Tulsa World: More Tulsans in need

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More Tulsans in need
Social service agencies say the requests for help of all sorts have soared this year.

Recie Miles, 60, selects several shirts at Christ for Humanity on Wednesday, a nonprofit serving people in need. SHERRY BROWN/Tulsa World

By GINNIE GRAHAM World Staff Writer
Published: 11/24/2008 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 11/24/2008 3:02 AM

Social service agencies say the requests for help of all sorts have soared this year.

Requests for help to pay for basic life needs — housing, food, rent, utilities, clothing — have jumped as high as 250 percent at area social service agencies, according to a Tulsa Area United Way survey and comments from other agencies.

Social service nonprofits are being slammed with more pleas for assistance than in previous years with no sign of requests slowing down.

United Way Chief Executive Officer Mark Graham said its member agencies are guaranteed a portion of money from the $24 million campaign that met its goal earlier this month.

"The agencies doing their forecast for 2009 were not anticipating the economic chaos that the world has gone through this past quarter, and that gives us pause," Graham said.

The 211 help line has shown a 15 percent increase in calls comparing October 2008 and October 2007. More than 10,300 calls were made to the social service help line during October, mostly for necessary life services.

"All our agencies providing basic needs such as food pantries, clothing, utility assistance, transportation and rent subsidies are the ones feeling it the most," said Sharon Gallagher, vice president of community investments. "We are seeing that first and will continue to increase.

"The economy is still unstable and no one knows how long it is going to be until we reach stability and return to what we knew. It's the unknown length of time that is frightening our agencies most."

At Neighbors Along the Line, 5000 W. Charles Page Blvd., the number of people using the job-search program has jumped 354 percent since last year and food pantry requests are up 10 percent, said executive director Mindy Tiner. It is not a United Way agency.

"The numbers were already fairly high for us, and now we are seeing families we don't typically see," Tiner said. "It's a combination of things leading to this. Certainly, job loss is among that. But we have milk costing $4 a gallon, health costs increasing for people with health insurance and electricity was high this year.

"It's all coming together to make this a difficult year for families."

At least 25 percent more people have asked Christ for Humanity, 6314 E. 13th St., for food, clothing and furniture this year, said Camille Wellnitz, chief operating officer. The faith-based agency does not receive United Way or government funding.

"God has always provided for us, but we do need donations," Wellnitz said. "We've been blessed that we have not had a need we haven't been able to meet. But we do not have a surplus or excess. We can't help people financially like we'd like to do."

Salvation Army spokesman Brad Borror said the number of weekly calls for utility assistance has doubled since last year. Of the nearly 300 requests each week, between 40 and 50 receive financial help.

"The need is much higher than what we have available," Borror said. "It's definitely harder this year. We have a limited amount of time for appointments, and clients are having a hard time getting and making their appointments and getting assistance."

About 70 percent of requests are from first-time clients, Borror said.

"This is directly related to the working poor," Borror said. "We think it's due to the high gas prices from the summer. With gas prices coming down, we think heating costs will be going down. But we can't tell the future, so there are no guarantees."

Meals on Wheels has a more steady request rate because of the homebound requirement for eligibility, but services have risen 5 percent this year, said executive director Dan Rabovsky. It is not a United Way member and does not receive government funding.

Like other agencies, donations have gone down.

"We are really nervous and are running at a little deficit right now," Rabovsky said. "Many times we have run a deficit in the fall, but November and December are our best fund-raising months. We depend on this time of year to pull it out or we will be in trouble."

The sluggish donations range from 20 percent less food going on the shelves at the Community Food Bank to fewer people shopping at the Goodwill thrift stores.

Operating costs are rising for agencies, such as a 14 percent increase in employee benefit costs and 8 percent rise in energy bills at the Parent-Child Center.

At the Tulsa Metropolitan Urban League, housing counselors are handling more cases, often working 12 hours a day, with no pay increase.

The Mental Health Association is seeing an uptick in counseling requests as companies lay off workers and adults need short-term services.

