More people come to the Central Virginia Housing Coalition for help getting and keeping homes. FILE/SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Ninety-five area children now wait for volunteer adult mentors from Rappahannock Big Brothers Big Sisters. FILE/SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

More people are staying at Thurman Brisben Center, the area's homeless shelter, this year. FILE/SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Nearly 50 people stop by Micah Ecumenical Ministries' Hospitality Center in Fredericksburg each morning. FILE/SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

The Salvation Army is seeing fewer donations, but more area residents have been seeking the organization's help. FILE/SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

SERVE helped 107 families in its food pantry in April. Demand for services has increased over last year. FILE/SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Demand up, money down for area nonprofits

Date published: 7/7/2008

BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE

Capt. Michael Harris of the Fredericksburg Corps of the Salvation Army calls it the "double-edged sword" of the nonprofit world: When money gets tight, more people come for services and fewer donate money.

Rising food and fuel prices are driving more residents to charitable groups that serve the needy.

But those same skyrocketing costs of living make donors leery of opening their pocketbooks to charities.

Area nonprofits also face government cuts as localities deal with tighter budgets this year.

Many agency directors say they remain committed to providing quality services to the area's needy. But they admit that if times continue to be tough, programs will be cut.

Here's a snapshot of some area nonprofits and how the economy is affecting them:

ABOUT THE SERIES DETAILS: The area's homeless shelter began in 1982 and is an 80-bed residential shelter in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Industrial Park. DONATIONS: Financial contributions dropped about 25 percent this year. From Jan 1 to June 1, the shelter received $65,906 in donations. In the same time period in 2008, donations were $48,944. DEMAND: In the same time period, demand increased by more than 10 percent. In the first half of 2007, an average of 63 people stayed at the shelter each night. So far this year, about 70 people are staying there per night. IMPACT: So far, the shelter has not changed services or staff. But if trends continue, director Bunny Melzer said the shelter will be unable to "continue full services." DETAILS: The mentoring group started in 1967 and served 409 children last year. DONATIONS: In fiscal year 2007-08, which ended June 30, the agency received $30,000 less in donations than it needed to meet its budget. Fundraisers also brought in $40,000 less in fiscal year 2007-08 than the year before. DEMAND: More children come to the agency for mentors, and 95 children now wait for a big brother or sister, the largest waiting list the agency has had in 41 years. IMPACT: Director Lisa Bales said, "I've had to make some difficult decisions." She cut small expenses by limiting office supplies, cutting back on advertising and foregoing the agency newsletter for two quarters. She also asked three part-time staff to take the summer off. FUTURE: Agency staff and board members are getting creative, Bales said. They've thought of new fundraisers, including a walkathon to be held this fall. They're applying for additional grants, too. DETAILS: The housing coalition formed in 1983 with the Lend-A-Hand program to help families living in hotels with money for security deposits. Since then, the agency has expanded to include foreclosure help, home repair, selling homes at affordable prices and education. DONATIONS: In fiscal year 2006-07, donations totaled $4,500. In fiscal year 2007-08, they were $3,200. DEMAND: In one recent week, 32 people called and three walked in for the coalition's foreclosure help. About two people each week ask for home repair help. Other coalition programs are seeing more demand. IMPACT: The coalition's Lend-A-Hand program to help families move out of motels ran out of money by February and could not help any more families through the end of the fiscal year in June, said housing counselor Cheri Miles. DETAILS: The Salvation Army, Fredericksburg Corps headquarters and social services offices are located at 2012 Lafayette Blvd. in Fredericksburg. The Family Thrift Store is located next to the headquarters. The church and annex buildings are located at 821 Lafayette Blvd. The Salvation Army started in Fredericksburg in 1884. DONATIONS: Giving to the Salvation Army Fredericksburg Corps is down about 3 percent over the past year. From June 2006 to May 2007, donations totaled $601,505. In the same months from 2007-08, $538,813 came in. DEMAND: About 40 percent more people came in the past year to use the agency's Community Assessment and Assistance Program, which helps with food, clothing and furniture and money for utilities, rent and mortgage. In January through May 2007, the agency processed 3,666 requests for help. In the same months of 2008, 5,104 requests came through. FUTURE: The agency recently applied for and received a new grant. A development director was just hired to find new areas of fundraising. DETAILS: Seven city churches founded Micah in 2005. Main offices are currently at 825 College Ave., but they will move to 1013 Princess Anne St. later this summer. DONATIONS: This year, Micah has received $15,417 less than it did at this time last year. DEMAND: At the same time, nearly 20 more people a day stop by the group's hospitality center. And Micah has spent $3,000 more helping clients than it did last year. IMPACT: So far, programs continue to expand at Micah. The group is looking for creative solutions to continue its work. FUTURE: Micah still needs to raise $78,000 to renovate its new center, which is slated to open in August. The new office will offer more services to help people move through the system. The group also hopes more people, agencies and governments will come forward to address homelessness. DETAILS: SERVE started in 1979 when three women created an agency to help Stafford County residents in crisis. SERVE, at 15 Upton Lane, continues that work with help from volunteers, community support, Stafford County government, Rappahannock United Way, churches and other civic groups. DONATIONS: SERVE has received more donations this year than last. DEMAND: More people come to SERVE for help. In April, the group's food pantry helped 107 families, compared to 44 last April. And, in May, the group gave financial help to 48 families, compared to 22 in May 2007. IMPACT: The group has been able to keep up with the growing demand by relying on a core group of volunteers and by starting a newspaper recycling drive. SERVE needs volunteers and more donations. FUTURE: With so many people coming for help, SERVE plans to expand its services. The group hopes to offer computer training, job skills help and workshops on dressing for success. "We are far from discouraged," said Marilyn Stevens, executive director. How are area nonprofits faring? TODAY: Six charitable groups tighten belts and look for donors.

Date published: 7/7/2008