Working to address community needs

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Submitted by LIFRC

Lopez is a beautiful, peaceful place to live. Yet there is a high level of Lopezians living in poverty and under chronic stress. Many are seniors with limited social security and younger, hardworking individuals & families (often with multiple low wage jobs). According to United Way of the Pacific Northwest, 32 percent (850 individuals) of the population does not have enough income for food, housing, electricity & other basic needs. 6 percent (165 individuals) have incomes below 50 percent of the poverty line.* There are children living in substandard housing that have no running water, electricity or reliable sources of heat. Others are dealing with the trauma of mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Fighting for survival creates toxic levels of stress that is not healthy for anyone. So what can each of us do?

The Lopez Island Family Resource Center is working closely with other community organizations, churches and individuals to be sure that the needs of our community are being met. Together, we are working hard to find solutions. The areas of focus currently being discussed are

1) housing/rental assistance

2) food/nutrition,

3) economic opportunities,

4) mental health/substance services, and

5) after school child care.

Please join us at the next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 4–6 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church.