WS Chronicle

To The Editor: 

 I am writing to express my concern about the government’s role in addressing poverty and providing support to individuals and families who are struggling, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Debby. These storms have wreaked havoc in our state, leaving many already vulnerable communities even more exposed to hardship. 

While Winston-Salem and other areas have made efforts to rebuild, the fact remains that many people, especially those in poverty, are left without the resources they need to recover. These storms have shown us how quickly a person’s stability can be torn apart, and the government must step up to ensure that vulnerable people are not left behind when disaster strikes. We need policies that help residents rebuild their lives, not just physically, but also economically and socially. 

Too many residents already faced barriers to accessing quality healthcare, affordable housing, and education. These challenges have only worsened for some due to the damage from Helene and Debby; for example, after Hurricane Sandy, many low-income residents in New York encountered obstacles to healthcare due to the destruction of medical facilities and loss of insurance coverage. Mental health services were in high demand but difficult to access. Additionally, after the 2011 Joplin, Missouri, tornado, many families faced similar hardships when local healthcare centers and schools were destroyed, leading to long delays in services. In Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria, the government’s delayed response to infrastructure repair left many without reliable healthcare and electricity for months, making the recovery process even harder. It is clear that the government’s role in providing support, both in times of crisis and long-term, must go beyond temporary relief efforts. We need to focus on rebuilding in ways that lift people out of poverty, with an emphasis on expanding social safety nets, increasing affordable housing initiatives, and ensuring access to healthcare and education. 

Furthermore, we need to strengthen the disaster recovery system by establishing more robust community-based support networks that include partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and churches. These organizations are often more in tune with community needs and can provide vital resources, from food and shelter to mental health support. Additionally, expanding affordable housing and offering direct financial assistance to those displaced or affected by disaster would help families rebuild more effectively. We could also explore offering tax incentives to businesses that rebuild in low-income areas, creating jobs while supporting the local economy. 

Job training programs, education reforms, and the development of long-term solutions are critical to preventing future generations from facing the same struggles. As Winston-Salem continues to grow, we must not forget that many of our neighbors are still trying to recover from the dual crises of poverty and natural disasters. 

PS: On a personal note: a tree fell on my home during Hurricane Debby, causing significant damage. Thankfully, my family is safe, but the experience has underscored how vital it is for our community to have access to swift, effective aid during times of crisis. I urge local officials to consider the long-term impacts on families like mine when planning disaster recovery efforts. 

Jordyn Myrick 

  Winston Salem