LANSING – State Representative Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing) today challenged Mid-Michigan residents to help in the fight against poverty and homelessness in the community.
"Because of the economic downturn our state has experienced, we are seeing more people than ever at soup kitchens and homeless shelters," Meadows said. "Thankfully there are agencies in existence that want to solve these economic problems: homelessness, hunger, poverty. Unfortunately, their resources are finite, and they need all the help they can get."
There are many agencies throughout the community that help deal with unemployment, homelessness and other issues in the community. Meadows is offering to match up to $1,000 in donations to each of the following agencies: Haven House; Advent House Ministries; EVE, Inc.; Gateway Community Services; Loaves and Fishes Ministries; St. Vincent Catholic Charities and the Greater Lansing Food Bank.
When participating in the "Meadows Challenge," be sure to note on your check or send a letter along with your donation that you are participating in the challenge, so the agency can notify Meadows and allow him to match the donation. The deadline for the Meadows Challenge is Wednesday, April 29, 2009.
"In order for us to make it through these tough economic times, we're going to have to work together," Meadows said. "A community is made up of people who help each other out, and that's exactly why I will match up to $7,000 worth of donations out of my own pocket. If a person can't rely on their community, what else do they really have? We are all in this together and I know that by working together, we will make a difference."