Letter To The Editor: Helping Hands
Author: Jane Loehn
Helping Hands
To the Editor,
I am writing to express my outrage and deep concern regarding the recent closure and sale of Helping Hands in Townsend, Montana. This decision is not only a blow to those who rely on the vital services it provides, but also a devastating loss to our entire community.
Helping Hands has long been a cornerstone of support for many in our town, offering assistance to families in need, providing critical resources, and serving as a safe, welcoming space for individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks. The closing of this facility marks the loss of a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents—seniors, low-income families, and those facing hardships.
In a small town like Townsend, services such as these are irreplaceable. Where will the people who relied on Helping Hands go now? Will they have to travel far outside of our town to find assistance, or worse, go without? The ripple effect of this closure will be felt by everyone, whether it’s through increased strain on other community organizations or the unsettling reality of seeing our neighbors struggle.
The sale of this invaluable resource is particularly troubling when we consider the lack of alternative options available in this rural area. What message does this send to the residents of Townsend? Are we to believe that the needs of the people here no longer matter? That the most vulnerable can simply be overlooked?
I urge the decision-makers involved in this sale to reconsider the long-term damage they are causing. Townsend is a community bound together by care, empathy, and support for one another, and Helping Hands has been a symbol of that unity. Let’s not allow this decision to undermine everything we have worked to build.
I call on local leaders, residents, and anyone who values the spirit of our town to come together and fight for the preservation of this essential service. Helping Hands has been a beacon of hope for so many—let’s ensure it remains that way.
Sincerely,
Jane Loehn
Townsend, Montana
