In the past twenty years The Express has published two separate series on homelessness in the Hamptons. This population was once nearly invisible. But as recently as four year ago, the issue became more evident.

There is no doubt the recession is painful for most in our community, but many of us are blessed to still have roofs over our heads. For a growing population of ordinary residents that is not the case. As mentioned in the article in this week’s Express, some of the people who have been affected by the economic downturn already work in the community. They have middle-income jobs. They are our friends. They have already made a home in our village. But with the untenable costs of living in the Hamptons many of them can no longer afford a house. Some live in their cars. While others, who are being booted out of their winter rentals, must now camp out in cemeteries or underneath the bridge.

We commend locals residents like Jon Snow and organizations like Maureen’s Haven for creating soup kitchens and homeless shelters in underserved areas. We hope this is simply the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between those who can provide the basic services of food and shelter to those who need these necessities.

But we also implore local restaurants to help forma regional solution, or at the very least actively coordinate food donations for local pantries. The religious institutions willing to open up their doors to the homeless of Sag Harbor should be applauded, but the homeless need a place to stay every night of the week and not just one or two nights a month. 

There is still more work to be done and more people can join in to help accomplish this goal. 

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