Poverty is best known as a financial and economic condition associated with a lack of funds or resources. But there are those who see poverty as more of an effect than a cause, a multilayered, multidimensional societal issue.

Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS) knows a little about the condition. CVCCS interacts with poverty on a daily basis, and the local nonprofit contends that the condition is not only deepening but also becoming more widespread.

"(Poverty) is something that's really on my heart, and it's on our organization's heart," said Jon Barrett, who's been CVCCS' executive director for three years. "We've really seen a rise in homelessness and mental health issues, and it's all linked to poverty. It's been building in our society. There are advantages to technology, but as the shift continues to a virtual world, we've seen a rise in homelessness and mental health issues."

"The government can't do anything but throw money at things," continued Barrett. "But there has to be a better way, which is getting at the root cause of things. We have gotten away from relationships and being a community and the significance of churches."

Located at 2420 Gehman Lane, Lancaster, CVCCS operates an extensive local food bank and clothing bank, and its mission is also focused on childhood hunger. In addition, CVCCS offers adult mentoring services for individuals living with and being affected by poverty.

"In western culture, poverty is defined by not having money," Barrett said. "But that's just a surface issue. We view poverty like that because we are so materialistic. There are people who have a lot of money who are in poverty. It's really about broken relationships; that's what it really comes down to. If individuals have healthy, thriving relationships, they're more likely to have networks to rely on. Relationships are broken, there could be abuse in there and they truly don't have anybody."

On average, CVCCS provides food and clothing for 60 to 80 individuals each month, and nearly every one of those clients is dealing with poverty in one way or the other. For some individuals, those services are solutions to temporary problems. But for others, the services are temporary solutions to long-term problems.

One is left with the distinct impression that the staff members and volunteers of CVCCS would like to be having a greater influence on the issue.

"We see (clients) on a one-on-one basis, by appointment only," said Barrett. "If we do certain things, we will be more effective. The goal is to get people out of poverty. We don't charge for services, but we request things from our clients. There are consequences and accountability. It gives people dignity. We will offer them opportunities."

"Somebody who doesn't want to work is different than somebody who can't work," added Barrett. "Someone has to want to be part of their own journey. Poverty isn't doing something for them; it's something you do with them. The numbers keep going up because we keep putting Band-Aids on things. If people are willing to help themselves, there should be opportunities for people to get out of poverty. The answer is relational."

Barrett said that he is unaware of anyone living on the streets or living in tents in Conestoga Valley. He also said that he is unaware of any CV nonprofits or local churches providing shelter for local homeless people.

But Barrett did say that CVCCS does serve local individuals who are displaced, living with relatives or sleeping in cars.

"I think it's more of a hidden problem here, not by politics or anything like that," said Barrett. "There really is a housing crisis. There's a lack of mental health services. That can be a legitimate reason why people are homeless."

"People need someone to talk to. They need someone to listen to them," added Barrett. "There's only so much you can control. We provide the resources, but the outcomes are out of our hands. I wish I had the answers and solutions. But I don't, and we don't as an organization."

For additional information, go to http://www.cvccs.org.