Helping Hands in Hard Times

In Pennsylvania, many people are struggling because of the government shutdown. A woman went to church in tears because she won't get food benefits in November. She wasn't there to talk about politics. She just needed help to feed her kids. Millions of people in Pennsylvania rely on these benefits. SNAP payments stopped on October 16th. Programs like WIC and Medicaid are also affected. This makes families worried and nonprofits very busy. In York and Adams Counties, thousands of families need these benefits every month. They will turn to places like New Hope Ministries and local churches for help. These groups get food from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. But now, the Food Bank's supplies are low. So, local food pantries have to buy food at higher prices. This means donations are needed more than ever, but they don't go as far. In Dauphin County, almost 30, 000 people rely on SNAP benefits. When these benefits stop, families have nowhere else to go. They turn to places like Christ Lutheran Church's free health clinics. These clinics provide food, care, and hope to people who need it most. Pastor Matthew Best says, "We don't ask about politics at our clinics. We ask what people need. " The clinics see nearly 850 patients each month, up from 560 in January. Pastor Best jokes that they run the clinics with duct tape. But now, they have to make that tape go further. When the government stops working because of political fights, the most vulnerable people suffer. Politics is not a game. There are no winners when real people lose access to food, healthcare, or hope. Jesus said, "Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me. " This is not just a saying. It's a mission. Now is the time to act. Pray for leaders to work together. Contact your representatives and ask them to serve the people. Give money if you can. Volunteer your time. Speak up and show up. Neighbors need help, not political sides.