THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 20, 1994 TAG: 9411180148
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Susie Stoughton
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
The note from the 14-year-old would probably be enough to persuade Ron Williams to head Suffolk's United Way campaign, if he weren't already chairman.
The thank-you note of sorts told of the teenager's recent stay at the Suffolk Shelter for the Homeless on Finney Avenue.
``Now I know how it feels to be homeless,'' the letter said. ``I felt bad for my mom having to raise two kids, and she couldn't do it alone.''
Life can get tough for families who never expected to be on the streets.
In three years of existence, the shelter has provided emergency housing for more than 200 families, many of them homeless for reasons beyond their control. Some lost their homes to fire or were temporarily dislocated because of domestic violence or an emergency financial crisis, such as losing a job.
More than half the shelter residents were children, many of them younger than 5.
``Ever since we came to the shelter, we have been doing fine,'' the teen wrote in the note suggested by shelter supervisors to help tell what it feels like to be homeless.
At first, the youngster was ashamed to be at the shelter, one of the agencies supported by our United Way contributions.
``But then I didn't care because everyone has problems, and it's better than being in the street,'' the letter said. ``And things will turn out for the best. We just got to keep praying.''
This year's United Way theme is ``Love Can Move Mountains.'' Members of the 14-year-old's family, now back on their feet, can testify to that.
So far, Suffolk residents have demonstrated their love by pledging $320,000.
``We're at about 91 percent right now,'' Williams said last week as he prepared a report for a campaign workers' meeting.
But this year's goal for Suffolk is $355,000, a hefty increase over last year's collections of $311,797.
It's not too late to pledge, although the campaign is nearing its end, said Williams, who is Suffolk's city treasurer. A regional victory celebration will be Nov. 30 in Norfolk, and one Dec. 7 in Suffolk.
``This is the time to help push it over the top,'' Williams said. ``We're hoping to meet the goal. I think the potential is here.''
Suffolk is part of the United Way's regional fund-raising effort for Hampton Roads, supporting about 70 agencies. More than 30 are actually in Suffolk.
Besides the Homeless Shelter, the United Way contributions also support the Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Salvation Army, the Children's Center, Family Services and the local chapter of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.
``Those are some of the more visible ones,'' Williams said.
These agencies count on our support to continue their services that enhance the quality of life in Suffolk every day, he said.
Others - such as the Response Sexual Assault Support Services, the Suicide-Crisis Center Inc. and CANDII, a Norfolk agency that works with children with AIDS - provide services to Suffolk residents though they are not located here.
``They are just a phone call away,'' Williams said.
This year's special brick project helps the United Way and provides a Suffolk souvenir. For $10, you can buy a brick from the Planters Lifesavers Co. plant that was demolished recently. The brick has a brass plaque inscribed with the dates of the building - 1913-1994 - and a felt bottom.
You can get one at the Chamber of Commerce, Central Fidelity Bank, Crestar Bank, Bank of Suffolk's Plaza branch, the city treasurer's office or the United Way office. Or call the United Way at 539-1498.
If you haven't filled out a pledge card yet, see your United Way coordinator or call the United Way office.
Williams and all the United Way volunteers thank you in advance.
So do the members of the temporarily homeless teenager's family and all who benefit from programs sponsored by the United Way. by CNB