There’s no question that more families are struggling to balance their checkbooks due to the economy. With the jobless rate climbing and the housing market still trying to find the bottom so it can begin its escalation back to normalcy, men, women and families are finding themselves in unenviable situations.

Some are now in a position where they must choose to spend what money they do have for either food or housing. Since the economy doesn’t discriminate in its choice of victims, many of the people seeking assistance don’t fit the stereotype of the typical homeless person or family. As the recession continues, the number of families that need help also is climbing, and at an alarming rate. On the other hand, contributions to organizations that provide services to homeless people and families have done just the opposite, with considerably less money flowing to them this year than last. Thus, the agencies are being forced to turn people away.

Every day, homeless shelter employees hear pleas from men, women and families. As contributions erode, they are faced with telling those in need to go somewhere else for help. Those families, many of which are asking for help for the first time, are being told that they are too late and that the inn is full.

To be in such dire straits that one can’t get shelter for his family is almost inconceivable. Turning away those in need shouldn’t be tolerated in Suffolk or anywhere else. We have an obligation and should have a burning desire to help our fellow man. Instead of us wallowing in our own pity, let’s consider doing what we can to support our local agencies who are on the front lines battling homelessness.