Your community needs you
Students have several options to give back to neighbors in need
Winter is upon us and an influx of impoverished residents at homeless shelters and soup kitchens is imminent. Last year, Isabella County’s homeless shelter, which shifts between local churches, was met with success in just its first year.
There are about 150 homeless people in Isabella County.
In the first year of operation 49 individuals were sheltered, including three families with young children. The shelter averaged nine guests per night, helped nine guests gain permanent housing, and helped six guests obtain employment due to the stability of housing.
If people are to change their lives, they need an address.
But when all else fails, we can move beyond the harmful stereotypes associated with homelessness. A simple smile or kind word will be undoubtedly significant to a person in possibly the worst segment of their life.
Unlike the stereotypes perpetuated by society, many aren’t there by choice.
Often perceived as drug-addicted and helpless, the destitute are a diverse group of people. Many could be suffering from mental disabilities, simply unable to maneuver mainstream society on their own.
This means many of our neighbors in need are scraping by to feed their families. Perhaps it’s just saving money on donated food, receiving free clothes for their children, or having a gift for Christmas to brighten the year of a child in need.
Humanity is a powerful tool, and our student body provides an enormous segment of our community’s volunteer pool. Tom Olver president of United Way of Isabella County estimated the more than 20 affiliated non-profits in this community draw about 60 percent of their volunteers from our student body.
While we can’t ask these students to view their academics as secondary, we should demand that they work to uplift the community.
Only when we can all look beyond our privilege, and the reality becomes apparent, can we begin to work to be the people this community deserves.
Through our efforts to uplift the lives of those in need, we will have the holiday season we all truly need.
Many of us are thinking about how to change the world. Let’s start with this community. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, or homeless shelter. Before you leave for break, donate the leftover food your parents will soon replace.
Your community needs your help.
To give back, contact the Isabella Community Kitchen at 989-772-7392, or at ICSK.org. The rotating homeless shelter can be contacted through Isabella County Restoration House, 989-774-2424 or online at icrhouse.org.
Those looking to volunteer with United Way of Isabella County can call 989-773-9863, or go to unitedwayisabella.org.
