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As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of melancholy, a man shuffled along the streets of Silver City. His name, let's say, was Mark. Grizzled and hardened by life's unkind twists, his existence was a walking echo of a once vibrant life, now merely surviving in the undead ruins of addiction - a living embodiment of the "Walking Debt."

The residents of Silver City knew Mark and recognized the worn-out gas can he carried - a symbol not of his need but a relic that aroused sympathy. His pleas echoed in the alleyways, falling onto the ears of kind-hearted passersby. He was an artist of words, sketching images of an empty stomach, a dying car, and a life on the brink. And to his artistry, wallets opened, and coins danced in his palms. Yet, the true destination of these generous offerings was not the repair of an imaginary car nor the filling of a stomach but the feeding of an insidious monster – addiction.

Do not mistake this tale as an attempt to villainize Mark or those in similar situations. It's a story as old as time and hides in plain sight in our communities. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 20% of homeless people suffer from chronic substance abuse. This is the brutal reality we inadvertently feed when we hand out money to panhandlers. While our intentions are noble, the consequence is an unending cycle of dependency and addiction, a zombie-like existence.

The solution to this grave issue isn't turning a blind eye, nor is it in the coin we spare. The answer lies in a different type of generosity that feeds the stomach, not the addiction. In Silver City, that answer can be found with The Silver City gospel Mission and SPIN, offering food, shelter, and referral to other help agencies.

Our community stands on the precipice of change, teetering between perpetuating a cycle of dependency and forging a path toward genuine help. If we choose the latter, imagine a Silver City where every Mark finds refuge and rehabilitation and reclaims his life from the clutches of his 'Walking Debt.' Let's direct our generosity where it genuinely helps, not hurts.

Your generosity fuels our mission, our fight. We thank you for your continued support.

To all our cherished donors and loyal email subscribers, I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am for your unwavering support. Our soup kitchen, food pantries, women's and children's shelter, and clothing bank can operate because of your heartfelt contributions and ongoing commitment. Our mission is funded through the revenue generated by our thrift store and the unwavering support of your donations.

Your generosity and dedication empower us to make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Without you, none of this would be possible, and we sincerely appreciate your impact on our organization and the communities we serve.

Yet, the power of our work is only as strong as the kindness of our supporters. Today, we humbly ask for your help. Whether it's a one-time donation or a monthly pledge, your generosity can transform lives and fortify the spirit of our community. Every contribution matters. Please join us on this journey of compassion and change.

Click here to donate now https://bit.ly/3q6VXb3​

Randy Salars
Silver City Gospel Mission Director

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111 S. Texas St., Silver city, New Mexico 88061
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