There also need to be some sort of freecycle where people can bring them stuff they need...building supplies left over from projects, baby clothes, insulation, prom dresses, car seats, freezers, etc. People are dying to help out in these situations and have basements full of old bikes and toasters and storm windows that they would like to donate if a truck would come through and collect it and drive it there...

I think this will be done by variuos church groups etc. One church collection there one week they said was $1.85.

Now, this is an ongoing chronic situation..it is not an immediate dire emergency..this is an excellent example of where we need to get goods from point A to point B, perhaps along with some incentive for them to clean up the strewn garbage etc.   

Feed the Children does a lot in these areas I believe..brings truckloads of food down.

Think if 25% of the students in the high school were trained in simple home repairs and materials in a community "free" store were availale. Another 25% were trained in home economics. Another 25% in CNA nursing. Another 25% in auto mechanics. Oops..lots in office management programs. This in addition to their regular schooling..doesn't mean they can't go to college..in fact it increases their likelihood of getting into and staying in college..witness football star who dropped out for lack of money. Aren't there work study programs there? I have worked at more than one college where there were more work study jobs than people able to qualify for them. Sad but true.

So vocational counseling and education right away to help the young people. Heifer and small ag programs to help older. Nutrition programs, visiting professionals to educate them.

Lots can be done, starting with education, nutrition, small agriculture and some cottage industries..and confronting the drug problem. l mg