Comments of Arlington Green Party candidate for county board Audrey Clement before the Arlington County Board, Sept. 17, 2011, on behalf of John Reeder, chair, Arlington Greens

Homeless During a Hurricane
On the Friday afternoon before Hurricane Irene, my daughter encountered a homeless man in a wheelchair outside the Ballston Metro station and asked him where he was going to spend the storm. He said he didn’t know. When I picked her up, she asked me for the location of the Arlington homeless shelter. I knew the ASPAN winter shelter was closed, but tried to dial its number only to learn there is no listing for ASPAN or an emergency shelter. I told the homeless person to call the Arlington police and hope that he ultimately found shelter.

Later the compassionate minister Reverend Cobb of the Arlington Central United Methodist Church opened the church community hall to shelter 51 homeless persons during the hurricane with help from ASPAN. Arlington Sheriff Beth Arthur opened the lobby of the jail to house about 5 persons that weekend, but not too many homeless people go voluntarily to jail.

Is this the best Arlington County can do to shelter homeless people who live on our streets April through October? Is this “the Arlington Way” that promotes itself as a “world class community?” You, the County Board, have been shamefully negligent in failing to fund and authorize the operation of a year round low-barrier shelter for homeless persons. It is immoral, illogical, cruel, and ultimately more costly than having a professional year round shelter.

Arlington needs a year round homeless shelter so that whenever a weather emergency occurs at anytime of the year-a hurricane in August or a snowstorm in February—these poor souls have a place to go. Moreover, with a year-round shelter, Arlington residents will be able to direct the homeless to a place where they will receive shelter, counseling, and a hot meal.

I applaud Pastor Cobb and Beth Arthur for their last minute actions. But these would have been unneeded if you had not turned your backs on the homeless living on our streets.

Green Party candidate for County Board Audrey Clement will be the featured speaker at a discussion of solar options for Arlington County. Other Speakers will discuss and share information on the upcoming Solar Decathlon, a biennial event on the National Mall featuring model solar homes constructed by college students, and other solar energy options that could be used in Arlington. Students from Arlington and surrounding areas are encouraged to attend.

Complementary wine and cheese, and tea and cookies (for those under 21) will be provided.

Time Tuesday, September 20 · 8:00pm - 11:00pm

Location: Freddie’s Beach Bar, 555 23rd St. S., Arlington, VA

More Info Join AGLA (Arlington Gay Lesbian Alliance), the Arlington Democrats and the Arlington Greens in a celebration of this truly nonpartisan victory!

The repeal of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy goes into effect on Sept. 20th, so come on out to Freddie’s Beach Bar in Crystal City and show your pride!

This event is FREE! The closest Metro is Crystal City and there is street parking available.

Arlington and U.S. Greens support all military and all people, no matter their sexual identity, to serve their country, and are proud to co-sponsor this celebration of the end of DADT.