my ltte on families in need published today.Time will tell if it does any good.
http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2010/01/31/opinion/doc4b652a19a7aba052498241.txtTo the Editor,
I was at the grocery store the other day. While in line, I watched a stressed-out mom anxiously count her change to cover the few groceries in her cart. After I slipped her a few dollars and saw the sheer relief on her face, I began to wonder — how hard is Texas hit by poverty and what resources exist to help struggling families? The statistics are sobering and pathetic.
In Texas, the poverty level is estimated at $9.25/hr for a family of four. “Low income” is $16/hr for a family of 4. Thirty percent of families with children spend 30 percent or more for housing costs. Using these figures, many Ellis County families are 1-2 paychecks away from housing and food insecurity. Texas has the fifth highest poverty rate in America — an “honor” it shares with West Virginia.
Many people now find themselves needing help and not knowing where to look. Ellis County has very few resources for the poor. The out-of-county resources all have phone numbers and may be able to refer you to in-county resources. You can call 211 at any time and be referred to food, housing, health care and other assistance.
1. The Salvation Army of Waxahachie can be contacted at 972-937-7727. They have a commitment to help those in need and can refer you to other programs.
2. Family Gateway Inc., 2910 Swiss Ave., Dallas, TX 75204 214-741-6515, provides transitional housing for homeless families.
3. Dallas Life Foundation, 1100 Cadiz, Dallas, TX 75215, 214-421-1380, provides those in need with adequate shelter and operates a 100,000 square foot facility capable of housing up to 500 men, women and children per day. Men and women are on separate floors in dormitory-style housing.
4. Arlington Life Shelter, 325 W. Division St., Arlington, Texas, 817-548-9885, provides shelter, job-training resources and counseling for parents and children undergoing stress.
5. The Interfaith Housing Coalition, 5600 Ross Ave. Dallas, TX 75206, 214-827-7220, owns 49 apartments where families live on average six-12 months and provides these families with comprehensive services to help them transform their lives.
If you find yourself with no place to stay and no food, there are many other resources that can be accessed through police, fire departments and hospitals as well as religious organizations of all faiths. Just know you aren’t alone, that people care and there is hope for a better day tomorrow.
And, if you find yourself wondering what you can do to help — all the above organizations can use donations big and small. Help your neighbor out.
Some day, they may be helping you.
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