2^nd Edition

In today’s world of rising prices and low wages people more than ever are looking for answers and when they don’t know where to turn for help, those problems become nightmares. Clallam County in Washington state has not been above this crisis. It seems impossible to simply go to a grocery store without seeing some unfortunate souls standing on the corner asking for help, people sleeping in alleyways, or even tents set up on sidewalks or in front of “Out of Business” signs.

“An estimated 11.2 percent of residents and 23.2 percent of children under the age of 18 in the county live in poverty (the national federal poverty level for a family of four is $26,500).” Quote from Clallam-County-Homeless-System-Needs-and-Gaps-Report-2021. Since then, more businesses have shut down creating an ever-growing unemployed population while rent, and food prices have increased. These statistics are even more real for those who live around here.

This essay isn’t all dark, in fact there is light to shine in this story. Here in Clallam county, there are some amazing resources for those who know where to look. Places like 4PA(4PA ) help clean up and help support homeless people. Sarge’s Place (Sarge’s Place Veteran Housing in Forks and Port Angeles, Wa – Sarge’s Veteran Support) provides veteran support with food, housing and medical. The Sequim Food Bank (Sequim Food Bank) is a great resource for anyone in need of food which helps fight food insecurity in the Sequim area.

Another great resource is the Port Angeles Food Bank (Port Angeles Food Bank) This nonprofit has a location in Port Angeles that allows food access to anyone in need, but also has a mobile market van that brings food to people in different areas in town including a weekly stop at the Peninsula college. This organization does so much more than just food. PA Food Bank also has an Outreach program that helps people who are experiencing homelessness.