Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

Keep Hope Alive by Roy Tullgren III

Sharing Yourself with Others

I love living in Tucson. It’s not just the wonderful weather. Even more so, it’s the great people. I find Tucson an extremely caring community. Our quality of life is greatly enhanced because people here care about their neighbors. It is a fact that Tucson has one of the country’s highest rates of non-profit organizations per capita.

Unfortunately, our elevated rate of non-profit organizations is not only driven by the large number of caring people living here, but of the enormous need for assistance that many of our community members have.

Just one example of an area of tremendous need is in the realm of poverty.

Every day at Gospel Rescue Mission I come in contact with community members who are living in poverty … both the working poor and the homeless. I am brought face to face with the harsh reality that almost 15% of our population in Arizona are living below the poverty level. Eighteen percent of families with children live at or below the poverty level of $18,850 for a family of four. To earn $18,850 a worker needs to make $9.04 an hour. However, a wage of $14.93 per hour is needed to afford a 2 bedroom apartment. It is estimated that there may be as many as 20,000 to 30,000 homeless people in Arizona on any given day.

People out of jobs… needing food boxes. Residents having their electricity turned off. Women raising their children as single parents trying to make ends meet. Physically disabled folks needing clothing or furniture. All coming to the door of the Mission for assistance.

I commend Tucsonans for actively demonstrating compassion. Not only do you respond well to local needs … day in and day out… but national needs and disasters as well. Tucsonans clearly demonstrated a benevolent response during 9/11 and Katrina. When there is a crisis… we take action.

Tucsonans are not shy in sharing what they have been blessed with… with those in need. As we approach the “season of giving”… Thanksgiving and Christmas… I want to remind you that there is still a tremendous need to help others. The good news is that there are many ways you can accomplish this… by sharing your time, resources, or finances.

Organizations always seem to have a dearth of volunteers and resources. One of the most meaningful ways you can contribute is by giving YOURSELF… your time… and talents. YOU can make a positive difference in someone’s life. There are youth and geriatric programs, health organizations, social service agencies, ministries, animal support groups, and the list goes on. Surely there is an organization or cause that stirs a passion within your heart.

Whether you support Gospel Rescue Mission or any number of worthy organizations, THANK YOU Tucson. The needs still abound. If you are not already involved in some way, please consider sharing YOURSELF with others… you’ll be glad you did!

Roy E. Tullgren III serves as Director for Gospel Rescue Mission.
Find out how you can get involved and make a difference by calling: (520) 740-1501.