United Way faces an uphill battle

We all know and agree that we live in trying times right now. With the fight in Congress over healthcare and economic stimulus, the fight we faced here in Washington over Initiative 1033, budget shortfalls in our cities, counties and state, not to mention the shortfalls in many households, the United Way of Kitsap County faces an enormous challenge and uphill struggle to raise the dollars it needs to support the community safety net through its annual Community Campaign this year.

Last year 68 percent of the United Way Campaigns across the country raised less money than in 2007. United Way of Kitsap County was one of those raising less money in 2008 due to the struggling economy.

That’s the fact that can be seen, but the hidden story is not just that less was raised, but that many who pledged support during the campaign are now no longer able to honor that pledge because they’ve fallen victim to unemployment.

That means less money raised — and more critically, even less money collected.

As I sit at my computer writing this column, I find that early in the campaign we are already behind last year’s pledges.

I am told this by our campaign executives, who are graciously loaned to us by local businesses to help raise the needed dollars to support the community safety net — organizations that welcome us in to talk about the needs of the community are this year starting their campaigns later.

This is not a good sign.

Food banks are still seeing a large number of families needing to supplement their food budgets. The Salvation Army and other feeding programs are continuing to see many more hungry people come through their doors.

There are many among us who are homeless and waiting for emergency housing. Referrals to Kitsap Mental Health are up 84 percent.

Bankruptcies are double what they were two years ago and foreclosures in Kitsap County have gone from 1.4 percent in 2008 to 5.7 percent in 2009.

There is some encouraging news in the campaign this year, as our residential solicitations are up by a third.

Harrison Medical Center employees have once again exceeded their stated goal of $162,000 this year raising a record $167,647.

So while the current outlook is not what we would like to see, many who are employed understand the dire needs that face many in our community.

While I am concerned about the state of the campaign this year and the reluctance of some to pledge their support, especially under the current economic conditions, I am encouraged when I receive an e-mail like this from one of our campaign coordinators who has found some difficulty while coordinating the campaign in her organization:

“While I absolutely, 100 percent believe and respect an individual’s choice to give or not give, I can’t help but feel sad for the people who can’t see beyond themselves. Humanity is richer when we take care of one another. Money is tight at times, but I’ve never done without a meal or a roof over my head. Too many others can’t say that.

“This campaign has made me feel good for United Way and even for myself. It has been a pleasure to give back some of that which has first been given to me.”

If you are a supporter of United Way, please reach out your hand and give just a dollar more per pay period then you gave last year.

If you haven’t given in the past, please consider giving a small gift this year. Your kindness will touch deeply the life of someone in need.

In giving, so shall you receive.

David Foote is the executive director of United Way of Kitsap County.

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