‘Hands Stretching Across America’ and the Homeless

Millions of “Hands Stretching Across America” today will dramatically symbolize a significant change occurring in Orange County and most other U.S. localities.

Today, the hungry and homeless are more visible on city streets than at any other time since the 1930s. Their numbers are growing--estimates range in the millions. The homeless and hungry cut across all age, ethnic, racial and religious groups.

This highly diverse population, which requires a broad range of programs, includes homeless families (due to unemployment and lack of affordable housing), abused women and children, runaway youth, de-institutionalized mental patients and many others.

More than at any time since the Depression, religious groups and private charities are taking a prominent role in providing hands-on services to individuals with these basic human problems.

In Orange County, a program largely funded by Congress and operated by volunteers and charitable groups has served 885,519 meals at 28 cents each, and provided 96,340 nights of lodging at $3.82 per night to individuals and families during 1985.

Before the 1930s, churches and private charities were virtually the sole source of organized help for individuals with needs such as food and housing. In response to new public attitudes between the Depression and the late 1970s, government became the predominant deliverer of these human services.

When Congress began the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, it sped up the already evolving return of human services delivery to the private sector in the community.

Among the groups and programs operating in Orange County to assist the hungry and the homeless are: Episcopal Service Alliance, Lutheran Social Services, Travelers Aid Society, Catholic Charities, Chicano Pintos, Dayle McIntosh Center for the Disabled, Feedback Foundation, FISH-North Orange County, Food Distribution Center, Nueva Esperanza-Abrazar Senior Center, Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter, Orange County Indian Center, the Sheepfold, Southwest Minority Economic Development Assn. and Women’s Transitional Living Center.

“Hands Across America” is expected to raise millions of dollars. Projects such as “Hands Across America” are important, but they are only tentative first steps.

Finding long-range answers requires public understanding and education. Thus, the greatest benefit from today’s activities will be a firmer grasp by the public that the programs exist and are growing. We hope it will not take years.

RICHARD W. FISHER

Senior Vice President

United Way of Orange County

Richard W. Fisher is also chairman of the Orange County Emergency Food and Shelter Program. DR, STEVE LOPEZ