My husband and I and our family moved to Jamestown from Western Michigan in 1992. The Newcomers Club was active then. I went to an informational meeting about the club and asked how long would I be considered a newcomer; how long could I be in the club? I was told, “As long as you want to, because you’ll never be one of them.” It was a rude awakening to realize that I would never fully fit in. I’d never be a true citizen of Jamestown, N.Y.

All these years later and it appears Jamestown is just as unwelcoming.

The Post-Journal has posted several articles about the homeless “problem”. Many want to push the homeless away. People don’t want them in their backyard. These are people, not problems. Focus on how we can help them, not just push them away; out of sight, out of mind.

My husband and I know what it’s like to be new to town. My husband’s family were immigrants from another country back in the 1950s. A church sponsored his family, teaching them the ways of the United States. My husband and I are part of a team from Zion Covenant Church which sponsored a refugee family from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ed is happy for the chance to ‘pay it forward’ and welcome an immigrant family to the US.

“Our” refugee family has been in the US for three years now. During this time, they had nothing but fervent praise for the hospitality and welcome that Zion and the New Neighbors Coalition showered on them. However, that welcome was not extended to them by the rest of Jamestown. They recently moved to Syracuse because the mom in the family was unable to get full-time work due to discrimination. They know they are not wanted here.

The family is different, I agree. They “talk funny”. English is a difficult language to learn as an adult! They dress differently. They have a different standard of personal hygiene. Why can’t we see past our differences? They were contributing members of society here – spending money (and sales tax) at local businesses, active in church, even putting money in the collection plate. Two of their kids earned ‘Student of the Month’. They are good people and Jamestown was blessed to have them!

Before coming here, our refugee family was vetted by both the United Nations and the US State Department, and waited over a decade before they were allowed to come to the US. They are not criminals. They are here legally. Their presence makes our community richer. Rep. Nick Langworthy has spewed much hateful rhetoric about getting rid of dangerous ‘illegals’ to make us safer. I have asked Mr. Langworthy, Mayor Eckund and the City Council for public statements saying that legal immigrants are welcomed and they are glad they are here. I have never heard such a statement.

Jesus taught us that when we welcome the marginalized, we welcome Jesus himself: “For I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 These are children of God, too. They might stink. They might talk funny. They might have emotional problems. They should be welcomed and celebrated regardless of their differences from us.

I grieve that we lost “our” family to another city because they didn’t feel welcomed here in Jamestown. I grieve that the homeless are seen as just a problem to be solved rather than as children of God, deserving of welcoming and understanding. Do better, Jamestown.

Marie Vos is a Jamestown resident.