Supporting Where it Hurts
A group of dedicated ladies help Sue Brady (right) and Becky Johnson (far left) of Love, Inc. organize the bread table.
It has been a trying year for the support services in our area and an even more trying for those people caught in the turmoil of this economy. It is a time of transition that finds many people depending on their communities.
This past January, FCCF renewed its focus and commitment to local support services that provide the basic necessities. These organizations include: Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (McRest), Samaritan House, Neighbors Caring for Neighbors, Love, Inc., and Loving Hands. Reports from these organizations paint a changing demographic.
"The face of our client is changing," said Pamala Zendt, Executive Director at Samaritan House. We are getting people in suits; they are people who are just out of work. They've run out of unemployment, their savings and have cashed in their 401ks."
Sue Brady, Executive Director of Love, Inc., sees the same shift. "The people coming for food and assistance have changed. We still have the people we've always had, but now there are so many people needing food that our food banks are becoming depleted."
Brady said the numbers of people out of work has increased the need for services dramatically. "Unemployment [benefits] doesn't pay the bills, so we are trying to help with food. These are everyday people who are emotionally worn out, stressed and heartbroken. They are everyday people who have lost their jobs and their homes."
This year there are many more senior citizens coming for food assistance. "Their pensions just are not keeping up with expenses and they are trying to pay for their medicines, so they come for food."
Last year the Macomb Homeless Coalition conducted a Point in Time Survey of the homeless individuals in Macomb County. On that day, 1,142 homeless individuals and family members were found in shelters, vehicles, hotels, and on the streets. Nearly 200 were children.
It is not too hard to conclude that those numbers will be higher this year. The Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (McRest), is one of the organization helping to provide shelter for the homeless-for some people, it is the first time at a shelter.
The good news is the many groups, organizations and foundations are responding to the increase in assistance needed. We can be proud to say that FCCF is one of those organizations supporting those front line organizations.
You're never to small to make a big difference. The businesses in the small town of Capac prove this every year. This coming August, the Capac Bank will again support the Back to School Backpack program in Capac. Many other organizations continue to support this day that for the second consecutive year will provide truck-loads of food for distribution. While food helps sustain hundreds of family members, the backpacks provide classroom supplies as well emotional support-and joy.
