The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
Fresh Start seems to have been a good idea that came to a rotten end this week. After all, there was the disappointed anger of those turned away a few weeks ago because the program lacked the manpower to handle hundreds of applications at one time. Then came those who learned Monday morning that they would not receive help because the program had run out of money.
The program could have been managed better, though it did have to travel through many channels to arrive here.
Fresh Start is a program initiated by the state Department of Human Services and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta to provide one-time financial assistance to eligible folks in need throughout the state. In Lowndes County, the Greater Valdosta United Way partnered with Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP) to administer the program.
Perhaps, more volunteers could have been tapped to handle the estimated 400 people who arrived on Fresh Start’s first day. Perhaps, more volunteers would have kept organizers from having to ask people to leave and return at a later date.
As for people waiting Monday to be told all of the funds had been spent since the prior week, perhaps organizers should have replaced the signs asking potential candidates to return Monday with signs stating there were no more funds.
A few steps could have reduced the confusion and frustration that tarred the program.
Make no mistake: Fresh Start was a good program. Valdosta-Lowndes County was fortunate to be a part of it.
Within a few weeks, 137 Lowndes County residents received an average of $1,200 to $1,300 in paying delinquent utility bills and house payments. Lowndes County received approximately $136,000, with an additional $10,000 going to neighboring Brooks, Echols, Lanier and Berrien counties.
It is good to know many people were helped in desperate times; however, a little forethought may have kept the program from appearing desperate.
