Charities, already stretched thin, brace for surge in need after layoffs

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Charities see surge in need after RV layoffs

The Family Christian Development Center in Nappanee has seen a 25 percent increase in the number of famlies seeking assistance so far this year. Now they are bracing for another surge in the wake of more RV layoffs. (WSBT photo)

Story Created: Jul 21, 2008 at 10:38 AM EST

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2009 at 12:33 PM EST

NAPPANEE — Massive layoffs at Monaco Coach are sending new shock waves throughout Elkhart County. Social Service agencies are bracing for a huge increase in the demand for help.

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Two in Nappanee went through hectic times last October, providing assistance for tornado victims. They're expecting a record number of clients now as a result of layoffs.

"We have people coming in every day asking about our services,” Jeff Stueve told WSBT News.

Stueve is the director of the Family Christian Development Center in Nappanee. They help people with everything from food and rent to utility assistance and medication needs.

All of the recent RV layoffs have really increased their demand.

“It does make it a strain on us, to provide the resources that we would provide at this critical time,” Stueve said.

The center has seen a dramatic surge in families coming in for first time following the October tornado and is now bracing itself for a huge demand from the layoffs at Monaco.

This year alone, 213 new families have come through the doors — a jump of nearly 25 percent.

"We're looking to the community again in preparation to fill my shelves,” explained Ken Woodcox of the Family Christian Development Center’s food pantry. “I'm probably one third less groceries than I've ever been. But yet I think there’s a one third increase in demand, coming."

“We're already serving record numbers of clients this summer, opposed to any year in the past, and we're stretched thin,” Stueve said.

Like the Family Christian Center, the Open Door Food Pantry is also anticipating a large number of new clients due to the Monaco layoffs.

"I'm sure it’s going to pick up and we'll have an increase from 20 to 30 percent,” said Hank Whelan with the Open Door Food Pantry. “I think we're in for some bad times for a while before we get this thing straightened up.

Both agencies say they are beginning to stockpile food and items for distribution for those affected by the layoffs, and say they'll gladly accept donations to meet the expected demand.

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