The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
STAYING DRY
Councilwoman JoAnne Moon, LMHA provide umbrellas to those in need
The rain on Feb. 22 could not have come at a better time for Lorain Ward 5 Councilwoman JoAnne Moon.
Along with employees from the Lorain Metropolitan Housing Association, Moon spent this month collecting umbrellas for Lorain residents in need.
Moon said that the project started out much smaller, collecting umbrellas to pass out to anyone she saw walking in the rain.
“I would see umbrellas, and I would keep them in my car,” she said. “When I would see people walking, I would give them an umbrella, because we don’t have bus service here. It’s a lot of walking and a lot of riding bikes.”
After mentioning her umbrella project in passing during a meeting with the LMHA, Moon received a surprise. Executive Director Judy Carlin and the LMHA employees had collected hundreds of umbrellas for the project.
“It pays to run your mouth because you never know (who is listening),” Moon joked. “I just don’t like to see people walking in the rain and being wet, especially when it’s storming and they’re walking in there, and they’re wet, even the young students that are going to school.”
Moon and the association’s first stop on Feb. 22 was Valor Home, helping Lorain’s veterans stay dry this spring. It would be far from their last, Moon said, as the group was able to collect over 300 umbrellas in total.
She said that helping residents in her area of Lorain is essential to her work on city council. She explained that the Fifth Ward has quite a few places that house people in need.
“This part of the city… It has a lot going on,” Moon said. “I have the Haven House, I have St. Elizabeth, the homeless shelter, then we have the Valor Home… (This is) an urban area, where a lot of people’s salaries are not very high.”
Carlin said that collecting the umbrellas was an honor. Helping distribute the umbrellas helps the housing authority make a difference, she said.
“We were thrilled,” Carlin said. “The most effective action comes from people working within the community, so we wanted to be of assistance… We had a good time gathering them and we’re going to be with Councilwoman Moon (throughout) this morning.”
The service project is far from over, Carlin said. Only about one third of the umbrellas have been passed out, she said, and Moon is currently working to find more places to distribute the umbrellas.
“I grew up in a house where you would always give,” Moon said. “I grew up very comfortable and very giving… To receive, I really believe you have to also give.”
Those looking to contribute to LMHA’s next service project can send any books by Dr. Seuss to the LMHA office, 1600 Kansas Ave. in Lorain. Donations will be accepted through the end of February.