Executive Director's Message

The homeless? A few. Do they suffer from habitual tendencies? Some, most are in programs, have case workers to turn their lives around. Are they in shelters? A few dozen. Have they been in jail? A small percentage, usually for minor or alcohol/drug related offenses, such as DUI. Other concerns: They are young and/or able-bodied, why don’t they work? Many are young and inexperienced; some have lived on the street since their teens. Oftentimes, they have not been educated, taught the necessary life and social skills to find and keep a job, or given the proper direction to set goals and live independently.

Some are of our guests are emotionally, mentally and/or physically disabled/ challenged or have been deinstitutionalized. Some people look healthy, but diabetes, heart conditions, even eyesight can hamper their ability to hold a full-time job. We serve elders living on social security — although many live in subsidized housing, their income is still below the poverty line and usually participate in a Medicaid pay-down plan to cover medical and pharmaceutical expenses. Some of our visitors are veterans suffering from a variety of health issues.

But, for the most part, our Pantry Program guests are working; they are the working poor. These men and women, some single parents, are trying very hard to be productive adults, trusted employees and good parents. As a nation we try to educate and train children in order to lead healthy, productive lives. It’s just that some of us need a little more help than others.