There are people who were struggling long before COVID-19 came to the county, and many of them will continue to do so after it is long gone.

In Tuesday’s paper, there was some good news regarding aid for the county to assist those in need as well as another story in which some young people who otherwise might not have been able to do so were given the opportunity to celebrate Halloween in style.

The pandemic presented even further challenges for those already struggling financially, and news reports have noted how U.S. homeless shelters were forced to cut down on the number of people they could serve due to the spread of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements.

Studies by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found that even before the pandemic began, the number of homeless individuals was on the rise. A study taking place on one night in January 2020 found that about 580,000 were homeless, representing a 2% increase from the same night in the year before.

And this was before COVID-19 left millions of people out of work and drained resources from communities nationwide.

This week, the state Department of Community and Economic Development announced that $5.5 million in homeless assistance and prevention funds were provided through the federal Emergency Solutions Grant program.

The funds were dispersed throughout 25 of the state’s counties, and Butler County received $368,313 to help homeless families find housing and other services. Catholic Charities and The CARE Center will be given the funds to go toward six efforts — rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, street outreach, emergency shelter, homeless management information systems and administration.

Although more is likely needed to combat homelessness in the county and state, we hope this allocation provides necessary services to those in need.

Another story in Tuesday’s paper that involved needs being met — although one that was more heartwarming — involved the Butler County Young Professionals providing free Halloween costumes to county children.

One family who spoke to the Eagle said this would be the first time all four of her children would go trick-or-treating in costume.

This is a wonderful event because it’s important for children to be able to participate fully in activities that are considered touchstones of childhood.

“It makes a difference a lot,” said one parent.

And that’s what we hope is the result for both stories in Tuesday’s paper — a difference being made in Butler County.

— NCD