Over 3.5 million Americans have lost jobs since December 2007. Clearly, the worst recession in years has resulted in economic hardship that extends beyond America’s ever-suffering homeless community. As these economic woes affect increasingly more people, shelter and food pantry donations are diminishing. Yet there are roughly 3,500 homeless people in Madison alone who still need help.
While I understand that fewer people are able to donate in this economic state, I believe many of those who can are failing to do so. I am deeply concerned with the economic future of our country, but heightening this concern is what seems to be a general lack of compassion and a trend toward apathy.
Again, I fully understand fewer people today are able to make monetary or even food donations to local shelters and pantries. However, there are many ways for concerned citizens to contribute without digging too deep into their wallets. First, be conscious of a monthly publication called Street Pulse. For those of you unfamiliar with this (which, unfortunately, too many are), the Street Pulse is a Madison area newspaper sold by homeless vendors. For every $1 issue that is sold, vendors keep a 75-cent profit.
Another simple way to actively combat hunger and homelessness is participating in a nationwide fundraising and service effort known as the Hunger Cleanup. From now until April 4, many UW students and Madison community members are forming teams, seeking donations, and volunteering. This first Saturday in April, participants will go out into the community and volunteer at local shelters, food pantries, and other deserving locations.
As a college student, I understand that very few of us have extra money to donate. But again, I’d like to remind us all that there are simple, inexpensive acts of kindness we can all afford and I would like to personally invite all to participate in the 25th annual Hunger Cleanup. Join concerned citizens across the nation as we take an active role in combating hunger and homeless at the local, national, and global levels. Visit www.hungercleanup.org to register as an individual, create a team, or join an already existent team.
Jackie Hauser
Sophomore
