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EMMAUS HOMELESS
SHELTER
ELLSWORTH, MAINE
ELLSWORTH, MAINE
20 years of Service
1992-2012
1992-2012
The inspirational quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" has challenged me to respond to what is currently taking place in the state of Maine concerning the voiceless, Maine's most vulnerable residents.
The voiceless in Maine are real human beings - possibly a family member or neighbor. For the past 31 years I have had the privilege of ministering to these wonderful individuals and families who find themselves homeless, on the verge of becoming homeless, struggling with mental illness and developmental disabilities, addictions to alcohol and drug abuse and sad to say, the frail elderly.
Many service providers are very disturbed by the proposed budget cuts currently being reviewed by the state Legislature's Appropriations Committee to close an estimated $221 million gap in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget. Included in this proposal's supplemental budget is MaineCare, the state's version of the federal Medicaid program which provides health insurance for 65,000 Maine's poor. It would be devastating if the legislative assembly decided to cut the 2002 waiver that expanded MaineCare eligibility for Childless Adults a "non-categorical" group of enrollees who do not fit into a usual MaineCare group. This group includes those who are between the ages of 21 and 64, not disabled, a parent with minor children at home or a child. MaineCare coverage has stabilized the lives of many and helped them become productive citizens despite their diagnoses. Failing to meet an individual's health care needs, particularly those below the poverty level who have no means to pay for health care themselves will take an incalculable human toll. The need for health care does not go away, even when the funds for coverage do! Their health conditions will worsen, resulting in even greater demands on Maine's health care system.
I hope the Legislature's Appropriations Committee will think seriously the ramifications their decisions will have on the most defenseless voiceless members in our local community and entire state.
Sister Lucille MacDonald, Director of the Emmaus Homeless Shelter in Ellsworth, Maine
Member of the Statewide Homeless Council and Region 3 Homeless Council/Greater Penobscot Continuum of Care
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" has challenged me to respond to what is currently taking place in the state of Maine concerning the voiceless, Maine's most vulnerable residents.
The voiceless in Maine are real human beings - possibly a family member or neighbor. For the past 31 years I have had the privilege of ministering to these wonderful individuals and families who find themselves homeless, on the verge of becoming homeless, struggling with mental illness and developmental disabilities, addictions to alcohol and drug abuse and sad to say, the frail elderly.
Many service providers are very disturbed by the proposed budget cuts currently being reviewed by the state Legislature's Appropriations Committee to close an estimated $221 million gap in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget. Included in this proposal's supplemental budget is MaineCare, the state's version of the federal Medicaid program which provides health insurance for 65,000 Maine's poor. It would be devastating if the legislative assembly decided to cut the 2002 waiver that expanded MaineCare eligibility for Childless Adults a "non-categorical" group of enrollees who do not fit into a usual MaineCare group. This group includes those who are between the ages of 21 and 64, not disabled, a parent with minor children at home or a child. MaineCare coverage has stabilized the lives of many and helped them become productive citizens despite their diagnoses. Failing to meet an individual's health care needs, particularly those below the poverty level who have no means to pay for health care themselves will take an incalculable human toll. The need for health care does not go away, even when the funds for coverage do! Their health conditions will worsen, resulting in even greater demands on Maine's health care system.
I hope the Legislature's Appropriations Committee will think seriously the ramifications their decisions will have on the most defenseless voiceless members in our local community and entire state.
Sister Lucille MacDonald, Director of the Emmaus Homeless Shelter in Ellsworth, Maine
Member of the Statewide Homeless Council and Region 3 Homeless Council/Greater Penobscot Continuum of Care
Struggling for Justice Today So All Will Know Justice Tomorrow