Introduction

Keith Wasserman is the founder and executive director of Good Works. His vision for those struggling with poverty and homelessness in rural Appalachia Ohio led him to create Good Works. This organization is a Christian-based ministry that provides services for the poor and connects people from all walks of life with them.

Contrary to popular belief, not all the poor are lazy. Many belong to the working poor. Sometimes a person lives from paycheck to paycheck. Any unexpected or sudden expense – lay off, unemployment, a medical problem, or a car breaking down – can create financial difficulties. A setback can mean eviction, no money for food, and/or utilizes being shut off. These people usually do not have other resources like family and friends (who can lend money or provide a place to stay) or education and training (job skills). Sometimes these individuals and their families become homeless. Often times, they lack basic life skills which fosters a cycle.

But before you can understand Keith’s vision, you have to understand a little more about Athens County and rural Appalachia Ohio. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful area in Ohio with its rolling hills, curvy little back roads, twisting bubbling creeks, wooded areas, and fields all teeming with wildlife. Many who drive through, visit or vacation have no idea about the lives of many residents. Good paying jobs are scarce, especially for those without a college degree. I’ve heard more than one Ohio University student complain that they could make double the money per hour at jobs “back home” in other parts of the state. I have friend who lives in house with no running water. It’s heated by a wood-burning stove. What may be quaint and rustic for a weekend can be a “hard row to hoe” for those who permanently reside there.

Athens County Statistics

Highest percentage of residents living in poverty in Ohio (27.4%)¹

Half of the residents are either the working poor or living in poverty¹

An average of 659 people are on the waiting list for limited subsidized housing²

Average income is slightly over $27,000 (while state average is almost $41,000) ¹

Rural Appalachia Ohio Statistics

One of every five children lives in poverty³

Nearly one fifth of the families earn less than $15,000 annually ⁴

One in seven adults (15%) is uninsured compared with 12% from metropolitan,

10% from non-Appalachia rural, 9% from suburbs¹

College-going rate is only 30% (even with the presence of Ohio University) compared to 62% for US³

Citation of Statistics

¹ Claussen, N. (2006, December 7). Agency report gives picture of county's poverty. The Athens News.

² Good Works, Inc. (2007). Good Works, Inc.: A Community of Hope Celebrating 26 Years. [brochure].

³ Hassett, K. (2006, September 10). Child-poverty rate increases: Study of rural areas shows Ohio one of 5 states with rise of at least 5%. The Columbus Dispatch.

⁴ Papa, M. J., Singhal, A. and Papa, W. H. (2006).A dialectic journey of theory and praxis. Organizing for Social Change.