There was an article on the front page of the Pioneer Press (Sunday, October 22, 2006) titled, "Alice in No Man's
Land". For those who didn't read it, the article describes the conflict between Alice Krengel and the city of West
St. Paul. The city's position is that for years, police and other law enforcement personnel have had to deal with criminals,
drunks, and drug users staying at her house and that something must be done to "break the cycle". Neighbors have
documented public urination, loud parties, and many incidents of verbal abuse. Police documented over 180 trips to her house
and have measured .30 percent or higher in men at the home. Alice's position is that she had been renting out rooms as
a means of income but also admitted that she has had trouble controlling who comes and goes from her house. She says that
the city wants her house as a means to subdivide for extra tax revenue.
Alice has admitted to a chemical dependency
to alcohol. The authorities suspect mental illness; her sister stated that her reality is different from normal reality; Alice
denies the allegation. Alice has never been married and has four children from four different fathers. One of Alice's
daughters said she never had a relationship with her. She was quoted as saying,
"I don't know what went wrong.
It's pretty bad when your mom's at the bottom of society. It hurts...She has given up a lot for alcohol. She gave
up her children for alcohol. She's given up herself as a person for alcohol."
On August 7, the city removed
Alice from her home and boarded it up; she is under court order not to go near the property unless under police escort. Alice
is homeless. Alice eats breakfast at the Salvation Army on West Seventh, Alice sleeps at Dorothy Day, and Alice has eaten
lunch at JESUS Delivers.
There are many layers to this story (as there are to our own stories). Where Trinity intersects
with Alice is on Saturdays. JESUS has called us to help the poor and to forgive others as He has forgiven us (seventy times
seven, if I recall Bible 101). The JESUS Delivers mission is to feed her body and her soul. This past Saturday Erin, Seth,
and Peter served 150 people hot roast beef and salami sandwiches, green bean casserole with french fried onions, pineapple,
and juice. The quote for the day is from Dennis, a new customer, "What's all this about?...do you mean I get a meal
for free?...what's the catch?...well God bless you guys...maybe He does exist after all..." Hope, faith, and love;
those are the layers that we can impact while slathering mustard and mayo!
