There are ways to help
To the editor:
The front-page article on Friday regarding panhandling really touched me as I read it. Over the past few years, it has become increasingly noticeable the number of individuals and families gathering at high traffic intersections asking for money. The plight of those who are in need continues to grow in our small communities, as do the individuals who manipulate the system.
To give or not to give, it’s always been a struggle for me. I see young and middle-aged persons with signs “Homeless and Hungry” or “Single Mother - Please HELP,” sometimes young children or even babies crouched beside them at the side of a road. How can I as a Christian not want to do something to help?
There are multiple resources throughout our county for those in need. Numerous churches have free food give-a-ways available almost every day of the week. Just Googling Habersham County Food Assistance will bring up 14 different churches and agencies. Other agencies like Sharing & Caring, or Circle of Hope, can also help provide assistance for emergency clothing, financial assistance and (limited) temporary shelter.
Many individuals who are panhandling know of these services but may prefer to just ask for cold hard cash. It is atrocious knowing some people panhandle with no intention of trying to work themselves out of poverty.
What concerns me the most is those with mental health issues, drug problems or physical disability may continue the panhandling and resist any opportunity to find a solution.
Just a suggestion for ways to help individuals who truly in need of food or other services is for The Northeast Georgian to regularly publish a list of all the food give-a-ways and other county assistance programs (V.A., Sharing & Caring, Circle of HOPE, etc.) that could be given to anyone asking for help. And for those individuals who want to help those in need, a link to where they can donate. Several of these services are on my annual giving program.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25:40
Virginia Webb
Clarkesville
Certainties
To the editor:
Two things you can count on – death and taxes. Both are a part of life.
Locke Arnold
Clarkesville