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(The Boston Globe) |
Globe Editorial
Hunger and homelessness are insistent enemies. That’s why social activist Kip Tiernan was equally persistent when battling them. Tiernan, who died of cancer July 2 at age 85, left her fingerprints all over the city’s most important social agencies, including Boston Health Care for the Homeless and the Boston Food Bank. But her name is synonymous with Rosie’s Place, which she founded in 1974 as the nation’s first shelter for homeless women.
Like her social and spiritual hero, Catholic activist Dorothy Day, Tiernan believed that the prayers of the poor should be heard first and loudest. And like a biblical prophet, Tiernan could make the earth tremble when she was calling on the wealthy and powerful to address injustices. It is a voice that will be greatly missed as programs for the poor are cut or eliminated in an era of smaller government - and even smaller appreciation of how bitter are the lives of the poor.
© Copyright 2011 Globe Newspaper Company.
