Guest editorial: Public shaming won't change the facts

In a response to 'Thoughts on The Gathering Inn' (Lincoln News Messenger, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, page A4), Rev. Cliff Haggenjos, the Vice Chair of the Board of The Gathering Inn, accused the concerned residents in Lincoln of holding incorrect assumptions about The Gathering Inn's proposed medical respite facility. He claimed those assumptions have given way to fear, rage and wild and reckless accusations. He also claimed these incorrect assumptions have been accompanied by behaviors that are not consistent with the spirit and grace of the people of Placer County. I wonder if Rev. Cliff and the leadership at The Gathering Inn realize how inconsistent his comments are. I might even be so bold to say hypocritical. The lack of self-awareness is amazing! Rev. Cliff, do you know what is not consistent with the spirit and grace of the people of Placer County? I'll tell you! Filing a fraudulent application with the state for grant funding using data from your failed proposed Roseville project but using the Lincoln address. Colluding with your Board of Directors and the building owner to keep your plans hidden from Lincoln officials and residents, knowing full well you were required to conduct community outreach. By your actions, you have blindsided a whole city and ruined several longstanding regional relationships in the process. Giving no thought to the well-being of the surrounding neighborhoods considering that the proposed facility is in the middle of a school zone and right next to vulnerable low-income seniors. Telling others that "the mission of TGI is more important than the City of Lincoln." Promoting false data: The majority of homeless individuals in Placer County range from 25-50, not 62 or older. The data shows the homeless population age 62 and older is very small. There is no need for a facility this size, which would be second only to Los Angeles. Being untruthful about the true nature of your planned operations. Our fears are not unfounded. We have the proof, and you know it. Accusing Lincoln officials and residents of not caring for the homeless and not being Christian. Lincoln has spent the last several years working with our homeless population. Through our efforts, in partnership with The Salt Mine, Adopt-a-Creek volunteers, HHS and Placer County Probation, we have compassionately and effectively reduced our numbers from 47 to about 20. We have helped each individual get stable by providing the needed services, find employment and obtain housing. Our pilot program, in partnership with the faith community, has also been very successful. Our volunteer team and staff know every single one by name and story, and we have spent our own resources to help our fellow man. I believe the steps taken in the City of Lincoln to help our homeless population have been very much in line with Scripture. As a pastor myself, I live by God's Word to love thy neighbor, care for the widow, orphan and the poor, and help those in need. However, we will not be subject to the gaslighting or religious manipulation by The Gathering Inn's leadership. It is really easy to quote Scripture to get what you want. But when actions don't align with the words being spoken, one must take heed. Scripture is very clear about lying. God says not to do it! Rev. Cliff says their intention is to be good neighbors, engage in respectful dialogue to address our concerns, work to find common ground, and implores us to be willing to listen and understand. But here's the cold hard truth. When you start from a place of deception, there is no place to go. They have been deceitful from the beginning, and they continue to do so. There was no effort to engage in meaningful dialogue with the City until AFTER the purchase of the building was complete, all the while working diligently to keep their plans under wraps. Too little, too late. The Gathering Inn's tactic to publicly shame us by calling us uncaring, unchristian and filled with fear and rage will not deter our resolve to fight for the protection of our residents, our children, the vulnerable of our population and our city's resources. Are we angry? You bet we are! Placer County's strength comes from collaboration and cooperation, not stabbing each other in the back and lying about it. The Bible is a great model to live by, but it is disingenuous to only cite portions that benefit your own interests while shaming others that question your motives.