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 Over the last thirteen months, more than 3,800 individuals have received food assistance through The Salvation Army and the increased demand has left The Army's food pantry bare.
"We have always struggled keeping our food pantry stocked," said Jeff Baldwin, Public Relations Director for The Salvation Army Richmond Area Command, "but it's never been this difficult."
From September 2008 through Septmeber 2009, The Salvation Army's food pantry has handled more than 1,900 cases; an increase of 32% over the same time frame from the previous year. Of those served, 583 were families that had never received assistance of any kind from The Salvation Army.
"It continues to be an area of need in the community," Baldwin said.
In addition to the Food Pantry, The Salvation Army Richmond Area Command has coninuted to see an increased demand for its other social services, such as utility bill and rent/mortgage assistance.
In the last thirteen months, 1,236 individuals have received assitance with their utility bill (gas, oil or electric). This is a 54% increase over the same time period during the previous year.
Richmond Area Command has also seen a 49% increase in rent/mortgage assistance handling 260 cases during the last thirteen months.
"As companies conitnue to downsize or go out of business completely, we are noticing that families and individuals are being forced to make tough choices; deciding whether to pay that utility bill, rent or mortgage, or buying food to eat."
"We are doing all we can to meet the increased demand for our services, and we are confident that the Richmond community will step up and support The Salvation Army like never before, so that we can serve those individuals that are facing financial hardships for the first time."
If you would like to make a financial contribution to The Salvation Army, please visit www.RichmondSalvationArmy.org, or by call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
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