Local and state nonprofit organizations are being put to the test during the economic recession, and several in the area report the need for their services increases while their funding declines.
According to survey results from 134 Oregon nonprofit businesses conducted by the Oregon Community Foundation this fall, 60 percent of the organizations saw contributions decrease this year while seeing a demand for their services increase by 12 percent since July 2008.
In the statewide survey, the OCF found that the most demanded services in nonprofits during the recession have been assistance in obtaining food, paying rent and finding employment.
This growing need is exemplified by the Oregon Food Bank, which, according to OCF, has reported that demand for emergency food boxes distributed between July 2008 and March 2009 increased by 15 percent.
ShelterCare, a Eugene nonprofit dedicated to preventing homelessness and aiding those who are already homeless, has been receiving between 30 and 60 phone calls a day requesting its services.
“Most people calling are just looking for any type of help,” Erin Bonner, operations director for ShelterCare, said. “We must continue to be caring, compassionate and respectful to everyone who requests our services during this rough financial period.”
The Federal Stimulus bill issued $814,000 to ShelterCare on Oct. 1 to be given to the organization over a 21-month period of time. While these funds have increased housing options for the homeless and allowed ShelterCare to add staff and a new phone line, the organization is seeking community support more than ever.
“We are so grateful for our strong volunteer pool,” Bonner said, adding that the number of volunteers has significantly increased over the period of economic downturn. “They have been able to take patrons to appointments and administer home check-ups, which would usually be a staff job.”
Bonner attributes the increase in volunteers to the increased unemployment rate and citizens’ desire to find some way to connect with the community. Social service nonprofits aren’t the only ones affected by the economic shift. Eugene’s Greenhill Humane Society, the largest animal shelter in the area, has seen a dramatic increase in displaced pets over the past year.
“Many people come in who have found it too costly to take care of their pet or have to move to a cheaper home that does not accept animals,” said Cary Lieberman, executive director for Greenhill.
Greenhill currently has about 200 volunteers working for an estimated 2,000 hours per month, but it still could use more help. Lieberman said it needs volunteers more than ever to provide one-on-one care for dogs and cats that were recently left by their owners.
Both Greenhill and ShelterCare have not considered merging with similar nonprofits, as they are each the largest local nonprofit organizations in their fields. However, both continue to work with other nonprofits to provide the best services.
Bonner said ShelterCare has been collaborating with St. Vincent DePaul and Goodwill to make sure they save costs and do not replicate services. Greenhill has also been working with the Lane Services Advisory Committee and other spay and neuter clinics to balance services.
“This is a time when people must build on each other’s strengths,” Bonner said.
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Nonprofits hit hard by economy
Daily Emerald
November 9, 2009
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