For those of you who were in chat yesterday, I didn't go to jail. The police weren't interested in us today. They seem more concerned when we share food in the other park.

For those of you who weren't in chat yesterday, the City of Orlando passed an ordinance last July that makes it illegal to feed large groups of people in public places. Some of us have formed a group to overturn the ordinance and to support those who are determined to continue feeding homeless and hungry people. We've been sharing food at least weekly even after the ordinance was passed. There are always several police watching us, they've started to harass us, including giving some parking tickets (while not parked illegally). Last week, one of our group was arrested. The city is getting lots of bad press for this but there remains the danger of being arrested -- for feeding hungry people.

Thanks to the chat group yesterday for positive thoughts and energy. No one was arrested. The weather was good. We fed about 35 hungry people.

Wonderful, Cris. We will try to keep you and your group in a "safety bubble". Keep up the good work.

Love and Light,
Winder

Yes, What she said!

You and your group are a true inspiration. This is what LOVE is all about. May God's love continue to surround you......... calling all guides and angels to your aide!! Let your love spread and the understanding of true selflessness multiply around the globe. You are making a difference!!! Mitakuye Oyasin (we are all one). A-ho!!

Hi Cris
Wonderful! Keep up the great work! One can feed the birds but not the people??
I'm a new member. PS how does one get into chat?
Cheers! Nat

Its a safe bet that who passed this ordinance is overfed.
If politicians start working genuinely on bringing justice in the world instead of getting mega-rich there would be no hungry people becouse there is abundance for all.
In the mean time, they have to be fed by courageous people like you.

Thanks for your support and compliments. I'm not really all that brave. I have a big mouth now I'm having to back it up. Thankfully, I work for an organization that would support me being out of work for a few days while in jail for this reason.

Tonight after we'd served food in the park, one of our regulars began having chest pains. He's been in the hospital at least 9 times since November with seizures and recently heart trouble. He was horsing around with his (grown) children when he began to grimace and sat down. I started running energy on him right away. I ran for about 10 minutes and he got up and began horsing around with his kids again. I told his kids what I'd done and they thanked me. I explained briefly how they could do it too and about the body's innate ability to heal itself. I think they heard me. I'd like to teach more of the homeless more thoroughly how to take care of each other with Quantum-Touch. I'm thinking of an hour "class" or something like that. It would be so great if they could help each other with Quantum-Touch. They don't have ready access to health care until it becomes an emergency. Then they get minimal care and little follow up.

One man I see on occasion has a hole in the side of his face because, I think, he has gum disease so badly. Many of them have really damaged teeth and so many other health issues.

Hi Cris
what a terrific idea & would certainly help them too

Love Mo. xxx

Chris,
That is such an AWESOME idea! I used to go to a church in a town I previously lived where we fed the homeless and assisted in other ways as we could. In fact I kind of have a heart for that. I think it would not only be a great way to help them physically but to help give them some confidence and feelings that they are worth something and can contribute in some way. That was always one of the things that broke my heart, to see people think that they had little worth. I am so excited about that idea.

quote:

Originally posted by My2Hearts: I think it would not only be a great way to help them physically but to help give them some confidence and feelings that they are worth something and can contribute in some way. That was always one of the things that broke my heart, to see people think that they had little worth.

Yes!!!

Thank you Mo.

WE WON!!!!!

Federal judge: Orlando's law against feeding homeless a civil rights violation
Willoughby Mariano | Sentinel Staff Writer
5:26 PM EDT, September 26, 2008

A federal judge has permanently barred Orlando from enforcing a rule barring large group feedings of the homeless in Lake Eola Park because it violates activists' basic civil rights.

In a ruling released this afternoon, U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell criticized the city's ordinance saying there was no "rational basis" for it.

"Rather than address the problem of homelessness in these downtown neighborhoods directly, the City has instead decided to limit the expressive activity which attracts the homeless to these neighborhoods," the ruling states.

The case involves a motley group of activists who have been feeding the homeless in Lake Eola park: First Vagabonds Church of God, Orlando Food Not [Bombs], and individual advocates for the homeless. They sued the city arguing that the ordinance violated their civil rights, including their right to free speech, exercise of religion and freedom of assembly. The city argued that it was protecting the its residents' public health and safety interests.

Jackie Dowd, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said she was "thrilled" by the ruling.

"To have a judge rule in our favor is a vindicating experience," she said
# # #

This is HUGE!! A federal court ruled that the ordinance violates civil rights. Because it's a federal court ruling it's precedent setting for the entire country. Woo Hoo!!!!

Way to go, "motley group!!!" What an odd way to describe the wonderful helpers! May all that you have done and will do be returned to you a hundred fold....

Woooo Hoooo indeed. Blessings to all.

Ah Cris, your love truly makes a difference.
Congratulations!
Christina