GATEWAY'S FEE WILL DETER DRUG TRADE

We recently stirred up a hornets' nest by deciding to charge certain
residents $25 a week to stay in our shelter. Our reasons are valid. A
surprising number of our long-term residents have income, with many
earning several hundred dollars per week.

Why would a person with income stay at a homeless mission? Some may
not make enough to afford rent. Others are trying to get back on their
feet. Most in these groups aren't complaining about our policy. But a
number of income-earning residents choose to spend all their money on
drugs and alcohol.

We are tired of enabling the drug trade. We are no longer going to
provide free room and board to active drug users who get a paycheck.
This merely supports Jackson's drug industry.

This is not about money. We turn no one away who cannot pay. This is
about making a statement that we will be a haven for those escaping
drugs, rather than a hangout for those using them. We will fight back,
stand on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and let the chips fall where they
may.

Rex Baker

Executive director Gateway Rescue Mission Jackson