"The harsh reality is that if donations and other revenue streams decrease, we face potential employee layoffs at a time when the demand for our services is even greater," the Mental Health Association wrote in the United Way survey.

"If our staff size and other resources decrease, our ability to offer services also decreases. In addition, it is difficult to maintain our budget with the escalating prices."

Graham believes that Tulsa agencies will find a way to meet critical needs and that the community will help.

"This is a remarkable community," Graham said. "I have to believe in the fiber of our community is the thought of charity. Our having exceeded our campaign goal in an environment of so much uncertainty does speak to the uniqueness about Tulsa. That is not to say it will always carry us through every scenario of adversity. But it is a point of differentiation and pride for us."

TULSA NEEDS

Housing:

8 percent more residents during the day and 18 percent more at night at the Day Center for the Homeless

246 percent increase for foreclosure counseling since 2007 at the Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League

43 percent more youth staying at the Youth Services shelter

Food:

At least 20 percent increase in food needs at the 440 agencies served by the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and food donations are down 20 percent

5 percent increase at Meals on Wheels

25 percent increase at the Christ for Humanity food pantry

Children:

50 percent increase in street outreach referrals at Youth Services and 40 percent of its clients in counseling have requested a reduction in co-payments due to financial burdens

At least 2,000 low-income children are on a waiting list for early education programs at the Community Action Project

Utilities:

Salvation Army receives about 300 calls weekly, which is double the amount from last year, and about 70 percent are first-time clients

48 percent increase in utility assistance requests at the Owasso Community Resource Center; 80 percent of those are first-time requests

10 percent increase at the Okmulgee-Okfuskee County Youth Services in October, which is about three months earlier than usual

10 percent increase in requests at Community Action Project of Tulsa

Medicine:

At least 20 percent more calls for requests, mostly for medications, at the Arthritis Foundation

At least 15 percent increase of clients with the Visiting Nurses Association unable to purchase medications or lack transportation to keep doctor appointments

Mental Health Association reports a significantly higher number of requests for its BrightSky program, which provides low-cost access for mental-health services for adults with short-term needs, and requests from large companies needing help for employees on how to emotionally deal with layoffs and financial uncertainty

Family:

140 percent increase for family assistance and 123 percent rise in individual assistance at Sand Springs Community Services

20 percent increase in crisis walk-in clients during October at Domestic Violence Intervention Services

At least a 32 percent increase in services at the Eastern Oklahoma Donated Dental Services

10 percent increase in clients for treatment services at the Parent-Child Center due to greater economic stress on parents

10 percent increase in enrollments at Creek County Literacy for adults needing to improve reading skills for jobs

