SAN DIEGO — Mayor Bob Filner and first lady Bronwyn Ingram joined students from Cherokee Point Elementary School at the Winter Shelter in downtown San Diego to speak with the homeless in an effort to truly understand their plight. The students spent time getting to know them and learned they are like the rest of us, people with hopes and dreams, but who have fallen on hard times.
“These children have learned an important lesson many adults should learn too; compassion for others is central to our success, not just in life, but as human beings,” said Mayor Filner. “The fact that they want to spend time here and let these people know they matter, that they are a part of our City too and we want to help them, warms my heart. I’m proud of these students!”
The students from Cherokee Point Elementary School wrote a letter to first lady Bronwyn Ingram, expressing their desire to help the homeless people they see in their community of City Heights. She responded to their letter by helping them take action.
“To see the understanding, compassion and commitment to social justice these young students demonstrated today gives me hope for the future, that a new generation will bring a new perspective to how the homeless are treated,” said first lady Ingram. “They are inspirational and I appreciate them reaching out to take action.”
After meeting people at the Winter Shelter on Monday, and helping serve lunch, the students spoke at the City Council meeting. Through their advocacy they were able to secure a commitment from Councilmembers to expand homeless services in City Heights.
