Carson homeless lucky to have people who care

That government leaders from several Western states, including Nevada, are working on a plan to end chronic homelessness is good news.

But until they're successful, our community is lucky to have people like Rebecca Rund, who began the Food for Thought program and now has more than 20 volunteers. And we're lucky to have Cari Holmes, a senior at Carson High School, who for her senior project is raising money for the program that gives food to homeless students on weekends.

They and the other individuals and groups in the area who work to help the hundreds of families living in poverty exhibit the compassion that makes this a special place to live.

But even with all their efforts, the cycle of poverty remains a major problem and many remain homeless. Even before the economy took a nosedive, many families were one paycheck away from being homeless. There seems little doubt the problem will worsen in step with the economy.

Longterm, the solution will require policies that will make affordable housing available, and it will require people willing to work with those in poverty to show them how they can break the cycle, so their children learn the path to success.

We don't have affordable housing in abundance here, and in Carson City families often live in cheap motel rooms to compensate. Some live in cars. What we do have in abundance is compassion, people who put a greater priority on helping others than they do judging them.

Holmes' fundraiser for Food For Thought will be April 11 from 6-8 p.m. at the Governor's Mansion. To get your tickets, call 885-8851 or purchase them at Sugar Pine Cove, 1087 S. Carson St.

This editorial represents the view of the Nevada Appeal Editorial Board.