By CEO/Executive Director Laura Gray
Because we are celebrating our 25th year, I did some research to see what prompted the community to form Community LINC back in the middle of 1988.
Would it surprise you to know that the term homeless first began being used in the 80’s? Before that, terms like hobos and bums were used. That tells you that most of the homeless before the 80’s were thought to be single men.
The 80’s marked an increase in visibility for the homeless. Instead of being concentrated in certain areas of a city, people saw homeless people sleeping in parks, on the street, etc.
Community LINC was started because some concerned people became aware that there were homeless families, as well.
Even in the 80’s though, homeless families weren’t highly visible. They stayed with family or friends, or lived out of their cars, rather than sleeping on a grate or a park bench.
It was more likely that the congregations and the homes association were approached for assistance and that lead them to create a program to end homelessness for families.
What struck me is that the values of the organization have been so consistent over all these years. The belief in “a hand up, not a hand out” has been a guiding principle from the beginning.
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