FOOD, SHELTER, HOPE
Crisis Ministry and Food Bank Meet the Challenge

December 13, 2005 – Two of Charleston’s dynamic caregivers gave presentations that were well in tune with the holiday spirit of helping others. Stacey Deneaux, Director of the Crisis Ministry, told us that 3.5 million people nationally, of which 40% are children, are homeless. A major reason is the shortage of affordable housing. Thus, when it comes to a choice of food or house, they will give up their homes. On average 3000 people per day are homeless in the Charleston area, 2000 of whom come to the Crisis Center at some time during the year. Eventually, about 300 of these find homes.

Assistance takes the form of mental, physical and spiritual help. The center at 573 Meeting Street is staffed by 7 social workers, one nurse and other part time specialists. Despite these efforts, there are over 40% more women and children being served this year over last year, and an increase of 2% in men. The causes of homelessness are poverty, lack of housing, being a victim of violence, job loss and for 80% mental illness, 40% of whom it is very severe.

Homeless persons are 3 to 4 times more likely to die early, or at an age of 47 rather than the national average of 77. Chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes which many people live with can become fatal to the homeless. To combat such issues, the center teachers classes in cleanliness and diet. These classes have been highly successful.

Jermaine Husser, Director of the Food Bank, shared alarming statistics noting that 37 million people in America have inadequate food, with 450,000 being in South Carolina. The nation spends 1 billion per year caring for children born with low birth weight and another 1 billion on problems related to obesity. Thus, the dichotomy exists that 27% of the nations food is wasted. Still, the local Food Bank provides 10 million pounds of food per year.

In addition to giving out food, the Bank is training persons to get jobs in the food service industries, teaching children to eat more nutritiously and avoid obesity and providing education to expecting mothers. This area alone can save the nation billions in medical expenses later on.

The Food Bank sent 48 million pounds of food to Katrina victims. In so doing, it is recognizes that hurricane disaster always looms over Charleston and the help may come back again in another time. The bank operates on a low overhead cost of 2%, thus every dollar given turns into a donation of about $20, as the bank marshals food resources from all over. The goal is to end the time of homeless and hungry people in America.

Reported by Fred Sales, Keyway Committee