Need, donors rise at Brookline foundation

Andreae Downs, Globe Correspondent

The recession has not only increased the number of calls for help, it has resulted in more donors to the fund that provides that help.

The Brookline Community Foundation, which funds the ‘‘Safety Net,’’ a Brookline collaboration that provides emergency short-term assistance, increased its mailings this year and netted a number of new donors, said Sara Dassell, the foundation's director of program and communications.

But the average donation amounts are down from last year, she said. ‘‘It looks like it was a good time for us to broaden our appeal,’’ she said.

The fund has also been using federal stimulus money to aid those in need of heat, rent or food, she said. Despite that, the need is much greater than anticipated, said Frank Steinfield, a foundation board member.

In 2006, the Safety Net helped 106 families. This year, the number may exceed 360, or more than 700 people. he said. ‘‘Need has really gone through the roof.’’