The person who broke into St. Peter's Episcopal Church on East Jefferson Street over the weekend seeking shelter from the cold temperatures had a few better options than committing a crime to obtain warmth.

Had he or she gone to virtually any of the city's churches, the pastor or a church worker could have helped him or her resolve the winter-related dilemma. Had the person found a way to get in touch with an agency such as the Salvation Army or United Way of Butler County, one of them could have found a solution to the person's need for shelter.

Had that person merely sought and found a sympathetic ear in the city — and, at this time of the year, as well as at most others, there would have been many — the person could have been helped.

Many people are suspicious about handing over money to a stranger, not being sure whether the person's main goal is to seek money for an alcoholic beverage or drugs. However, they are more willing to help when the person seeking help is genuinely sincere about what is being sought — in this instance, being free of the cold temperatures.

There are people who would have been willing to take the person to one of the local motels and paid for a room for the person.

What this unfortunate case reinforces is the message that help groups in this community strive to keep before the public's eyes: that despite the prosperity here, there nevertheless are many people in dire straits.

The person in question, although he or she committed a crime, rightly has evoked sympathy from many people in the community who abhor the thought of someone being so desperate that he or she would not properly ponder the available options.

This was not a person who broke into the church and caused other damage or took items belonging to the church or its members. The person left two notes, one that told of wanting a "warm place to sleep for the evening" and the other, a message of concern that children not be allowed in the room due to the danger of broken glass inside.

The first note also indicated the person's intent to pay for the broken window "at an appropriate time."

As reported in an article in Monday's Butler Eage, "the trespasser-with-a-conscience also stated in the note: 'I think God forgives me but I don't know if I can.' "

The other message emanating from this troubling Christmas weekend story is how much help groups continue to be needed in cities of Butler's size, not just in the big cities like PIttsburgh and Philadelphia, where homelessness is much more common and visible. Even though they understand that problems exist, most people here don't routinely contemplate the daily plight others are experiencing or the extent of suffering.

Even when they give to agencies such as United Way, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Red Cross, they don't ponder the important work those agencies are doing — not only during the holidays but every day.

Perhaps the unfortunate plight of the person who broke into St. Peter's Episcopal Church will help increase the awareness among many people about the challenges to which these and other agencies devote their intentions. Such needs testify to the importance of contributing to the agencies, which then translate that support into relieving the miseries afflicting individuals and families.

If identified, the person involved in the St. Peter's break-in could face charges. Genuine need or not, break-ins are against the law, although, presumably, the church could ask the police not to file charges against the suspect.

But this needy person and others need to be reminded that help is available to them, but they must make themselves and their situations known so their problems can be properly, legally and compassionately addressed.

Commendably, the various help agencies try hard to spread the message that they are ready and willing to help. Why the St. Peter's trespasser didn't get that message is anyone's guess, but it's clear that reminders will continue to be necessary.

— J.R.K.