The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1917-06-27
EVEN ENFORCEMENT OF THE
ANTI-VAGRANCY LAW ADDS
MANY DIFFICULTIES.
Social Service Federation is Equipped
to systematically Render Aid
but Needs Funds.

"Notwilhstan ding the fact that
there is work for everyone at TINS
time, or for all who are able 10 work,
the Associated Charities, or Social
Service Federation, is having great
difficulty in meeting the demands
which arc being made upon 1t at this
time" A. +. Sinks. secretary OF the
Associated Charities, stated yeStcr'
day.
Some problems presented for solu.
! ton are not easily solved. Then,
strange as it may seem, the enforce
ment Of the law itself adds many diff
cuities 10 the Charities work. There
have been, through Juvenile court,
, several boys who contributed 10 the
support of their mother and family,
sent 10 the state reformatory. Their
wages make the difference in their
homes Of independence and depend
ence. In other words, since their
contribution to the family's support
has been lost (and one boy earned So
per day), the Charities has had TO
step in and supply at least Il part OF
this deficiency where otherwise inno-
cent ones would be caused the great
est hardships and suffering. Al the
present time. at least one OF these
families is TO be eyicted for nOn-pay-
ment Of rent" he continued.
Not only must the Charities help
where there is sickness or handicap
OF the wage-rarner, but ii must also
!. help meet the demand for necessities
where the income. is not sufficient,
even though there is an able.bodied
man in the family. For instance" he
further explained, how would you
solve this problem: Given, man, not
overly strong, who makes $3.50 daily,
six days a week, and this seems TO
be the extent of his earning capacity.
Other factors in the problem are Il
wife, also not strong and five chill
.dren, the oldest of whom is not yet
/ eleven. Then there is one other great
factor to this problem. The family
owes debts 10 the amount OF about
$500.
This is but one Of similar problems
for which the Charities must daily
find a solution. The problem Of tuber-
culosis must be met and there arc
other kinds OF sickness US well as
domestic troubles with which 10 con-
tend. They must all be dealt with
patiently. constantly and lhoughtfully.
Few people in Wheeling realize The
NaIue Oh the CndrllleS 10 the CITY De-
cause lis work is Of such nature that
it is little advertised. 1t must work
quietly and protect tho SClt-reSpcct nf
the people with whom il deals, for
their complete confidence is essential
to good results. 1t always seeks to
get at the root of the trouble and
remedy the situation there. Its work
at present is in danger of being
seriously crippled through lack If
funds owing to other public demands.
but The citizens OF Wheeling should
see that its work is supported, for
now. AS never before. it is an absolute
necessity 10 the city. In no other
way may all these various problems
be so economically and Systematically
adjusted. This Social Service Fedora
ton is equipped 10 care for every
social need. for any Of the sick, for
the babies. for those requiring dental
work, for the tubercular. for those in
need OF any Of the necessities Of life.
or for those who need only expert
advice and council. II is the thinking
friends Of all in need. 1t is your
answer to the cries Of those in need
and distress" Mr.. Sinks concluded.