For a week the city has been collectively joining a family in grieving Josue Flores, an 11 year old boy stabbed on his way home from school. But over the weekend citizens from all over the city helped raise money for the family, and marches took place to confront the homelessness problems in the area believed be connected to the crime, but not as yet proven.
(Video: KTRK 13 News)
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Salvation Army Houston, who runs a shelter in the area, has responded by changing some access policies. In a statement released they said,
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family of Josue Flores. We join our community in wanting Justice for Josue. We have heard the concerns and want our neighbors to know that we have been working, and will continue to work, with the community and the City to make the neighborhood a safe place to live.
As of tomorrow, Monday, May 23rd, we will make the following change to our Red Shield Lodge homeless emergency shelter: men staying overnight will no longer be asked to leave the Harbor Light Center. Unless they have a job or an appointment to go to, they will remain on our property for the remainder of the week in order to be connected to programs and services. Any man who leaves without a valid reason, will not be allowed to return to the shelter.
This will let the community know that any man out on the streets is NOT a client being served by The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center & Red Shield Lodge.
As we are already doing, we will continue to work with the community and the City to make appropriate changes to continue to serve our clients and be better neighbors.
The Salvation Army is here to help those most in need and be part of the solution for issues such as homelessness.”
Earlier on Saturday residents also came out in great numbers to help the family by fundraising to assist in burial services.
(Video: KHOU 11 News)
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RELATED COVERAGE:
- Community marches for slain 11-year-old (Houston Chronicle)
- Final farewells begin today for slain 11-yr-old boy as search for killer continues (KIAH 39 Newsfix)
- Community rallies for Josue Flores (KPRC 2 News)
- Community gathers together to raise money for family of Josue Flores (KRIV 26 News)
