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Letters to the Editor
Hunger, homelessness often go unrecognized in Connecticut
Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: Commentary
The rising rates of hunger and homelessness in Connecticut are cause for alarm. In 2008 alone, there was a 30 percent increase in soup kitchen attendance and a 13 percent increase in homelessness in Connecticut.
Recent news such as the Norwich Bulletin story from Jan. 29 highlights this issue. An estimated 4,366 people were homeless in Connecticut in 2008. This number came from a volunteer search, called a Point in Time Count, to count the homeless people in all of Connecticut.
Another example of the bias of aid to homeless people is exhibited in the News Channel 8 story from Feb. 13: Diamond McCarter is a pregnant high school graduate whose child's father is in jail. She would have a better chance of getting help as a drug addict than she does in her current situation.
To help ameliorate this dire situation, UConnPIRG has taken up activities to raise money for charitable donations such as Swipe-A-Meal, which last week raised $12,847.50 in three hours thanks to Dining Services and to the student body at the Storrs campus.
The next event is the Hunger Cleanup on April 4, where sponsored volunteers across the nation go out to designated sights in the community and clean up.
Activities range from serving soup at a local soup kitchen to tidying up the grounds of a playground. ConnPIRG welcomes all volunteers who wish to participate.
But these actions only treat the symptoms of hunger and homelessness rather than getting at the root problem.
We have a failing economy that is resulting in evictions and perpetuating homelessness. People need help.
As a federal example of how to help, Obama's stimulus package has monies allotted to help stop hunger and homelessness.
Here in Connecticut, we need governmental legislation and action that helps stop hunger and homelessness through programs such as supportive housing. People who are struggling and ask for help need to find it in the State of Connecticut. We all need to step up and speak out for those who cannot do so themselves.
Recent news such as the Norwich Bulletin story from Jan. 29 highlights this issue. An estimated 4,366 people were homeless in Connecticut in 2008. This number came from a volunteer search, called a Point in Time Count, to count the homeless people in all of Connecticut.
Another example of the bias of aid to homeless people is exhibited in the News Channel 8 story from Feb. 13: Diamond McCarter is a pregnant high school graduate whose child's father is in jail. She would have a better chance of getting help as a drug addict than she does in her current situation.
To help ameliorate this dire situation, UConnPIRG has taken up activities to raise money for charitable donations such as Swipe-A-Meal, which last week raised $12,847.50 in three hours thanks to Dining Services and to the student body at the Storrs campus.
The next event is the Hunger Cleanup on April 4, where sponsored volunteers across the nation go out to designated sights in the community and clean up.
Activities range from serving soup at a local soup kitchen to tidying up the grounds of a playground. ConnPIRG welcomes all volunteers who wish to participate.
But these actions only treat the symptoms of hunger and homelessness rather than getting at the root problem.
We have a failing economy that is resulting in evictions and perpetuating homelessness. People need help.
As a federal example of how to help, Obama's stimulus package has monies allotted to help stop hunger and homelessness.
Here in Connecticut, we need governmental legislation and action that helps stop hunger and homelessness through programs such as supportive housing. People who are struggling and ask for help need to find it in the State of Connecticut. We all need to step up and speak out for those who cannot do so themselves.
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