Louisville, Ky. (WHAS11) - In a slow economy, people may not have as much to give to local charities. But with more people turning to local charities for help, and fewer donations, local charities are trying to keep from buckling under the pressure.
"We take in as many folks as we can, but we're not able to house everyone currently," said Nina Moseley, CEO of Wayside Christian Mission.
Even in tough economic times, some businesses thrive. Although it may not be in a good way.
"We're also seeing our business booming-people have lost their apartments, or they can't keep up," says Moseley.
"We already increased our food budget up 30%. But we've also increased to 50% in our food distribution since last month," says Executive Director of Dare to Care Linda Miller.
Both Wayside Christian Mission and Dare to Care Food Bank say they've seen a major increase in requests for help-most of them coming from families.
"There's people calling every day coming by every day wanting to know if there's space yet because they're in their cars or with friends doubled up," says Moseley.
"30% of families we serve have at least one working person in the family so it's not like people aren't trying. They just can't make ends meet," says Miller.
Here's the problem-in tough economic times people hold on to what they have, and local charities suffer.
"Higher fuel prices, higher food prices, higher utility costs. So people aren't able to be as generous as they have in the past," says Moseley.
And with the holiday season right around the corner, both charities expect more requests and then they'll really need help.
"No one will go hungry. That's what we do," says Miller.
