Poverty exists in the shadow of prosperity

After reading an article in the Post-Gazette centered around the longevity of a person’s life in relation to the neighborhood in which he or she lives (“Want to Live Longer? Lifespan Can Depend on Where you Live,” Aug. 27), we felt compelled to share a story. While the percentages of those in need in Upper St. Clair may be lower than many other communities, there are a significant number of people and families still struggling and in need.

Just recently, an Upper St. Clair mom walked through our doors at South Hills Interfaith Movement. After a series of events, she found herself unable to afford the utilities for the home she owns in Upper St. Clair. She is working hard to get back on her feet and coming to SHIM for a little help. She is not the only one. Just last year, 196 students in Upper St. Clair qualified for free or reduced-price lunches at school. This means their families are struggling to provide three healthy meals per day.

As unexpected as it may be, suburban poverty is growing five times faster than urban poverty, leaving many who haven’t faced hunger before unsure of where to turn. This is the case throughout the South Hills, including neighborhoods like Mt. Lebanon and South Park. SHIM’s three food pantries, located in Bethel Park, Baldwin and Whitehall, serve 2,600 South Hills residents — with that numbergrowing every year.

We, as board members of SHIM and residents of Upper St. Clair, urge local residents to remember that people in every community are struggling and they might be your next door neighbor. They might be hidden in the shadows of beautiful homes and manicured lawns but they are here and they need our help.

If you are struggling in the South Hills, learn how SHIM can help at shimcares.org. MANDY THOMAS South Hills Interfaith

Movement Upper St. Clair