Helping our neighbors
As we head into the holiday season – yes, it will be on us before we know it – our attention seems to turn, naturally, toward helping those who are in need. Based on what we’ve seen statistically over the last few years and weeks, that number is growing at a pace not seen in decades. Fueled by a decade and a half of quantitative easing, billions of dollars were pumped into the system.
Begun in the administration of President Barack Obama, the measure was supposed to be a temporary one, to help the economy after the banking collapse of 2008. Instead, it was continued with interest rates the lowest in history. Meanwhile, federal spending rampaged with deficits under both Democratic and Republican administrations. One must remember the stimulus fight of 2008 in the wake of the banking debacle, would have pushed the national deficit to more than $9 trillion.
Fiscal policies helped fuel a spending spree where the national deficit to $33 trillion, and now surpasses our Gross Domestic Product. The pandemic of 2020 had its own hand in this bad policy, with stimulus checks given to all citizens.
Eventually, the money fountain had to stop. Interest rates are now climbing, and, with it, inflation, due to all the dollars in the system. The boom of the pre-Covid years has now become the inflation spiral we now witness. Real wages have decreased in buying power, prices for commodities as well as things like homes and rentals have skyrocketed.
While state and private agencies are geared toward helping the needy. The influx of those needing assistance has been staggering.
We in West Haven cannot conquer the issue of inflation, but we can ease the pain. West Haveners have always been generous when it comes to helping neighbors. That need is more pronounced now than it has been in quite some time.
The premier agency in our community is, of course, WHEAT, the West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce. Begun by the West Haven Clergy Association more than 40 years ago, it has become the go-to place for people to donate food, clothing, and other necessities.
While WHEAT has expanded some of its services over the years, or attempted other services only to determine it is outside its purview, it remains, primarily, a place where needy families can get assistance with foodstuffs, and advice on where to get other help. And while it keeps to its original mandate, it also depends on the people who have made the work it does possible.
Over the next several weeks local civic and fraternal organizations, which are a major part of the donation process, will pick up their efforts. Food donation requests will increase, toy drives and coat drives will be organized. While things might be tight financially in your own lives, we urge you to take part in these efforts.
As we stated above, West Haven’s residents have always been generous in their aid to those in need. “Neighbor helping neighbor,” the original motto of WHEAT, is something we do very well.
Churches collect food year-round and will redouble their efforts over the next several weeks. The same is true of many organizations in the city. Be part of it. Things are difficult for everyone these days, but there is always someone who needs a bit more.
West Haven prides itself as a giving community. We know it will do so again as the holiday season nears.