I have volunteered at the Drop-In Center since its beginning. I am there one day a week and provide lunch one day a month.

I am 91 years old and I have never felt unsafe. I would invite any council member (one at a time, we don’t have much space) to join us for lunch. The staff works very hard to direct and support clients to appropriate services to help problem-solve the many circumstances presented.

The clients we see there point to a larger societal problem. How do we as a society support those less fortunate and disadvantaged?

Some do have mental health issues. When Ohio closed the old state hospitals, there was no provision made for those who need a more protective environment. They have ended up on the streets or in prison. Some have addiction issues.

Many of the people have jobs, at McDonalds, KFC, etc. These jobs do not pay enough to allow someone to rent an apartment and buy food.

Rather than assigning blame, how can we work together to solve these issues?

We hope to move out of the commercial area in time but need financial support to make the site meet all the required standards. Will you make a donation to help reach the goal? Send those donations to the Marietta Community Foundation for Emergency Shelter.

We at the Drop-In Center are part of the solution, not the problem.