Homes for Poor

I was pleasantly surprised and uplifted by “Trading Shack for a Subdivision” (Jan. 26). I confess to being one of those people who grumble about never reading anything uplifting in the newspaper. The story by Sheryl Stolberg was different. It told of a school bus driver who became a county supervisor in order to dignify the lives of others.

The Times and Stolberg are to be commended for telling the story of Robert Avant, the man who took it upon himself to change the conditions of a small community in Panola County, Miss. The people of Crenshaw, Miss., had for generations lived in such abject poverty that their homes were less than broken-down shacks and, as is often the case, there was no one, until Avant took up the cause, who cared enough to offer aid.

In an era when we take drive-by shootings, murder, robbery and other heinous crimes for granted, it’s encouraging to read about quiet heroes like Supervisor Avant and the Panola County administrator, David Chandler, and all their hard work on behalf of the people of Crenshaw. Avant should be considered a hero and a role model for ourselves and our children.

CATHLEEN SCHAFFROTH

Anaheim