 Economic trends mean more needhelp and fewer can give By AMBERLY DYER
It
seems that Hatteras Island is no different from the rest of the country
when it comes to helping those who are in need, especially in this
holiday season.The national media have reported that economic factors have come together to place more families in dire straits this year and to limit the ability of others to donate. Here on Hatteras, several economic trends have caused a noticeable increase in requests for emergency services. Three organizations that help in crises – the United Methodist Men’s Food Pantry, the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) Foundation, and the Angel Tree project of Locomotion, the island’s teen organization – all report an increase in applications. The trend began to appear in the summer. Allen Burrus of Hatteras, vice-chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, commented in an August board meeting that the county as a whole seemed to have more families receiving food stamps. Anne Swain, who facilitates the meetings of the CHEC Foundation’s “Operation Roundup,” agrees. “Specific applications are definitely up over last year,” she says, and the trend began mid-summer. Walt Fulcher, president of the United Methodist Men’s Emergency Assistance and Food Pantry Program, reports a significant increase in the emergency assistance provided this year, as well as an increase in the number of families needing help. In the fiscal year 2006-07, the Food Pantry provided $39,250 in cash assistance to 80 families. Since July 2007, the program has disbursed $21,802 in cash assistance to 66 families. This is an increase of 44 percent in cash assistance and a 21 percent increase in recipients. Apparently more people need more help. “We’ve had people in (to the food pantry) that I’ve never seen before,” says Fulcher. A number of families asking for help cite the “trickle-down” effect from the decline in real estate sales and construction. As Fulcher sees it, “The biggest problem is construction. It not only puts carpenters out of work, but plumbers, electricians, and others.” Kathy Kiddy, who organizes the Locomotion’s Angel Tree efforts, believes that the problem is also a bit more mundane. “The extra $20 or $30 a week is now in the gas tank,” she says. The federal government reports a 70- to 80-cent increase in the average retail price of gasoline over this time last year. For even the smallest and most fuel-efficient cars, this is about $10 per tank more for each fill-up. All of these factors, coupled with the usual winter decline in employment, has hit families a littler harder this year. “Cash flow problems are huge,” says Kiddy. Many families are turning to credit cards or simply doing without in order to try to make it through the winter. This year, both the Methodist Men and the CHEC Foundation have received more requests for rent and mortgage assistance than ever before. This trend is particularly disturbing as the foundation generally requires a notice of eviction or foreclosure before it is able to assist. “It appears [CHEC] Foundation funding is the last accessible option before they’re forced to leave the island [to move],” Anne Swain says. It is important to note that all of these organizations work closely with Dare County Department of Social Services (DSS), and they all report excellent support and working relationships with the county. Island charitable organizations typically ask applicants to apply for aid at DSS first, to assure that benefits available through public resources have been exhausted and that a long-term plan, if needed, is being set up. This helps the non-profit, private organizations stretch their limited funds. Private organizations also recognize various government regulations sometimes limit the county Social Service Department’s ability to assist someone in need, Fulcher says. “This is the reason we started the Food Pantry,” he adds. A similar philosophy guides the CHEC Foundation, which collects nearly $36,000 each year through the “rounding up” of participating members’ electric bills. Although it cannot assist with electric bills, the foundation has the flexibility to help in other ways, through payment of medical bills, transportation costs, or housing needs. The foundation has a set limit on the amount of money that can go to a family, and Swain says the group works diligently to “fund those applicants who qualify.” As community organizations, these bodies reflect our desire to help our neighbors during a bad stretch, understanding the difficulty in asking for help and the need to fill the gaps. On the positive note, a little bit of help is exactly what can put a family back on track. Situations such as a medical crisis, an accident, or extended unemployment may be remedied by a little assistance in the short term. “We’ve had people who have been able to keep going [with the assistance] and turn things around,” Swain reflects. The good news is that friends and neighbors are reaching out to help people in need. After a slow start, the Angel Tree is beginning to receive calls and offers for assistance and gifts for children. “The spirit of Hatteras Island is coming through again,” says Kiddy excitedly. The Food Pantry, which has provided meals to 42 percent more people than in the same period in 2006, also reports that the shelves are being restocked. However, the increased demand and the months until spring may stretch its supplies. “This is our biggest push,” says Fulcher. “After the holidays, we’ll be giving out more food and not taking as much in.” In addition, financial contributions to the United Methodist Men’s Emergency Assistance Program have not been able to keep up with the demands. While some donations have begun to flow in, there is concern that the group may not be able to help as it would like. This year, Locomotion has added to its efforts to brighten Christmas on Hatteras. Items donated to the Angel Tree program will be given to families at no cost. Locomotion has also purchased new items that are available to the public at the Changing Tide consignment shop in Buxton at prices below most retail stores. Items include books, dolls, sports equipment, and games. “It is making Locomotion part of the community,” says Kiddy. She notes that having the items available to people who may not want to ask for help through Angel Tree is a plus and it also makes it easier for people to give to the children in their lives, such as grandchildren. We all have much to be grateful for this holiday season, beginning with living in a beautiful environment in a special community. As we prepare to celebrate the season of both giving and gratitude, we may need to remember that our gifts, no matter how large or small, may help someone through a difficult time. HOW YOU CAN HELP The United Methodist Men’s Emergency Assistance Program and Food Pantry use 100 percent of donations to help residents of Hatteras Island. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 1591, Buxton NC 27920. There are several convenient drop-off locations during the holiday season. They are: • Hatteras Realty in Hatteras Village, Avon, and Waves (Monday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) • Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Church Social Hall in Buxton (anytime – please leave donations by the front doors) and Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Church (before and after church services) • Frisco Shopping Center in Frisco (open daily) • Post Office in Rodanthe (Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - noon and 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon) • Locomotion’s Changing Tide Consignment Shop in Buxton (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.) There are two year-round collection sites for the Food Pantry. Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Church in Buxton accepts food on the social hall porch anytime, and the Locomotion Changing Tide store will accept food products during business hours. Angel Tree toys and items, including gift cards and clothing, can be dropped at Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative and the Locomotion Changing Tide store during their business hours. If you would like a specific item to shop for, contact Kathy Kiddy at 995-6010. Cash donations can be sent to PO Box 382, Buxton NC 27920. IF YOU NEED HELP Sometimes a little help is all that someone needs. Asking for help can be difficult, but it is important to know that public and private organizations adhere to strict rules of confidentiality regarding applicants and clients. Information about emergency assistance through the Dare County Department of Social Services is available by calling the main telephone number in Manteo at 475-5500 or locally in Buxton at 995-4404. Social Services can also help connect applicants with additional resources through private organizations. Applications to the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative Foundation are available in the CHEC office in Buxton, Monday through Friday. Contact Anne Swain for further details at 995-5616. If you or a family you know needs assistance with Christmas, contact Kathy Kiddy at 995-6010. FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the problems nationwide with more food banks needing donations, check this report that was broadcast in early December on National Public Radio: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/11/19/food_bank/ |
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