The Truth about Hungry Families
I have heard many opinions voiced about people who receive basic services from charities or government programs. Some are true, others are not. But most of them barely scratch the surface in truly understanding the root causes of poverty, and the obstacles to getting out of it.
I work at PACS, an organization that provides emergency food to low-income families, and primary healthcare to uninsured folks. The more I learn about the challenges our clients face, the more I am convinced that poverty is far more complex than any of us realize.
Recently, Emily Harris, the host of OPB Radio’s Think Out Loud, interviewed a mother who has had to rely on organizations like PACS to feed her family. Her name is Stephanie, and her story is a real eye opener, even to me, and I work in this field. It is a tremendous example of the torrent of challenges many needy families face.If you can possibly find the time, I would urge you to give the broadcast a listen–particularly to the first half-hour, which includes the core of Stephanie’s interview. It is available to stream off their website. Here is a link (go to the page, then click on the play button just below the headline):
http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/not-enough-eat/
Stephanie’s family is certainly not perfect (and neither are any of us). But I would urge you to give her story some thought and try to see it from an understanding point of view.If you agree that this is an important issue that needs action, I would encourage you to get involved, if you haven’t already, with a trusted organization in your area that is making a difference. I believe a two fold approach is needed. We have to try to meet the immediate needs of people, but we also must address the core issues that contribute to this problem in the first place.
There are many ways you can have a direct impact, including financial support and volunteer work. These organizations often have a lot of experience and knowledge, and are very good at understanding and working with these issues. They can use your efforts with a greater and more responsible impact than if you simply go downtown and hand out food or money to homeless people.
I personally am involved with two organizations. I am a staff member and financial supporter at PACS (portlandacs.org <http://portlandacs.org/> ), which meets immediate needs for struggling families. I also support and serve on the board of the Oregon Center for Christian Values (occv.org <http://occv.org/> ), which targets the core issues of poverty through education and advocacy.
Our culture believes in working hard to make life better for ourselves. Christ beckons us to the higher calling of working hard to help others, particularly those who have fallen behind. If we put ourselves aside and follow His calling, we can make the world a better place for everyone.
- Brian Vistaunet
July 8th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Brian: Thank you for telling your story and cluing us into the link to Stephanie’s story. I want to listen but right now my computer audio isn’t working. Will listen later. Since I just read your story 7/8/09 I’ve also read of your new position with OCCV in the Newsletter. Thanks for serving and for being an idea-plus-action man. My husband Herb & I are retired and don’t do as much as we used to so we enjoy knowing about folks like you to pray for and to support in small ways.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Thank so much for your prayers and support, BettyLu. I hope you were were eventually able to get your computer audio working