Charity groups to increase aid
Lack of donations in tight economy fuels philanthropy
With a triple threat of increased fuel and food costs and the mortgage crisis in full play this winter, four philanthropic foundations are giving a combined $1.1 million to food banks, fuel assistance programs, and other nonprofit organizations, helping to bridge the gap in shrinking donations this holiday season.
"We just thought, wow, we've got to get money out on the streets so people don't starve or freeze," said Andrea Silbert, president of the Eos Foundation of Boston and Harwich Port, a family organization with the stated mission to "break the cycle of poverty by investing in children."
Silbert said the foundation had planned in August to give about $100,000, but decided to "step it up a notch."
"This is the new landscape in philanthropy," she said. "The need, it's off the charts, and we're only in November. We're hearing from food banks that they're seeing a whole new group of people coming in. They're getting people who are just above the poverty level and working, but can't make ends meet."
The foundation contacted three other similar organizations, the Highland Street Foundation of Framingham, the Fireman Foundation of Boston, and an anonymous donor. Today at 10 a.m., representatives from the four organizations and Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray will hold a news conference at the Greater Boston Food Bank to officially announce the fund.
"We applaud the efforts of these four family foundations in providing aid to people throughout Massachusetts who may be looking for assistance in the coming months," Murray said in a statement. "These foundations recognize the breadth of the issues facing residents, and their actions will hopefully spur others to step up and do the same."
Approximately 30 nonprofit organizations will receive a portion of the money, with the Greater Boston Food Bank receiving the most, about $400,000. The Greater Boston Food Bank serves a network of 600 food assistance programs in 190 communities in eastern Massachusetts.
Funds will also be available to families struggling to pay mortgages or rent, Silbert said. Some of the money provided will go toward increased staffing at hot lines such as one at Project Bread, where callers can find out how to get help.
Emergency assistance organizations say higher food and fuel costs and the foreclosure crisis has taxed resources, forcing many heads of households to choose between buying food and fuel.
A survey conducted by the Greater Boston Food Bank earlier this fall showed that food pantries and soup kitchens reported a sharp increase in people seeking assistance this year. "We know the need is up and we are struggling to meet the need," said Stacy Wong, spokeswoman for the Greater Boston Food Bank.
More than 90 percent of 163 providers reported increases in need. More than half reported a simultaneous decline in donations. 