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Show Are there really needy In county? As we enter the holiday season, our thoughts are turned toward those less fortunate. But, do we really have needy or homeless in Davis County? According to some, traces of transient tran-sient camps have been found in Farmington at Woodland Park, and there have been reports of a transient living in a field in Layton. The Davis County Sheriffs Department does not have any records to support these claims. According to Lieutenant Curtis Cur-tis Johnson, they very seldom get calls regarding transients "I've heard stories of one man in Layton, but I've never seen him. Most of the homeless in Davis County are just passing through. The majority of them end up in Ogden or Salt, Lake," he said. The fact that there are no groups of transients living together in the county does not mean that everyone living here is living the good life. But how many families out there ned help and how can they get it? Some believe there are scores of Davis County residents who will not have an enjoyable holiday season due to the fact that they will not be able to provide for their families. ' "There are a lot of people out there who are normal middle-class middle-class people, and have been self-sufficient all of their lives, who are hurting due to some sort of personal crisis," said Johnson. "And these people are too proud to ask for help. They try very hard to hide the fact that they have any financial problems." It is easy to overlook the near-poverty level families who can't qualify for special assistance programs but who just barely bare-ly survive. Many of these families are headed by a single parent who has a minimum-wage job with little or no benefits. What about the elderly and others who are trying to live on fixed incomes? These highly productive citizens face many financial fi-nancial challenges. Davis County has a sizable population of aliens and migrant workers who have special needs that go beyond poverty into the areas of understanding, friendship, job opportunities and education. It is our hope that those who need help, but do not fit the normal definition of "needy," will contact us at the Clipper office, and we will make sure they receive assistance. Names will be held in strict confidentiality. There are hundreds of local residents who would like to help. Everyday we receive information and calls from groups and individuals wanting to know if there is any way they can be of assistance. With the holidaysrapidly approaching, there are citizens who would like to share what they have with those inneed. Although it is difficult at times to ask for help, it is more difficult to allow children and the needy to go without food, clothing and shelter. It is a privilege for those who can help to be able to do so. Everyone benefits when people help people. |