Ginnie Graham 581-8376
ginnie.graham@tulsaworld.com By GINNIE GRAHAM World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Missy M, on the block (11/24/2008 3:26:59 AM) Everyone seems to need help these days.
	Report Comment The Sarge, Okmulgee (11/24/2008 4:50:51 AM) This does not surprise me after 8 years of Bush economics and yet this state keeps voting for Republicans even though there are more registered Demomcrats. The economy is in bad shape and if things don't turn around quick we are headed for a depression.
	Report Comment wa72, wagoner (11/24/2008 6:14:00 AM) Oh, and by the way, the ice storms of last year were the fault of GWB, without a doubt. I doubt the 52 people in Ok. who voted for the One will ever believe any thing else. Does anyone know where the stock market index was two years ago when the demoncrats took over congress?
	Report Comment nativeokie, (11/24/2008 6:24:16 AM) the absolute ignorance of people still amazes me. we have had 6 years of prosperity in this country because of the bush tax cuts but it only took 2 years of democrate control of the House and Senate to distroy that ! now they enemy has complete control of the country so we will so just how bad it can get. unless of course your a welfare addict that depends on government check
	Report Comment bearway, Jenks (11/24/2008 6:37:07 AM) Sarge, I am sure that the State of Oklahoma has suffered from 100 years of Republican dominance in the legislature where greed and corruption have been the rule of the day.... oh wait. Never mind. Maybe it's reality biting someone in the butt. We are suffering from years of excess spending, wrong headed priorities and Good Ol Boy politics at all levels in all parties. It's tough out here, frugality in our lives and honesty in our politics seasoned with love and sharing are the mottoes of the day. If you can, give to your favorite charity, if not, take only what you need and share the rest. Funny how " greedy republicans" give more to charity the " Caring Liberals". Your Bush Derangement Syndrome is meeting soon, hurry off for the Kool-Aide, seems like there may be a shortage as Oklahoma only gets a few gallons ration. BTW, my tire was flat this morning, do ya think George came by and put that nail in the street for me to run over yesterday? Or maybe it was a neocon subversive...... Get a life.
	Report Comment chase, (11/24/2008 6:37:47 AM) GOERGE W BUSH'S war is costing more billions than his bailout.let not mention the almost 4000 lives lost,how many people would this have helped.
	Report Comment Tony G, Tulsa (11/24/2008 6:52:55 AM) You folks can argue who's fault this is, it won't change the facts that its here, and we have many many people in real need, right before the holidays. My question to ALL is what are we going to do about it? I will give until it hurts, Will any of you join me--or are you going to sit there and complain!!!!!
	Report Comment bearway, Jenks (11/24/2008 6:56:18 AM) Tony G, Thank You Let's all see who can give the most. I will join you in supporting my brother and sister in need.
	Report Comment Agenda seeker, Tulsa (11/24/2008 7:06:44 AM) Tony G. Thanks for bringing it back into perspective, Lets all take the challenge!
	Report Comment WindRider, Heavener (11/24/2008 7:09:46 AM) Social utopia is well on its way, free education, free medical and state paid jobs like the old WPA gonna be hard as hell to blame all of it on poor old George when he is back in Texas firing up the BBQ. This too will pass its just got to get to the bottom out point when the pioneer spirit reawakens and the majority finally kicks the squealing minority completely out of power.
	Report Comment WestsideRevolutionary, Sand springs (11/24/2008 7:17:53 AM) Whose fault is what must be driven home. Anybody that voted Bush/Chaney is greatly responsible for the dismal state of our country. For once in your lives, forget the abortion, gun, and no taxes, mantra, and consider whats best for the USA. Its certainly not war, or tax giveaways, or privacy erosion, or anything that was thrust upon us the last 8 years. You should really feel stupid and incompetent if you voted for that diabolical duo. Any hillbilly in the USA could've seen through their BS smokescreen had they turned their channel from FOX to PBS. This divide in beliefs among Dems and Repubs will only worsen. The conservatives won't admit fault even when their families are forced to eat the putty out of the windows...they'll lay it on the "tax and spend" dems. What a twisted lot you conservatives are. Get an education.
	Report Comment Eric, Tulsa (11/24/2008 7:23:18 AM) The Democratic-controlled Congress had little to do with the state of our economy. After all, once they got into power, they did diddly-squat anyway. While the Bush Administration can largely be blamed on the crisis for getting us into the massive debt of the Iraq war and neglecting the domestic issues while in Iraq, some of this can be attributed to the dot-com bust in 2000 and the 9/11 horror that brought a lot of market fear on a global scale. Might also add that all of our presidents (past and current) can hold blame for allowing the trade imbalance to grow and of course, many American businessess outsourced jobs overseas which had they stayed here, would have been a buffer. Finally - don't forget us. We borrowed and used credit cards like it wasn't real money...so, in the end, we're part of the problem, too. Suck it up and get ready for a long, rough ride.
