Agencies struggle with needs of low-income residents

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

This time of year, it's fun to plan a holiday dinner with all the trimmings. It's pleasant to be able to turn up the heat when winter winds blow. And, it's nice to be able to make that Christmas list and check it twice.

For many, though, the December list is less than jolly: bills, bills and more bills. When people live in poverty--and their numbers are growing in Larimer County--it probably doesn't matter whether they're naughty or nice; prospects for a merry Christmas are not very bright.

Instead of out-of-town holiday trips, this population is likely to make frequent trips to the local food bank or Salvation Army. Many who work at these nonprofit agencies sympathize with their clients and regret that they can't provide more help, especially this time of year.

Currently, the federal poverty level is set at $20,650 for a family of four. U.S. Census Bureau figures show that 25,600 Larimer County residents now live in poverty, a 54 percent increase over 2000.

"We cannot continue this trend," said Mary Atchison, senior vice president for community investment at United Way of Larimer County.

"As median income drops and more people are living below the poverty level, the demand for human services just continues to increase," Atchison noted.

This year, United Way is able to fund about one-third of the requests from nonprofit agencies that provide aid to struggling citizens.

Why the big increase in poverty in the Choice City? Atchison cites factors such as the loss of primary jobs, increased energy costs and a growing population. Other agencies list expensive housing, an increase in the number of single-mother households, an increase in immigration and rising health-care costs.

"Health-care costs have driven a lot of seniors into poverty," said Kevin Lovett, volunteer coordinator for the Food Bank for Larimer County.

Food bank numbers provide a telling tale of struggling families. The local facility, Lovett said, served 9,000 clients in 2001. That number ballooned to 20,300 so far this year, with more than a month yet to go. In addition to these direct clients, the food bank provides 70 county nonprofits with food. Adding to the need, contributions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the local food bank have fallen 50 percent in the past five years, Lovett said.

Kate Walker, manager for emergency assistance at Catholic Charities Northern, expects her budget to go about $24,000 in the hole this year. Her program helps poor families with essentials like food, prescriptions and utility bills. She also buys bus passes for people who are trying to find jobs and housing.

With the rising costs of health care - and more people out of work and thus without insurance - Walker's expenditures on prescriptions alone have doubled in the past five years. Increases in utilities assistance are even more staggering. Four years ago the agency budgeted about $10,000 for help with utility bills, and that figure rose to $41,000 in 2006.

"More people are out of work, and they can't make ends meet," said Walker.

Forty to 50 people arrive at Catholic Charities' door every day, needing help with basic needs.

At the local Salvation Army, "demand in rent and utilities assistance is overwhelming," said Olga Duvall, social services director. She has to prioritize the requests of those who come to the agency for help, and she generally gives preference to families with children.

"We're not meeting the demand at all," she said. "It's really hard to tell people, 'Sorry, I don't have funds for you.'"

Both Duvall and Walker are seeing people at their doors who have been laid off from high-tech jobs and are seeking assistance for the first time.

The Homelessness Prevention Initiative focuses solely on keeping a roof over needy families' heads by providing short-term assistance with rent. The agency claims that for every dollar spent on homelessness prevention, the community saves $20 in homelessness services. Executive director Valerie Baker-Easley said the agency is receiving more requests for help, and it's taking more money to keep each family in housing. HPI is on track to serve 624 families this year.

These agencies and the many others who serve needy residents of Larimer County are hoping for generous donations this year. However, United Way likes to stress that people can help their struggling neighbors with more than just money.

"There is a big need for money, no question about it," Atchison said, "but another resource that's really important is people's time, giving of yourself."

United Way staff pointed out that nursing homes often lack visitors during the holiday season. Other types of agencies that may get overlooked include teen/adolescent programs, Native American programs and services for people with disabilities.

People who are interested in volunteer opportunities may call United Way's Volunteer Center at 211. There's also a nonprofit wish list for the holiday season posted at www.firstcall211.org/volunteer_center/Holiday2007.shtml.