The money
crunch is forcing an agency that helps people in times of crisis
to deal with a crisis of its own.
Over Christmas, the Houston metro area
Salvation Army saw a 17 percent decline in donations during its
Kettle Campaign.
Those donations help fund programs
throughout the year.
"All that means is we have to cut back
on our services to the public," said Capt. Edwards Alonzo. "And
it's very difficult because even though donations are down and
people are having a difficult time losing their jobs and homes,
more and more people are coming to the Salvation Army."
One of those programs is a Godsend for
Pasadena seniors.
Twice a day, five days a week, they are
shuttled to and from the Salvation Army's Community Center in
Pasadena.
"I coming every day here, said one
senior. "I love here."
Up to 85 seniors are fed at the center.
"Oh, it's very important. I enjoy it. I
love it," Balboa said.
Cutbacks could also mean the difference
between helping someone like Norma Salinas and not.
Formerly homeless, the Salvation Army
has helped put a roof over her head and become reunited with her
children.
You really have to be able to
appreciate a second chance and not take it for granted, she
says.
"We also have sheltering programs. We
have rental assistance, utility assistance, prescription
assistance," Alonzo said.
From children's programs to senior's
programs, the situation has become so dire, the Salvation Army
plans to make an emergency plea later this month, asking the
public to make donations they otherwise might not have made. It
could mean the difference between saving some programs and not.
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