Agreement allows meals programs at Sunnyside Methodist to continue
By RICHARD KOE
PORTLAND -- A meals plan worked out the past four months by Sunnyside neighborhood leaders and residents and Sunnyside Centenary United Methodist Church got a unanimous approval from the Portland City Council on July 12, climaxing a tumultuous chapter in church-neighborhood relations.
The agreement will be formally adopted by the council on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Representatives from the church and neighborhood association were directed by the council last March to work on an agreement after the council decided following a six-hour hearing that the meals program for the poor and homeless should continue.
The plan, based upon communication and cooperation betwen the church, neighborhood, and police, contains five key elements:
- Early and regular communication between the church and neighborhood leaders so that concerns over potential trouble areas can be addressed quickly.
- A more active and visible police presence.
- Consequences for participants who are abusive or disruptive especiallybecause of alcohol or drug use.
- Feedback from a committee of neighborhood leaders and church officials that will monitor implementation of the management plan.
- Greater emphasis on action to prevent conflicts and problems with the consistent and strong presence of the foot patrol, a group of volunteers who walk the streets near the church during Wednesday night dinners and Friday coffeehouse.
Tom Bradrick, Sunnyside Neigh-borhood Assoication president, said the agreement is an outstanding solution. Pat Schwiebert, who cooks and coordinates the Wednesday and Friday night gatherings at the church, said the new relationship between the church and neighbors, and the trust that is building, will carry the document.
She added that the entire process has forced her to take a leap of faith.
Co-pastor of Sunnyside church, Tim Lewis, is equally pleased with the results, expressing amazement at how far both parties have come in four months.
The neighborhood concerns over the meals date back two years ago when residents living close to the church felt that program was attracting troublemakers. Their concerns led to a January decision that revoked the church’s permit for the meals program. Part of the decision also limited attendance at church services, which gained national attention for a while.
In contrast to the tense meeting in March, the setting earier in July was like a love fest. The Sunnyside meals program is now in its 16th year. |
