There aren’t many homeless people around Baldwin County. Once in a while I will see a man with a big backpack walking up or down Hwy 59 but other than that I hadn’t seen many. But that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. From the National Alliance to End Homelessness it says, "Many people think of homelessness as strictly an urban phenomenon because homeless people are greater in number and are more visible in urban areas, but homelessness is pervasive in rural areas."

According to the 2007 report from the Homeless Coalition of the Gulf Coast there were 30 unsheltered people and 33 more in shelters in 2006. That doesn't sound like a lot but that is 63 people too many. No one should be without a home in this modern world but unfortunately that is not the case. Now in Baldwin County there is hope for a better life for those who are down on their luck.

A new community agency has opened to help house the homeless that are in Baldwin County. Its called Family Promise and the director is Mike Brokowsky. Between the lack of affordable housing and low-income jobs sometimes it’s difficult to find a permanent place to live. It’s the same story for many over the whole nation but here in Baldwin County there is help for those in need. Beside local churches helping house some of the homeless this new agency helps families find housing and employment.

With the help of a $35,00 grant from the Federal McKinney-Veto Act which targets students who are homeless with their families the Family Promise Agency helps families with school supplies, personal hygiene products, uniforms, housing, transportation, job training and counseling.

This gives those without hope a chance at self-sufficiency. It gives them a chance at a better life in Baldwin County and knowing that someone cares about them. It’s hard to get ahead when you are struggling to keep up; especially when you don’t have a permanent place to live. Everyone gets down on their luck once in a while and this new agency can help others that cannot help themselves.

Beside the county agencies available for help, there is much we can do to help homeless families in need. If you are lacking in something to do, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, you can volunteer your time to help train the homeless individuals for employment. You can volunteer your time at a church that helps house the homeless or at this new agency in Baldwin County. You can donate food, clothing and furniture to help families get on their feet. It is a never-ending job but people are important and those lucky enough to live in the southern part of Alabama should have every opportunity for success. We are all thankful that we live in such a time and live freely in such a great country. Making a difference in someone else’s life and knowing there is someone who cares for the homeless in Baldwin County starts the new year out right … and it helps me to sleep better at night.

Loxley resident Valerie J. Steimle is the author of two books, “Home Is Where The Heart Is, A look at strengthening the American Family,” and her latest book, “Home Is Where The Learning Is” (www.amazon.com/gp/product/1403379637). Contact her at valeriesteimle@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.stengthenyourhome.com.