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'There is a value in giving someone a sandwich' City will support new feeding area for homeless Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 20, 2015 at 3:26 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 20, 2015 at 3:26 PM » Social News Finding a place to feed the homeless has been an issue that has troubled Medford officials for years. On Thursday, the City Council agreed to support a proposal that would provide up to $25,000 to the Salvation Army to fence off a vacant lot next to the organization’s store on Central Avenue as a food distribution area for homeless people. “This is one of the best suggestions we’ve seen,” said Rich Hansen, a member of both the Medford Parks and Recreation Commission and the Homeless Task Force. The council agreed unanimously to begin an application that would use federal dollars that are earmarked for community improvement projects. The money would pay for a concrete pad, fencing and portable bathrooms. But some neighbors voiced reservations about the idea because they’ve already faced issues stemming from some of the homeless people who traverse Beatty Street to gain access to the lot. The Salvation Army provides daily meals to the homeless and others in need. “Ever since we began dealing with these homeless people, we’ve had a lot of problems,” said Paula Morales, who lives near the proposed feeding area. Hansen said the proposed fencing would block access to the lot on Beatty, so the only entrance to the lot would be through the Salvation Army’s store parking lot on Central Avenue. Capt. Martin Cooper of the Salvation Army said his organization helps about 5,000 people a month, which includes veterans and children. “We’ve got to help these people,” he said. “We have to treat people like human beings.” He said one girl from Hedrick Middle School who lived in a car with her brother sought help from the Salvation Army. The girl is now an honor student, Cooper said. “There is a value in giving someone a sandwich,” he said. “There is value in giving someone a hot dog.” Cooper said the Salvation Army would allow other organizations access to the lot to help the homeless as long as the organization exhibits a willingness to be committed. Councilors generally liked the idea because they have been having a difficult time finding an alternative site for food distribution since Hawthorne Park has been partially closed for renovation. The city received a lot of complaints after some of the food programs moved from Hawthorne Park to Railroad Park. “This is really one of the first solutions I’ve heard that might make a dent in the problem we’ve been having as a community,” Councilor Dick Gordon said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Feb. 20, 2015 at 3:26 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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