FEBRUARY 11, 2010 ISSUE
Increased Demand for Crisis Assistance, Homeless Prevention
Hospitality House Funding Dangerously Low
Every day, people in our community face eviction, utility cutoffs, heating fuel shortage and prescription medication needs. Since 2002, Watauga Crisis Assistance Network (WeCAN), a program of Hospitality House, has been providing help to community members who find themselves in these situations. Often, such assistance ultimately prevents an individual from becoming homeless.
Recently, the agency has seen an increased demand for crisis assistance and homelessness prevention.
“Some individuals requesting help have sought assistance before, but most of the clients we’re seeing are new to the WeCAN program,” said Jennifer McGee, WeCAN coordinator.
“They are often unemployed or underemployed and have never sought public assistance in the past. Our clients are extremely appreciative of the funding being made available to them, as they might become homeless or be unable to pay critical bills without it,” McGee said.
In 2009, WeCAN had 835 client contacts and provided or arranged $114,450 in crisis assistance. Thirty percent of the funds disseminated were for rent assistance and homelessness prevention, a significant increase over 2008.
WeCAN also served an additional 20 households for homeless prevention and rapid rehousing—a new program being administered for the state, which at this time is at capacity. WeCAN has seen more than twice the expected requests for rental assistance in the first part of this fiscal year.
There is no relief in sight, according to Hospitality House Executive Director Lynne Mason. “This is the time of year when the highest demand for services is experienced, especially heat assistance and preventing cut off of electric services,” Mason said. “Our funds are getting low and we will only be able to provide assistance as long as funding is available.”
Since this and other programs of Hospitality House are funded through private donations, the agency needs individuals, faith communities and civic groups to get involved.
“Without WeCAN, more people are likely to lose their home and seek shelter at Hospitality House,” said Mason. “We’re striving to help prevent homelessness during a time when it is on the rise due to the economic downturn.”
In order to meet the needs of the community, Hospitality House serves as a clearing house of funds donated to WeCAN. The program coordinator also connects clients to other community resources in an effort to prevent future crises. WeCAN provides guidance and planning for overcoming recurrent situations through information and referrals. Clients served by the program are also offered follow up counseling to help them achieve stability.
For more information on how you can get involved, call Jill Kuykendall, director of development, at 828-262-3461.
Donations may be made to Hospitality House and specified toward the WeCAN program. Donations can also be mailed to: P.O. Box 309, Boone, N.C. 28607. For more information about Hospitality House, click to www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org.
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