Twenty-five percent of the poorest counties in America are located in Appalachia. Unemployment rates of 11 to 15% are common in the area, compared to the state’s unemployment rate of 5.3 percent and 4.5 percent nationally. In some areas of Appalachia, more than 15% of the homes are classified as “substandard.”

These statistics, though daunting, are still not very relatable to the common American experience.  Most read these statistics on a daily basis and have become desensitized and unsympathetic to the plight of the homeless.

Keith Wasserman and his staff at Good Works, Inc. have decided they can’t let that happen. After starting the non profit organization in his basement nearly 26 years ago the organization has expanded to two buildings with 24-hour emergency sheltering for the homeless and a plethora of programs for economical development.

Keith says the journey has been a long and trying one, but the rewards he receives on an emotional and spiritual level far outweigh the sacrifices. Along the travel to what Good Works has become many have cycled through, most deciding that the community Good Works provides is never worth giving up. Even after they’ve conquered the perils of being without shelter they’ve stayed, claiming a life without Good Works in some capacity is no life at all.

When asked what makes Good Works so effective Keith simply says, “It’s the people.” His mantra, “What we do emerges from who we are,” displayed prominently on the Good Works Web site, says it all.

Click on the pictures to view stories of “Good Works Families”

Photos by Dwayne Steward