For many people in Kansas City, last winter was enough to send people scurrying down the pavement from their cars to the warm comforts of home. Unfortunately, the warm comforts of home is by far unreachable for some. There are souls out there in the cold, some forgotten by their families and those who are not, have their families with them, children and all. They may be known by different names, the needy, the poor or for some, the homeless. As part of PNAGKC’s objectives in promoting the organization’s visibility in the community, we are in a position to make a difference.

The Immaculate Conception Homeless Program was established seven years ago to aid the homeless with necessities such as food, clothes and at times monetary contributions to help pay for utility bills in emergency cases. They also manage a lunch program on weekends reaching out to the community’s homeless population. This program receives funding from Federal Emergency Monetary Assistance but is mainly dependent on private donations.

In the year 1995 alone, around 14,582 people needed assistance and . However, Susan Lesnersky, the Homeless Program coordinator of ICHP, asserts that this number may actually be double due to lack of information and social implications of being labeled homeless. In Kansas City alone, around 23,000 people live below poverty line as brought about by the increase in urban development, lay-offs and cuts in government subsidies. It is estimated that there are 1 million to 3 million homeless people in the U.S.

The task of accurately keeping track of the growing number of homeless people is obviously not an easy one but according to latest statistics 74% are adults, 22% are children and 4% are seniors. Looking at these numbers it is only clear that the situation can be much worse if no assistance is offered. Adding to the problem are cuts in government subsidized apartments which may come at no worse a time than during these winter months.

In 1996 PNAGKC has taken the challenge in making the difference in the lives of the less fortunate by food and clothing donations. To some, this might be seen as a futile effort to solve a significantly humongous problem of society. As Filipinos, we have witnessed the result of unsupported and corrupted programs to help the needy in our country. Resulting in crime& hunger so widespread, it is almost passed on as simply a way of life for some. As nurses, there has always been an informal mission passed on from generations to make a difference to alleviate suffering when needed and go the extra mile in saving lives. Helping out in this endeavor might as well be a continuation of our mission as a profession...as a Filipino.