American society is facing challenges in providing a safety net and a boost to people scarred by the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, physical abuse, mental illness, and crumbling families.
While there has been significant debate on the role of government to “fix” these problems, the evidence is clear that the hurt people inflict on themselves and others, can only be healed with a personal approach.
So how does a benevolent government address societal ills? It should encourage its citizens to help each other. The Community Solutions Act breaks down one of the many barriers charitable organizations face when assisting those in need. By allowing faith-based service organizations to apply for federal grants, our government is saying that it cannot, and should not, be the only source of guidance and comfort to the needy.
This is especially poignant in the context of domestic violence. Families caught in a pattern of violence are facing moral dilemmas the criminal justice system cannot resolve. Organizations that assist families in facing these dilemmas should not be prohibited from applying for Violence Against Women Act grants.
Families experiencing domestic violence often continue to live together either because they are not able to live separately, or do not want to live apart from each other, while they undergo treatment for the underlying causes of the violence. The government’s ability to address family violence at its root is limited, and therefore it should provide grants to organizations that demonstrate successful treatment of the whole family. Often, these groups are turned away because they provide a spiritual component to their services.
As H.R. 7 moves forward, we encourage every American to support its goals.