The Horizon Club opened last year as a safe haven drop-in center for 25 people at a time. It is open 24/7 except for this one day per month when it is closed for cleaning. Upon meeting my friend outside I asked if he could get me inside so I could see the facility. Several guys were waiting outside for a spot to open up inside. We got buzzed into a small lobby area where 5-6 more people were waiting. He got buzzed into the main space and then he went and checked with the staff to get permission to let me in.
The place has a large room to the left of the front door. Next to the staff desk is two computers connected to the internet - both were in use. There are various chairs, more computers with games and a TV area. Back near the entry are two bathrooms, each with a shower. To the far right is the locker room. A staff person must be present to let someone into that area. Again, the place was at capacity around 3:45pm with another 10 waiting to get in.
So after we filled my trunk with my friends worldly goods I asked if he needed a ride anywhere. He was headed to Centenary Church, down the street between 16th 17th. When I pulled into the parking lot my first thought was just to drop him off and head back home for dinner. But then I thought what better time than the present to expand my understanding of homeless services.
No getting buzzed in here but the guard did us. Last year I spent a Saturday morning with my friend Robert Lipscomb serving breakfast at Christ Church Cathedral at 13th Locust. Centenarys space is substantially bigger, perhaps 10 times as much. I talked to a woman I had met at Lucas Park, she was at a table drawing. My friend and I sat and started chatting. Dinner service was to start at 5pm. About 4:30pm a volunteer began passing out numbers to those that are seated. I didnt take one because it just didnt seem right for me to eat their food.
A few rows over I spotted a guy that looked new. My friend confirmed as much. He was young, maybe early 20s. His white sneakers were still white. He wasnt socializing with others and he had a sorta scared look on his face.
A guy joined us at our table. He looked familiar. He recognized me from the Lucas Park cleanups. Hard to blend in with a shaved head and a bright orange wheelchair I guess. We three talked about the petition circulated by Andy Mortello to shut down Larry Rices New Life Evangelistic Center. Andy is among the group of neighbors that has been working in the park. The new guy, Keith, indicated the guys staying up late and drinking in the park were not guests at Rices NLEC. Makes sense since those staying in the shelter must check-in by 5pm. I explained that I understood that not all homeless are the same. I also had to explain that not all residents were the same we dont all call the police or the health dept about drinking in the park or mass feedings. He had misconceptions about us and lumped us all together as the same. We do the same by lumping all the homeless into one big group. He works but just doesnt make enough to get off the street yet.
We just want to cut down on things like public urination. Sunday I was coming home from the Taste of St Louis event. I was in the wheelchair on Locust at 15th a block from my place. I was in front of the Campbell House Museum. Looking West toward the YMCA I could not believe my eyes - - a buck naked man on the sidewalk in the middle of the day! As a gay man Im not adverse to such a sight but just not on the sidewalk mid-day. The man was changing clothes and I spotted him mid process. It wasnt like he was trying to hide his business.
Back to Centenary.
At 5pm they began calling numbers in groups of 10 to get in line. My friends number was 62. Looked like a good meal, certainly better than a few I had in the hospital earlier this year. I indicated Id have a tough time since Im vegetarian. He said one woman who was often there was a vegan and they usually tried to accommodate her. He had a big slice of ham not my thing. But the potatoes green beans looked good! Hmmm, perhaps I should have taken a number.
I learned that numerous groups, often church groups, help Centenary with the meals which are served during the week (breakfast M-F, lunch M-F, dinner Sunday-Thursday). Last night they served dinner to about 150 individuals. Same is true for the other places that serve hot meals like St Peter Paul in Soulard. I love that people donate their time money to help feed others but it would be great if more of them would work in concert with churches like Centenary or St Peter Paul.
I think one of the problems might be knowing where or how to help. Most people in the region know theyll find homeless at Lucas Park so that is where they come trying to help. The problem with that is the park is my neighborhood park. Food debris attracts rodents. By all means I dont want to discourage those that want to help.
While at Centenary my friend grabbed a resource sheet that is used to help the homeless know where to get a meal, clothes, a bunk for the night and so on. Even though I was in a Methodist Church they were gladly handing out this brochure created by Catholic Charities. Cooperation.
So in that spirit I scanned the brochure for all to view.

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Ferrari thinks that most buyers will go for the seven-speed dual clutch automated manual rather than the conventional six-speed manual transition. With regard to the dual clutch design- it is a combination of seamless acceleration of an automatic with a versatile manual gear from paddles on the steering wheel. A promising 100km/h (62mph) just less than 4 seconds. Much...much quicker than 430. Awesome!

Looking for comfort and speed? The new baby is the right four wheel all might be looking for . If driving in a fast, on road or track, this exactly what they are spotting.


Designed for people who value driving with a combination of comfort and speed. Although the exact price is yet to be revealed, it is crystal clear that it will be close to F430 rather than to 599 GTB and 612. California baby will be costing lower than the F30, for reasons that the former has 460 horsepower and the latter has 460. the top aim of Ferrari is to give a fulfillment on desires which embodies almost everything down to a sporty design and innovation. To be officially unveiled at Paris International car Show, it will be the first debut out in the open.


Why Ferrari? In comparison to some other exotic cars, the baby is easily recognized by an ordinary person even without interest in cars as... expensive, fast and ultimate sports car. Absolutely.. the stunner will make someone mumble... can i have this one.. please............................


Get close to it and check out on the latest car listings and car advertisement, let yourself drool with awe. Let the baby bare the topless breathtaking look.... It is more than looking at a bare breast with eyes wide open.

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Set to share a platform with the next-generation Rabbit and upcoming Scirocco, the New 2010 Volkswagen Beetle Car will once again be styled in California and engineered in Germany, according to our sources. New 2010 Volkswagen Beetle Car, however, is where the similarities will end. Despite its overall success as a revival of the iconic original design, Volkswagen is looking to move away from the "chick car" image of the New Beetle.

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The 2008 Boxster carries on the legacy of Porsche's legendary 550 Spyder and 356 Speedster in a thoroughly modern convertible format that combines day-to-day utility with performance and handling that rival more exotic machinery. Either model, but especially the basic Boxster, provides all the benefits of belonging to one of motoring's more exclusive clubs without paying excessive dues.

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If you are planning to visit any location and are worried about your flight tickets, you need not worry any more. You can go ahead with your loved ones, as there are many cheap airline tickets available that you can avail for the trip. One of the best ways to buy cheap airlines ticket is to visit websites of different airlines and tour agents. You need to know the location of your travel and the price will vary accordingly.
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