When the subject of poverty and homelessness comes up, a popular saying is never far from the lips: “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
For all its merits, the old Chinese proverb diminishes the urgency of the immediate need. A hungry person needs food now.
Since its founding in 2014, the Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition (GTRHC) has focused on providing the immediate need while serving as a bridge to services that can “teach a man to fish.”
During Thursday’s luncheon of the Columbus Exchange Club at Lion Hills Center, GTRHC Vice President Susan Garton stressed the urgency of the need among the homeless people the organization serves and the challenges of meeting those needs, particularly during the pandemic.
“It’s been a challenge,” Garton said. “Under the circumstances, it’s really amazing what we have been able to do this year.”
Fundraising is down due mainly to limitations imposed by COVID-19 restrictions. Most recently, a fundraising event at the Hitching Lot Farmers Market that GTRHC hoped would raise $3,000 netted just $600.
COVID-19 has also limited its options. A warming center operated by GTRHC in conjunction with the city’s Community Action Center and Loaves and Fishes cannot open because of the risk of coronavirus transmission among its volunteers and those who seek shelter.
As of now, GTRHC’s only option is to provide hotel rooms for those in need of emergency shelter, and while GTRHC’s resources are limited, the need is not.
“When it’s below 36 degrees and someone comes to you who needs a place to stay, you have to take them in,” said Garton, whose voice choked with emotion. “It’s against policy, but I have offered my own home. How can I have a mother out on the street and not do anything about it?”
Although the organization has access to grants and the support of a wide variety of supporters — the Community Action Center, Loaves and Fishes, Housing and Urban Development, Columbus Air Force Base and area thrift stores and restaurants — there are some things only money can buy.
“We expect by March to have $30,000 in expenses, which is more than we have in our bank account,” she said. “We need all the financial support we can get because we are determined to meet these needs.”
To make a donation, people can visit the group’s GoFundMe page (Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition) or call (662) 328-8301.
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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