	Report Comment deswanson, mounds (11/24/2008 7:43:22 AM) there are help wanted signs everywhereif people want to work. everyone getting ready for the Obama admin.
	Report Comment my view, America (11/24/2008 7:43:53 AM) Unemployment in the Tulsa area is 4.1 percent, that's low compared to the rest of nation. With an increase in need I wonder if the jobs avaiable are under paid? I'm with Tony G. we all need to help evreywhere we can. Put a few extra bucks in the Red Kettles, take a card from one of the many angle trees you see. Drop off few cans at the local food banks. There are ways you can help, you just need to look.
	Report Comment concernedpapa, Kiefer (11/24/2008 7:58:06 AM) my view Good post. As for others don't you think it's time to put aside partisian politics and actually help those who are in need. I am not talking about the ones who can help themselves, but the ones who truely have fallen on bad times due to health issues, or economic issues. The angle trees are a great example of helping as well as your local church. They can always find a great use for your help. Our local fire department and Lions club do a great job in helping the needy.
	Report Comment Steven, (11/24/2008 8:06:02 AM) Don't worry, come January B.O. will be paying our mortgages and putting gas in our cars
	Report Comment my view, America (11/24/2008 8:14:54 AM) concernedpapa, I belong to an international organization that helps those in need year-around. As for politics I would never ask you give up your beliefs.
	Report Comment Mistic_wolf, tahlequah (11/24/2008 8:28:48 AM) I agree with Tony G. We need to stop pointing the finger at who is to blame and get off our backsides and start helping those in need. Times are hard right now and people need help. How would any of us feel if one of our family members needed help and all anybody could do was point and say it’s their fault that you need help and then doesn't lift that same finger to do anything about it. Shame on us for not stepping up and doing all that we can to help. It is so easy Grab an angel off that tree in wal-mart, that will help a child have alittle bit better Christmas, Grab a couple extra cans of food and take them to a food bank, buy a few extra gifts and take them down to a shelter for the children that are there, ask your chruch or your work to start some kind of drive. I would rather my Daughter learn the value of giving then the value of sitting on her backside and pointing that finger.
	Report Comment SS_hippy, Tulsa (11/24/2008 8:42:53 AM) Tony G, Agenda, bearway,papa Folks like you get it. Thanks for being good people and restoring faith in our fellow men.
	Report Comment okiemom58, usa (11/24/2008 9:09:01 AM) I am indeed worried about what is going on in the world today I worry about the children most of all.. I need to show my children how to not waist money by not going to those fast food places and really watch where my money goes. Little things add up to alot I think if I take more account to where my money is going. I work very hard for I am a cna and I love my job been doing it for many years. I am never going to stop helping people and there is alot of hard working people out there just trying to get by not asking our goverment for anything.. And there is alot of people needing goverment help just to get by I always ask my self what can I do to make it better I keep comming up with 1 answer PRAY, WORK, No more buying things I don't need.. and help those in need..I feel I must teach my children except responsibility...find someone to help everyone knows someone the can help.
	Report Comment AustrianEconomics, (11/24/2008 10:14:21 AM) It's good to see all these people blame everyone else for their problems, and forget their own responsibility for their situation. Afterall, it was the government that forced you to buy new cars you couldn't afford, houses you couldn't afford, run up your credit cards on the latest "gotta have its" and restaurant outings. I'm not saying the government is not responsible for bad policies, many of which came from Alan Greenspan, but fault could be found with the Democrats, Republicans, and also, ourselves. It's hard for us to change a government that has been screwing over the people for more than 40 years now, but we can take a good hard look at our own lives and examine the decisions we made that got us in our current predicament.
	Report Comment Mar, Tulsa (11/24/2008 11:10:30 AM) Most any "able-bodied" adult 18+ can get a job at least some kind of a job. I see Now Hiring signs at a lot of stores and eating establishments. There is a segment of society that does not want to work, especially since it easier to sponge off of others. I believe in helping the elderly poor and foster children/children without parents and animals at animal shelters. Otherwise, everyone else should be on their own, the government should not be a babysitter or parent for able-bodied adults.
	Report Comment Mar, Tulsa (11/24/2008 11:12:46 AM) Hey Bearway......Democrats have controlled the Oklahoma legislature all these years. Finally Republicans will be taking over.
	Report Comment Few Clothes, Austin, TX (11/24/2008 11:17:15 AM) Eric and Tony G. Amongst the whining and blaming, you posts are the only ones that makes sense. Thank you both for being mature adults.
	Report Comment Few Clothes, Austin, TX (11/24/2008 11:18:03 AM) Your posts. Agent orange again.

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