Responding to today, planning for tomorrow
Perhaps none of us are immune to the economic crisis we see unfolding before us everyday. Indeed, the Louisville area is struggling along with every other city in the nation. While we all have our own way of dealing with the implications of this terrible downturn, we must keep in mind its effects on the particularly vulnerable among us: the elderly, low-income families, the recently unemployed, the disabled, and our very young. Basic needs are more important than ever before. Investments and efforts to alleviate hunger and food insecurity, promoting housing and financial stability, and connecting people to public benefits and tax credits are all very important in providing the “safety net” we all hope is strong and stable when we need it most.
Many organizations, including Metro United Way, are coming to together to coordinate a response to the many needs we see growing in our community. Meaningful and relevant responses to immediate needs are obviously important now, but hopefully not at the expense of our long-term solutions. Our community can address critical and immediate needs without overshadowing the important work of developing long-term strategies that lead to a unique community strength, an ability to thrive, not just survive.
Everyday, each of us practice proactive measures to keep us from getting in bad situations in the first place. We can all relate to the importance of checking our engine oil before going on a big trip, brushing our teeth regularly, and the painting of the exterior of our houses. Prevention is a word we all know and understand in our everyday lives, it is no different for the life and vitality of our community. Advocating on behalf of others for greater access to public benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp program), the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Earned Income Tax Credit is equal to advocating on behalf of the whole community, that means me and you.
These public programs not only promote physical and financial health, but bring so much back into the community, especially in tough times. SNAP creates economic activity by bringing dollars into local businesses, securing jobs, and ultimately bringing more taxes into our community. EITC is equally beneficial to stimulating the local economy, but many of the families eligible do not know about this very helpful credit. Finally, what better way to invest in our future than through our kids? They must be healthy now if they have the hope of being healthy later in life. Personally, I want to know that future generations in my community are there for me when I need them most. Selfish? Maybe, but I don’t think I am alone my thinking.
Interested in EITC work? Check out the Louisville Asset Building Coalition website on how to become a VITA site volunteer: http://www.labcservices.org/
Want to help more eligible kids get enrolled in KCHIP? Check out Kentucky Youth Advocates website and learn more about Children’s Advocacy Day at the state capital on February 12: http://www.kyyouth.org/Advocacy/
Want to learn more about the benefits of SNAP and help eliminate local barriers to access SNAP? Check out the Food Research Action Center’s webpage on food stamps: http://www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/programs/fsoutreachprg.html#anchor826588
