Thank you for your article of June 19 regarding funding issues
for Hollister city services and the impact serious financial
constraints may have on local nonprofits in next year’s funding
cycle. I would, however, like to clarify a few statements in the
article.
Dear Editor,
Thank you for your article of June 19 regarding funding issues for Hollister city services and the impact serious financial constraints may have on local nonprofits in next year’s funding cycle. I would, however, like to clarify a few statements in the article.
Under current economic conditions, times are hard for all of us who receive contributions and/or are supported by taxpayer dollars. I would like to point out that all sources of funding, however, remain vital and significant.
Emmaus House, which advocates for victims of domestic violence, began at the grassroots level. We provide a critical support service for residents, and we continue to depend on donations at every level and from all revenue sources.
When the economy is depressed, more families find themselves in crisis and more domestic violence occurs. As one of many organizations that provide services to city and county residents, we respond to those who need and seek out our help. When women and children turn to Emmaus House for help, they are utilizing a service that might otherwise fall to the city to provide.
Last year, Emmaus House was honored to receive $6,877.58 from the city council, which was approximately 2.75 percent of our $250,000 operating budget. This year, due to an overall decrease in support and an increase in demand for services, we requested an $8,750 increase in funding from the city council.
Our request was based on need, and it is significant. Nonprofits provide critically important public services, and we do not prepare our budget requests as either/or propositions.
The fact that Emmaus House is a nonprofit makes our services no less important than services and functions delivered by employees of city government. We are all working together for a single purpose to address specific needs that exist in our community.
As we continue to solicit individual and corporate contributions and apply for grants,
we will await word on the city’s budget. Allocations from the city council have been, and
will continue to be, of the utmost importance to ongoing programs at Emmaus House.
We have respectfully made our funding request and applaud the city council for their commitment to our community. Any allocation awarded to Emmaus House will be accepted with appreciation and recognized as validation of the council’s commitment to providing immediate and specialized services in whatever way best serves those who find themselves in desperate need.
Mary Lou Coffelt, Executive Director, Emmaus House
