A question for service providers who work with low-income and working-class families...?

[ProfessorX]

It appears that the communities and neighborhoods in my area are reaching a critical point in their financial survival. There seems to be several factors here at work. The rising cost of food, gas and housing, a poor job market, budget cuts on the federal, states and county levels, and a decrease in private donations. In several agencies we reviewed, more and more families are running into problems paying the rent and bills while the ability to provide help has decreased. The workers tell me that they now see families requesting assistance they have never seen before, families who tell them they have never asked for a "handout" in the past, but who have had to "swallow their pride". The private donations these agencies used to depend on (especially since the budget cuts) are running dry. Even the food pantries are being cleaned out regularly.Is this happening in your communities as well? If so, what solutions have you tried? Any advice would be helpful...Jason: I think part of the problem where I am is also because the population has grown significantly in a short span of time.

[w8ing4popp5303]

Our church started a drop-in center to give the homeless a couple hours of shelter a couple times a week 6 years ago, that ministry was expanded to a once a week meal where we served about 20 people. 2 years ago we started a food pantry once a month. Since we started the drop-in center we have expanded that to include a lunch. Our meals program has grown to the point that this past weekend we served 205 people. Our food pantry regularly provided about 400 meals a month but that figure is now upwards of 900 meals and many times we have run out of supplies. We have actively sought grant funding, joined the food bank, have monthly donation drives, requested assistance from suburban churches and prayed. At this time we are contacting senators and representatives in DC to get support for the Farm Bill since GW has indicated he will veto the bill.

[JasonG]

I haven't run into that problem as of yet. Charity giving is down nationwide, but I'm not sure it has hit the area I'm in. I've heard of several people complaining about how high things are; I'm currently looking forward to that stimulus check, but mainly we are addressing with our clients what to do with their stimulus checks.

[exexutivedirector]

The Share program is a nationwide food program that gives $40 in foor for 15-19 dollars. www.sharefoodprogram.org