A death in Sparta that could have been prevented

To the Editor: Edwin Gorda died of hypothermia in Sparta recently. How have we allowed a human being to freeze to death in such an affluent community and county? With limited resources, social service organizations assist the 350 known homeless in Sussex County, but none addresses the individual male population. How does that compare to the number of animal shelters in the area? Would a death by a “terrorist” generate more of a response than the clear and present terror of poverty? Can we see the effects of poverty and/or mental health issues are functionally a death sentence? Rather than relocating these individuals to other municipalities, can we devise a more creative, responsible, and effective solution? A proactive plan between agencies and the Sparta Township Council and Sussex County Freeholders needs to keep this travesty from happening again. Many are celebrating the birth of Jesus, who said that whoever feeds, clothes, and shelters “the least” does it to him. Originally there was “no room in the inn.” This Christmas we have again turned him away as one who was present among us in one of Christ’s more disturbing disguises. Faithfully, Rev. Dr. Charles T. McNeil Pastor, Sparta United Methodist Church