Family Connection Appeals to Helen for Funding

HELEN, Ga. — White County Family Connection Executive Director Judi Lawson, Annette Boswell and Lindsey Oliver attended the Helen City Commission meeting Tuesday seeking funds to help the them fulfill their mission.

Family Connection is a local decision-making body that brings community partners together to develop and implement, plans to address the serious challenges facing White County’s children and families. Many are homeless or live in substandard housing.

The organization provides food, clothing, assistance with shelter, school supplies, glasses and help with healthcare needs.
Ms. Boswell pointed out that there are about 90 homeless families in the county and 20-25 reside in Helen either in a camper or doubled up with family members. Some live in storage sheds.

Family Connection depends on funds from the community to allow it to continue to provide those services.

The organization currently receives $10,000 a year from White County and $5,100 from the City of Cleveland to help families. The group asked commissioners to consider including Family Connection when it begins its budgeting process next month.
Commissioners said they would get a preliminary look at the budget in June and would consider including Family Connection at that time.