Local Officials Should Welcome Dwight’s House With Open Arms

Re “Shelter With Open Arms Faces City With Firm Hand,” Nov. 27:

After reading the article about Dwight’s House, the Catholic Worker shelter in Santa Ana that may soon be shut down, my daughter and I were motivated to help out in our own small way. We cleaned out our closets and delivered a load of clothing to the shelter operated by Dwight and Leia Smith. On our brief visit, we got a glimpse of how the Smiths and the other volunteers assist the adults and families who have fallen through the cracks into homelessness.

Undeniably, the shelter, which is overcrowded and operates without the city’s official blessing, has become a controversial refuge for homeless adults and families in distress.

However, there is also an undeniable need for the services that the Catholic Worker shelter provides. On our visit, my daughter and I saw homeless adults of all descriptions as well as entire families with babies and children sleeping on makeshift beds. These people need someplace to go.

Thank God that the Smiths and their volunteers have the faith and courage to back up their convictions. They are doing a commendable job meeting the challenge of sheltering and feeding the most needy in our society.

We saw volunteers organizing donations, preparing healthy meals and keeping the home clean, safe and orderly. Such strength and compassion is unusual in a county that wants the homeless to magically disappear.

By making a small donation of used clothing, my daughter and I were richly rewarded. We felt a renewed sense of hope and faith in humankind when we saw firsthand the kindness and determination of Dwight and Leia Smith and their volunteers.

It will be a tremendous loss if the “Shelter With Open Arms” is forced to shut down next month.

Julie Alexander

Santa Ana

*

The Smiths should be receiving praise and assistance from the city and county to help them and the people who call Santa Ana home.

Dan Heredia

Dana Point