By Jasper Knox, Council for the Homeless intern

We are entering a time of year when the temperatures dip and the suffering of those living outside increases. But the cold presents opportunities for warm compassion. America has many sides to her, yet one of the most beautiful is the acts of care between our neighbors and within our communities.

Divisions in our country are powerful and seem to have permeated all corners of our lives. The arrival of COVID has escalated the pre-existing challenges for folks to get their basic needs met, and has strained the connections that make life worth living. How do you reach out and care for your community in this divisive environment?

My work as an intern with Council for the Homeless has given me insight into how this can be accomplished. Through my experience, I have become familiar with the wonderful people of Clark County. There are faith congregations, organizations, agencies, and individuals who exhibit their values by curating spaces, resources, and connections with our neighbors.

What I have learned at the Council is to meet people where they are at without judgment. Judgment, blame, and anger are easy roads to take, but to be strong I need to be empathetic and select a route that will provide the greatest well-being to my fellow community members.

When we examine the issues of lack of access to affordable housing, and families and individuals who are struggling to meet their basic needs, do we blame them? Perhaps we could consider that the issues are greater than the individual. Perhaps we can tap into our humanity, and believe that folks are doing their best with the resources they have AND that we can all benefit from supporting one another.

Who has been there for you in your life? Who has helped you along the way? Let’s remember that we are only as strong as our community. We must put aside our differences and serve the greater purpose of helping those in need.

If you’re able, please reach out to an organization or a neighbor this holiday season and find out how you can help. One way to help is by volunteering or providing food for the Winter Hospitality Overflow and Satellite Overflow Shelters in Clark County. You can find sign up links at the CFTH Winter Shelter Volunteering webpage.

Thanks for being there and thanks for caring about the people in Clark County.