Funding the Poor

Source: uncutmountainsupply.com

"Remember, O Lord ... those who remember the poor ..."

Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

The headline on Friday's Cincinnati Enquirer was the following: "Families, groups brace for end of SNAP benefits."

And the first line of the article reads as follows: "In November, 96,609 people in Hamilton County could lose money they count on to feed their families every month." That is a large body of local citizens who face the crippling loss of essential resources that would result if their SNAP benefits will be cut off. Thus, a personal disaster for many struggling families that could have been avoided. Primarily due to the fact that there is $5.25 billion in a contingency fund that has been allocated by Congress, and which could go a long way toward the $8 billion allotment that is needed. And, indeed, on Friday a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that the these funds need to be distributed "as soon as possible." We are hoping to hear of the fulfillment of that court order. 

We all know that this crisis is tied in to the present government shutdown, which has no end in sight. A costly battle of political wills! Yet, what is a political issue is also a profound moral and ethical issue; the two cannot be easily separated. As a "Christian nation," will we assist or ignore so many millions of struggling Americans? This question is intensified for Orthodox Christians by the fact that we so recently heard the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man in church! For this reason, in the parish we continue to receive everyone's donation as the parish faithful pass by the "Lazarus basket" by the Cross at the end of the Liturgy. These donations may take on an even greater importance for some of our local neighbors this year, so our generosity also takes on a greater importance.

I would like to share the following letter (anonymously) that I recently received from one of our parish families. You will read of this family's readiness to offer financial assistance to "bridge the gap" for others who may be struggling. And I will raise the issue with the Parish Council, so that we as a community can also respond with our own resources designated for that purpose. 

Fr. Steven,

I'm reaching out after talking with _____ about the government shutdown and its potential effects on families in the parish. I know there are avenues to assist those in need through the council, food pantry, or perhaps the Lazarus offerings. However, if there are special circumstances of food insecurity or other needs due to the shutdown, we would be willing to assist financially to 'bridge the gap' so to speak. Of course we would treat anything confidentially and with discretion however you would suggest.

If you become aware of any needs - we are willing and able to help.