The Brightside: Worcester GOLD helping families in need
WORCESTER CO., Md. – When families in Worcester County need help, there are tons of resources available, but getting their hands on those resources or even finding them can be a challenge. That’s where the two-man band of Worcester GOLD steps in.
“The truth is that people are suffering with low wages and a high cost of living, so about 40% of people in Worcester County are unable to afford all of their basic needs like housing, clothing, food, things for vulnerable adults and children,” Nicholas Cranford, the head of the organization, said.
He says some people in Worcester County are barely getting by. But as the Executive Director of Worcester GOLD, he’s made it his mission to help.
“When an emergency comes up, we’re there to help the people with rent, utility bills, clothing or diapers for children or emergency food,” he said.
But lending a hand to those in need isn’t free. And while the organization does a lot of work, it’s really just a two man band behind it all.
“We’re an extremely small organization, it’s just myself and an assistant, so the only reason we’re able to have such a large impact is from our relationships with our community partners and local organizations, businesses, individuals,” Cranford said.
It’s support like a baby shower hosted by the Ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernian that gives Worcester GOLD the materials they need to help families.
“There’s no baby in particular, but they donate the items for children in need, they give them to GOLD, and then our agency users can come to us and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got a mom who doesn’t have a car seat, I’ve got a new mom with a newborn who doesn’t have diapers,'” Cranford said.
But their work isn’t all about diapers and food, they step in for all types of emergencies.
“We see a lot of people who right now are in danger of being evicted, they can’t find a place to live, or they’re in danger of having a utility bill cut off,” Cranford said.
Cranford says it’s situations like that that no family deserves to be in, and that’s exactly what he and Worcester GOLD are there for.
“We’re able to make sure they have those basic needs, and that no resident of our county has to suffer needlessly,” he said.
If you want to learn more about Worcester GOLD, or if you know someone who could use their services, you can find more information on their website.
