When the economy tanks, it’s encouraging that people are there to help

“In these tough economic times” is a phrase I am so sick and tired of hearing, not because we hear it so often (although we do), but because it’s a sign of the times.

How many folks are worrying themselves sick, whether as a result of job insecurity, threat of foreclosure, or both? We have never seen economic times like these and, once we pull through, we hopefully never will again.

When times were booming and real estate values were at their peak, a lot of folks jumped on the bandwagon and bought houses. For some it was their first home.

Within the matter of a year or two or three, they found out their home was worth much less than what they owed on it.

It used to be unusual to see homes for foreclosure, much less businesses, and the embarrassment was unbearable. The foreclosure rate in Culpeper is one of the highest in Virginia. Along with the enviable boom Culpeper shared was the aftermath of the crash, which resulted in record foreclosure of homes as well as businesses.

One of many families affected by the real estate crash and resulting foreclosure was Ray and Gay Hopkins. They had to give up their home of 10 years because of tough times and the buckling economy.
After moving into a rented home, Ray and Gay certainly made some lemonade out of the lemons they were given. They started a foreclosure support group called Beauty for Ashes.

Within this support group, Ray and Gay invite housing and finance professionals to speak, so they may provide information to people facing foreclosure or economic hardships.

Thank you, Ray and Gay Hopkins, for your willingness to help others by sharing your experiences and information!

Most of us have cut back our spending on all sorts of things. For us personally, we’ve been carpooling as much as possible. We buy more store-brand items. Most days, we pack our lunches when coming to work and have cut back on dining out. Of course, this does nothing to stimulate the economy, but I’ll help stimulate the economy when I hit the lottery.

One of the fortunate things that has happened as a result of the sluggish economy is that businesses are cranking up their quality of customer service so they may keep your business.

A friend of mine just got back from Sturgis, S.D., where he and his wife had gone for the motorcycle rally. He said the manager of the Holiday Inn where they’d made reservations came to pick them up from the airport. When they arrived at the hotel, the manager then fixed them something to eat, even as it was well past midnight and the restaurant was closed. Throughout their visit there, the manager was more than hospitable.

When I’m faced with paying a little more for great service, more times than not I will opt for the great service. We have two gas stations across from where I work — I will always go the one that is a little higher-priced, because I know the employees are friendly and will always go the extra mile. During tough times, and really any time as we’ve all experienced, businesses have to earn your patronage and not take it for granted.

During tough economic times, don’t feel like you’re out on an island by yourself. Folks like the Hopkins are there to share and assist you in finding help. None of us is exempt from the worry of job insecurity and foreclosure, but have faith that there are people willing to help.

Smith’s column runs every Friday on the editorial page.

Foreclosure support group
» I encourage anyone wanting
information and support to attend a Beauty for Ashes meeting. They’re held every third Tuesday of the month at the Hope Community Church of the Nazarene at 121 E. Culpeper St. in downtown Culpeper. Call them at 272-9583 or e-mail .