Blog Topic #1

In what sense did you 1st or 2nd choice CP arise from a local need or perspective? Why do you think local governments did not fill this need adequately? To whom is you CP accountable? Is your CP constrained or affected by Federal policies?

My second choice of Ecumenical Hunger Program arose from the local need for families and individuals that struggle economically and need emergency assistance. There are those who often forget that not everyone is as economically stable as themselves. Many people have the belief that each and every one of us must pull ourselves up on our own when life becomes challenging, but the fact is that everyone is going to need someone to help them out at some point. Not being able to have a home to go to or meal to eat it, is the cause for the development of volunteer programs that help assist the people who are experiencing that life challenge.  It is even more challenging when there are children and families involved. No parent wants to stress about not being able to provide for their family with the basic necessities of food. Families and individuals seek assistance when they economically cannot afford a full meal. Some may seek governmental assistance but are denied that help for various reasons. Some are denied assistance because they make "too much."

Local governments should be held responsible to ensure that all families and individuals have food in their system and a bed to sleep in. Families that attempt to ask for help are denied simply because their wages before taxes exceed the dollar amount that is expectable. Unfortunately the cost of living has increased by a great amount and although it may seem as if the families are making enough its may not be true. The number that is being looked at does not includes any other bills that need to be paid or other expenses a parent has to provide for their child/children. Wages before taxes are the cause for the limitation of governmental assistance. The regulations should be reviewed and other factors such as the cost of living should be taken into account. Until local governments question how to determine the assistance that is need, families will continue struggle and seek assistance. The government needs to reevaluate the budget and ensure that they are doing their best to make sure every individual of their community is receiving adequate assistance.