An Angel to the Less Fortunate

Every town has its panhandlers and homeless population, but not everyone has a heart for these individuals.

Sue Byrd, executive director of Operation Inasmuch, a nonprofit group that works with homeless and low-income people in Fayetteville works closely with the homeless population, many whom are veterans. The organization became an official non-profit in January 2007.

Her passion and care for them has extended in the Fayetteville community where 80 local churches and numerous volunteer groups serve breakfast daily on a rotating basis.

Operation Inasmuch has also partnered with Fayetteville Technical College to hold official GED classes on site.

Byrd stepped up for the past two years in the winter becoming vocal about Fayetteville's lack of initiative for assisting the less fortnate when temperatures drop and was integral in making sure the city started their 'white flag' nights when temperatures were extreme.

The 'white flag' warnings mean that local shelters like the Salvation Army had to open their doors to individuals foregoing the normal rules and procedures to house the homeless over night.

"We need an emergency weather plan in place," Byrd said in the past winter months. "We act surprised every year when winter rolls around again and it gets cold and we wonder what we're going to do. It's time for us to have an emergency plan in place before the cold weather comes. ... It's ridiculous to have to search for something at the last second."

Looking to volunteer? Contact Operation Inasmuch at 910-433-2161, they are located at 531 Hillsboro Street in Fayetteville.