Loaves And Fishes Struggles To Aid Homeless And Poor
By Thomas D. Segel
July 17, 2009
Those who believe the recession is not striking everywhere, including the Rio Grande Valley should pay a visit to the Loaves and Fishes complex at 514 South "E" Street in Harlingen. If they arrived during the breakfast or dinner hours, one of the first things they would observe would be the large group of people assembling to enter the dining hall. Over the past several months more and more people are finding their way to this multi-service establishment that was created by the Ministerial Alliance to offer help and comfort to people in need. All who were in need are welcomed .No residential boundaries are erected
Historically everyone seeking hot meals could be accommodated in a single setting. During recent months many hungry people have been required to wait until a second sitting in the dining hall was ready. During the first six months of 2009, a total of 53, 453 hot meals were provided.
Where once, the vat majority of sleeping accommodations were offered to homeless men, the shelter is now seeing women in need of a safe night's lodging. Even mothers with children are now being evicted from their homes and come to Loaves and Fishes. So far this year 2, 865 bed nights have been provided to men, 1,182 bed nights were given to women and 1,190 bed nights to children.
Another indicator of how severe this recession has become can be seen when viewing the number of people who have come to Loaves and Fishes for job training and placement. This year the organization has seen more than 400 job seekers utilizing its service each month. During June 436 people received services. It should be noted however, that only six (6) were fortunate enough to have been offered jobs. This is another of the many recession indicators.
There has also been a significant increase in the number of families seeking emergency assistance. Thirty-Five families asked for rent assistance aid during all of 2008. A total of $6,500 in assistance money was provided. This year, to date, 41 families have sought assistance with their rent. Loaves and Fishes has provided $15,000 in that emergency assistance, but has now spent all available funds for that project, with almost six months still remaining in this calendar year.
Utility assistance is always being requested. This is particularly a concern for the organization during extremely hot or cold weather. Loaves and Fishes is very mindful of the need to keep utilities operating when clients are in poor health, elderly or have tiny children. During 2008 forty-one families requested utility assistance totaling $5,800. This year, to date, 118 families have requested this assistance. A total of $18,500 has been spent on these services and all funds are exhausted. Says Executive Director Dean Hall, "The reality...we're out of money for rent and utility assistance during the hottest time of the year."
Increased numbers of people in need of services is a major reason for the financial shortfall. However, business losses, foundations seeing a decline in their investments and individuals unsure of the future have all found they cannot assist charities or must reduce their giving levels. All of this has impacted the financial picture for Loaves and Fishes.
The charity operates on an annual budget of less than $900,000. Much of this support comes from foundation and government grants. Churches are also strong supporters of the Loves and Fishes multiple programs. Local donations from businesses totaled $19,442 during 2008. This year business gifts have declined to $13,133. Valley-wide, individual donors gave $58,148 during 2008. This year the amount of individual gifts donated to this ministry has been $23, 767.
Sometimes the words of children's stories explain things best. According to that famous writer of rhymes, Dr. Seuss -- "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.
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