Rob Selkow Reporting
rselkow@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Kenny York of Manna Café Ministries is now ten days into his two-week campaign to raise awareness about the homeless of Montgomery County.
York, founder of the food ministry is trying to gain support for a homeless shelter by putting himself out in public areas frequented by the homeless. It’s his hope that putting a face on homelessness will help in his efforts to open a shelter.
York has been blogging about his life on the street, including sneaking in and out of his camp site, using the Clarksville bus system and of course the reactions from residents as he sets up in very public locations with “Do You Care” written in bold letters on his shirt and a sign that says “Prove It.”
One point York wanted to drive home is what he calls a myth about the homeless. “They do work. The homeless are not lazy, they just have a hard time finding jobs,” he said.
York said his first ten days on the street have taught him to appreciate some of the simple things in life, like feeding birds in his backyard. “That relaxes me and calms me down,” he said.
One challenge for him has been bathing regularly, which is sometimes difficult for the homeless. “It’s a good thing I watch the birds because that’s what I’ve been doing. Taking bird baths,” he joked.
A petition has been circulating on social media asking the public to support the Zoning Variance to allow another homeless shelter to open up in the city. Read the petition here.
Find out more at the Manna Café website, or at ProveItClarksville.com, where York is chronicling his experiences from July 14–28.