Regarding the article, “United Way cuts sting senior centers”: There is an old adage titled “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” In this case that hand has been feeding local senior centers for about 40 years. There is no entitlement here. United Way has generously supported local senior centers because at the time, they believed this was the best way to support the needs within communities.
That thinking has changed. After much research, United Way has decided to attack homelessness and poverty in our neighborhoods differently. I commend their decision to tackle the never-ending cycle of poverty by identifying and attacking those issues individually, instead of cumulatively. Causes for homelessness and poverty have many components. Not all persons in need fall into each and every category
1. Addiction (drugs and/or alcohol). 2. Mental health. 3. Lack of education 4. Homelessness, need for safe housing. 5. Domestic violence. 6. Job opportunities. 7. Child care. 8. Nutrition.
By focusing on each of these components, United Way is able to select those organizations that already are in place. These additional United Way funds will allow them a greater opportunity to address the root causes of poverty. My wish is they will divide and conquer. Cheers!
Joanne Hiersch
Snohomish
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