Foundation sends $60,000 to local charities

MAT-SU — The Valley’s most vulnerable are getting a big helping hand just as times are getting toughest.

On Thursday, the Rasmuson Foundation announced a $500,000 Safety Net Assistance Grant going to non-profit groups around the state, over $60,000 of which is headed for the Mat-Su.

The money is being directed toward groups that provide food, shelter and rent and utility assistance to the disadvantaged, said Michele Brown, the president of United Way of Anchorage, the group in charge of distributing the money.

“In the simplest of terms, the money will help Alaskans stay housed, fed and warm this winter,” Brown said.

Brown said the demand for assistance has skyrocketed as of late. They are receiving calls from people who have never asked for help before but have fallen on hard times due to a lost job or cut hours. The demand for rent and utility assistance around the state has increased by 400 to 500 percent, she said.

“The money is in recognition of the serious impact the financial downturn has had on people. There is an increased need for the basics,” Brown said. “We’re making a very strong effort to help people in this economic time. Once you fall into homelessness, it’s a whole lot harder to come back.”

Brown said this increased need is coming at a time when the groups offering assistance are struggling for their own survival.

“Some of them were in tears to receive it because they are running out of food,” Brown said.

The money is being distributed throughout the state by population, Brown said. Nine groups in the Valley are getting $6,744.20 each.

The groups receiving funding are:

• Alaska Family Services

• Blood-N-Fire Ministries of Alaska

• Family Promise

• Food Pantry of Wasilla

• Palmer Senior Citizens Center

• Salvation Army, Mat-Su

• Trapper Creek Community Food Bank

• United Protestant Church

• Wasilla Area Seniors

The groups were chosen because they are part of the Emergency Food and Shelter Providers Network, Brown said. The network typically distributes federal funding, of which there is never enough, Brown said.

Even with the grant, these service providers are still horribly under-funded, she said.

“Part of the mission of the Rasmuson Foundation is to inspire others to step up during these really tough times,” Brown said.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.