Located in Kinloch, a traditionally
impoverished area of north St. Louis County, the PAKT
Community Resource Center has been confronting the
issues of poverty since 1965. Those issues range from
needing assistance with the most basic of needs (food,
utilities, rent / mortgage) to the more complex needs of
health care, education and recreation. In all areas, the
demand greatly outweighs the supply.
The results of the 1990 census revealed that in
the Kinloch area, 49% of all households live below the
poverty level (annual income of less than $10,000.00),
and 62% of all households have a single African American
female parent as head of household. Also, 46% of the
population are high-school dropouts. While these
statistics may now be 10 years old, it is likely that
the results of the 2000 census will reflect little
change.
Even for those who are actively working to
improve their situation, the system often works against
them. Many in need do not have their own transportation,
or even a phone. Yet they are expected to make literally
dozens of phone calls, and travel, often across town, to
agencies and churches to keep appointments while
applying for assistance. At some places, even with an
appointment, the wait can be several hours on a weekday,
making it impossible to balance appointments with the
demands of a job.
While PAKT is able to provide utility and rental
assistance with in-take and pledges being handled over
the phone, there are strict guidelines regarding
distribution of monies. In addition to being limited to
certain north county zip codes, the maximum amount that
can be pledged to help one family in a calendar year is
$50.00. Even with such strict guidelines, there are
often no funds available to help people in need of
assistance. PAKT, relying on individual contributions
and generous grants from Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery,
has been out of funds for assistance for over six weeks.
When funds are available, those in need must
still spend many hours making many phone calls to
various agencies. A typical utility account that is in
threat of shut-off can be well over $200.00, so several
pledges are required to avoid a disconnection. Again,
these calls must usually be made during regular business
hours, making it difficult to accomplish while holding
down a job.
Between January 1st and October 31, 2000, PAKT
has provided emergency food assistance to 211 families,
representing 828 individuals (most of whom are
children). During that same period of time, PAKT has
assisted 209 families, representing 598 individuals,
with over $13,500.00 in assistance with paying utility
bills and rent or mortgage payments. Unfortunately, for
every one family that receives service, approximately
three others must be turned away.
When voting next week, please take the time to
consider how the various candidates stand on the issues
that effect poverty in our community - education and
literacy, job training, and support for parents and
families. And consider, too, how we might improve our
social "safety nets" so that we might prevent even more
people from falling into poverty while we try to lift
others out.
Use your vote and your personal resources to help
us "Bridge the
Gap..."
