Homelessness is increasing dramatically during a time when giving to charitable organizations is decreasing because of the profound economic changes in our country. The Good Works' Timothy House continues to provide food and shelter to the growing number of adults and children who are homeless in our community. More than a year ago, we asked the City of Athens for permission to use the house next to the Timothy House as a safe place for homeless families. The city refused this request. As a result, we have had to turn away more people in 2008 than any time in our 28-year history because we were full. Good Works continues to provide the only shelter for the rural homeless in nine southeast Ohio counties. I started Good Works my senior year at OU in the basement of my home back in 1981. This Saturday, Good Works will sponsor the 7th annual WALK FOR THE HOMELESS. Would you join other like-minded friends this year and participate in the WALK? Events begin at 8:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church uptown. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to help keep our shelter open in 2009. We have planned five different inspiring and educational walk experiences for adults and children of all ages. Together, we can create a community known for taking care of the vulnerable and the needy rather than turning them away. For more information, visit our WALK Web page: www.walkforthehomeless.net.
Keith Wasserman is the founder and executive director of Good Works, Inc.
4 Opinion
Letter to the Editor
