The Epidemic of Despair

"I am struck by how many people are at West Houston Assistance Ministries for help. Today is dedicated to assisting people experiencing homelessness, those without a car. And there are just so many. How is it that we continue to see an increasing number of people? Then it struck me; I cannot recall when more people were exhausted, anxious, and concerned.

Why is this? We have lived through the pandemic for four years and painfully tumbled into uncertain economic conditions. Many are struggling with financial and health issues, culminating in what some have called an 'epidemic of despair' (McGrath, 2023). Studies show that the preventable death rate is rising, due primarily to a 'loss of faith in the future, due to a decline in opportunities for the less educated, combined with gaps in the country's social safety net' (McGrath, 2023, p.2). Agencies like West Houston Assistance Ministries are at the front line of addressing this epidemic of despair. Every day we help struggling people who have lost hope and need someone to believe in them and encourage them toward self-sufficiency. It is hard work, experiencing the pain, and knowing you can only do so much. The more resources we have, the more neighbors we can help.

I am driven by the singular goal of raising enough resources to help everyone who needs it. This is grand important work, and you are invited to join me in helping others."- Mark Brown, WHAM CEO

Reference:

McGrath. (2023). World beliefs, character strengths, and hope for the future. PloS One, 18(6), e0286531

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