To the Editor:

The issue that I would like to address is we have so many Americans that are homeless flood victims between the states of Virginia and North Carolina still from a few weeks old and they seriously need our assistance as fast as possible.

I have a heavy heart for all the homeless people from the flood. Hope they can find shelters and refuge. Nothing in the world upsets me and breaks my heart more than seeing homeless victims lose their homes, cars and everything. Doing one act of kindness can go a long way.

First, I would address the issue by helping with home repairs and yard work of the local families or homes in need. All schools in Virginia and North Carolina should start collecting donations for flood victims. Having guaranteed flood reimbursement insurance for everything that is lost during this difficult time. I thought of renting out all of these homes for sale and letting them live there. Donating money, food, water and clothing.

The Federal government should establish successful proposals for projects homeless victims. We should open more local shelters, food banks, and soup kitchens. Welfare programs should really be offered to the victims.

Offering to feed homeless victims for volunteer hours. Organizing a food bank for thanksgiving and Christmas holiday. Churches and local businesses can do fundraisers to help. All individuals in government from local, state and national should all come to together for fundraisers and donations in both states. All the surroundings communities in Virginia and North Carolina can host charity events.

We should be brainstorming a list of organizations where people can volunteer, donate food or other household items. Create a petition within the communities between the two states with signatures to support innovative ideas to help the homeless flood victims. Gather items for a care packages such as clothing, blankets, or basic supplies and donate to local families in need. Have a service scavenger hunt when groups will go around town and ask various things for people to donate to help people in need. The items could include coats, shoes, gloves, socks, blankets, clothing, combs, toothbrushes, towels, sheets, shampoo, soap, water bottles, etc.

Set up workshops to help people in need which include employment resources, interview skills, resume tips, communication skills, educational resources, job skills, etc. Collect food from neighbors, at school or from churches and give it to a local family in need, homeless shelter, or charity.

Kristen Brown
Franklin