Pain of poverty never ebbs

Last year will likely be remembered as The Year of Living Dangerously. From hurricanes to floods to fires, America seemed to have a "crisis of the month." And because there was so much high-profile tragedy, many of society's more chronic problems took a back seat. But the story from Vernal this week brought one such example of ongoing strife back into high-relief: the often-called "plight of the homeless."

A Deseret Morning News report spoke of the many people in the Uinta Basin who have been forced out of apartments because of the escalating cost of rent. Many families now live in tents, campers and other makeshift rooms. One emergency specialist claimed her office was being inundated with requests for help. The government has approved a request for funds to put homeless people in hotel rooms — for a spell. Other funds have been found.

But that is the rub. Government funding and volunteer contributions are often a one-shot deal. And throwing money at the problem can feel like trying to fill the Grand Canyon with dollar bills. The need is so great that many people simply throw up their hands. And at times when more pressing needs arise — such as hurricane relief — agencies dealing with the homeless fear contributions will dwindle because people have only so much to give.

Yet despite the gnawing needs and the sense of futility that engenders, we urge the Utah State Legislature and Utah's private citizens to not forget the continuing sagas of need, such as the homeless. It is easy to become jaded. The presence of poverty sometimes can seem almost run-of-the-mill.

But it's not, of course. Each individual case is unique. In the past, Utahns have surprised experts by pitching in with extra help where needed. Those who wring their hands over donations dying down in the wake of major disasters are often pleasantly surprised.

In the war against woe, the one thing worse than frustration and despair would be apathy. And the cliche is true: Every little bit helps.

As for the Uinta Basin, the good news is that next spring the housing authority will start building several dozen units for low-income families. The bad news, of course, is it won't solve the problem.

We urge Utahns to soldier on in the war against poverty and the other ills of society by digging deep. It's not easy. It is, however, the only real option.