We believe that even those in our communities fortunate to not need to worry about homelessness should be deeply grateful for the work of Code Blue.

Volunteers each winter staff an overnight warming shelter at First Church, on the corner of Packer and Market streets.

“From a perspective standpoint, what we recognize is the difference between us — between Sue and I — and those that are homeless, is really paper thin. We’ve gotten a break and they haven’t. We grew up in pretty standard families — they were stable. And these people, for one reason or another, didn’t get that break, or have not gotten the right kind of a break. They had a housing disaster, or they’ve not been able to hold a job,” John Best, one of the founders of the initiative, told the Sun-Gazette for a Jan. 12 article.

“…or made some bad decisions,” Sue added.

We believe every member of our communities should reflect on that wisdom — that the circumstances that led men, women and families to be homeless too often are circumstances that could happen to anyone. The people of our region should reflect on how fortunate they are and on the humanity they share with the men and women who use Code Blue.

When possible, they should contemplate how they can help Code Blue achieve its life-saving mission — whether financially or by volunteering.

And, as we alluded to in the beginning, they should appreciate the hard work of volunteers to provide this critical service to people afflicted with such circumstances.

The work of Code Blue’s volunteers is a testament to the values and sense of community service for which Lycoming County and the surrounding communities should feel pride.