Letters to the Editor: July 28, 2010

, Jul 28, 2010 (1 Reader comment)

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With Oregon’s unemployment hovering around 9.5 percent (not taking into account those Oregonians who have given up trying to find work), which statistically translates into 154,000 Oregonians out of work, the need for assistance to help these people is greater today than ever. Oregonians out of work are losing their homes, can’t feed or clothe their families or can’t meet their basic needs because of an economy that has gone into the tank and may take years to bounce back. They don’t have years to wait for help.

For those of us who are blessed and still have jobs, now is the time to step up and help people in our community get back on their feet by providing clothing, lodging, food, job training and counseling. Don’t sit around and wait for government to do it because we are the government. The need is great, but the opportunities to help are greater and that is what we need to be focusing on. When adversity comes, opportunity comes with it.

In your Saturday, July 17, edition of The Outlook, there were several articles that caught my attention. They all illustrated what one person can do to change circumstances and help others down on their luck get back on their feet. It’s called opportunities.

I refer to the front page feature “A woman about town … Troutdale woman finds inspiration in community-building roles.” Here is one person who is reaching out to others hurting right now and providing a loving service to them letting them know that they are important and special.

The subject of that story, Jorgan Shaw, says managing “affordable housing is where my heart is. This is where the need is. You can see a family that’s really in dire straits and help them land on their feet.” She is fulfilling a biblical principal of helping your brother when they are in need.

Another feature in the same edition was “7 Dees owner donates golf tournament to Human Solutions” where David Snodgrass, CEO of Dennis’ 7 Dees Landscaping and Garden Centers, is donating the entire proceedings of a golfing event to Human Solutions, an organization helping low-income and homeless families in East Multnomah County. Once again, one man reaching out to others is making a difference why? Because he not only is seizing the opportunity, but he also realizes that anyone of us could be one of these people out of a job with no place to go and no way to turn. If that isn’t enough, a side article “Snodgrass leads national volunteer effort,” where he also attended the 14th annual Renewal & Remembrance beautification project last week in Arlington, Va., to help maintain the grounds of the Arlington National Cemetery. The need is so great and both of these individuals are forgetting self and reaching out to make a difference.

There are many food banks, shelters, places like the Oregon Food Bank, Snow-CAP, Human Solutions or My Father’s House, just to name a few in East County, that help homeless families get back on their feet. If you feel you can’t help one of these groups with cash donations (and I’m not talking hundreds, just one, five, 10 or 20 dollars depending on your situation) there are other alternatives.

There’s a need for all types of nonperishable foods for food shelves, new underclothing in all sizes, outer ware for girls and boys plus socks and basic hygiene products. If you can’t do this, think about donating your time to help any of the agencies in East County that deal with the homeless. As you can see from above, one person (that could be you) could make a difference in changing someone’s life. There is no better and satisfying gift as the gift of giving that keeps on giving. What is your heart telling you?

Louis H. Bowerman

Portland

Current representatives have done well for us

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