(Kansas City, MO.) May 30, 2008. Lorraine Minor, City Union Mission’s Associate Executive Director of Programs & Administration, reports today, “We have hit a record high in the Family Shelter, housing 93 persons last night and 94 on Wed night.” When the center has 78 persons that is generally considered full. 

Historically during the summer months shelters experience an increase in the numbers of women and children needing emergency relief. That may be because people are less likely to ask them to move out in the winter.
 
”Last year in May we averaged 72 per night. This year our average for May is 83,” said Scott Wilson, Hotline and Security. “Year to date figures reflect pretty much the same trend.” 

Missions across the nation are reporting the same increase in the demand for services, especially food, along with a troubling decrease in donations.  Below is a recent headline and excerpts from the article published in the Midday Business Report - Nation, World
Posted on Tue, May. 27, 2008 10:45 AM.

“Food banks face high costs but feeding more people”

“America's Second Harvest, the nation's food bank network, recently urged Congress to approve $100 million in emergency funding for food banks after a survey it conducted of
180 food banks in late April and early May found that 99 percent have seen an increase in the number of clients served last year.”

“"The way it's going, we're going to have a food disaster pretty soon," said Phyllis Legg, interim executive director of the Merced Food Bank, which serves 43 food pantries throughout foreclosure-ravaged Merced County.”

“Food banks across the country are in similar straits: While demand is up, supplies and donations are down. The food banks, like their customers, also are suffering from high gas prices and struggling with the impact of rising food prices on their operations. Some have had to cut back on how much food they give, or how often.”

To read the entire article, please click here.

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Remember YOU are God’s Plan for the Poor & Homeless!