them svcs. The city is extremely greedy and power hungry money broker rule it. . They want the homeless out of their city so-called to build more condos and have upper class people move in. Point in fact in ever single city in America I've ever been in there are homeless. Its a national problem not just local! It amazes me why the city wont build and staff more shelters and have more services for the homeless in need esp. for children and mothers! We do alot better here in Tampa with our Metropolitan Ministries that's for sure. What's needed is much more SERVICES! MORE BEDS TO start. Temp. cash assistance from welfare to help people get back on feet, faster access to public housing and section 8 not waiting 2-3 damn years! In Atlanta GA, you can get public housing in 2 weeks to a month!Many other cities are like that so their homeless pop. is much lower then ours. So lets give Mr. Wright a break! he is doing what he can to help these people whom we forgot about. Keep up the good work Bruce!
Well i guess i could began at saying, Nice commentary to you all and you all have a right to your opinions. Isn't that just what it is from each individualized worlds? Lets not make our opinionated thoughts turn into a pissing contest . Where is the action, And resolution toward a revolution? At least some of us are not b##ch##g about are state of immediate concerns, And are plainly doing something about it. Oh yeah! The f#ck nuts that chose to follow Jim Jones made it their choice. Based on the teachings of simple American Christianity, The message that is given to us as children from our parents. You can plainly see examples from the previous commentary. Support the concerns, instead of bringing them down, We are still a community in need. Social validity will only destroy our town. Oh yeah! St Pete is a Town not a City. Please understand the potential. Southern men women and children. Segregated thought patterns are common, Unity is effective. Everything for Everyone and Nothing for Ourselves. Every Man, Woman and Child is now my Brother and Sister regardless of appearance.
replica Breguet replica Breitling replica Burberry replica Bvlgari replica Cartier Longines watches replica Louis Vuitton watches replica Maurice Lacroix watches replica
Best service you will receive from us. Replica Cartier Tank Watchesreplica Chopard are popular in markets all over the world.
People usually say :"Seeing is believing." GHD Each attempt has a corresponding gain, in part or obvious, or vague. At least we have the kind of satisfaction After I bought this watch ,in a sense,it means a great deal to me. rolex watches
In French the distinction is expressed by tu for informal address and vous for formal address jewelerysets. In Spanish, tu is informal and listed is formal. The formal address is used with the last name, whereas the informal address frequently is used with the first name.A friendly and considerate tone is important in business communication videophones4men in the United States, but clarity is the overriding goal
The executive stationed in another country no longer need fear being "blog stroy
We'r ed hardy outlet one of the most profession of the coolest and latest ed hardy apparel, such as ed hardy tee ,ed hardy bags, ed hardy bathing suits, ed hardy Polos, ed hardy board shorts ? ed hardy men T-shirt, ed hardy swimwearand more, ed hardy clothing. We offers a wide selection of fashion cheap ed hardyproducts. Welcome to our shop or just enjoy browsing through our stunning collection available wholesale ed hardy in our shop. our goal is to delight you with our distinctive collection of mindful ed hardy products while providing value and excellent service. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction and we offer only 100% satisfacted service and ed hardy products. Please feel free to contact us at any time; we are committed to your 100% customer satisfaction. If you're looking for the best service and best selection, stay right where you are and continue shopping at here is your best online choice for the reasonable prices. So why not buy your ed hardy now, I am sure they we won’t let you down.
Do you konw how to Convert MTS to AVI easily and quickly? here, i would like to recommend you this ultra mts to avi converter, which can convert mts to avi with just a few simple clicks, free download it and have a wonderful try. related product M2TS to AVI for you!
Rolex watch brand, introduces the history Rolex watchesformerly known as W & D. By the Germans and the British Davis Khan omega watchesRolex Swails Randolph in 1905 in Renton partnership. 1908 Wise Randolph
I really thank to one who wrote this article. I have always been reading and writing texts like this in blogs. Also, I, as a daily writer, present my respects to everyone. I just watched videos like this in research in all areas. I think people must first research before writing.
Our shop offers many famousChopard Replica Watches. for example:Chopard Mille Miglia Replica Watches, They are all wrist watches and you can buy one for your father to show your love ,moreover. no one could know it a replica one.
We have been banned and have a considerable amount of money owed to us. http://www.anfworld.com/abercrombie-and-fitch-jeans.html http://www.anfworld.com/ruehl-no-925.html
I am really love your website. It is so great. Welcome to visit our website at anytime!
Very good post. Made me realize I was totally wrong about this issue. I figure that one learns something new everyday. Mrs Right learned her lesson! Nice, informative website by the way.
Top Commenters
