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TMCNet: Economy drives demand for United Way housing, utility financial aid

[April 16, 2009]

Economy drives demand for United Way housing, utility financial aid

PROVIDENCE, Apr 15, 2009 (The Providence Journal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- More people than ever are struggling to pay their rents, mortgages and heat and electric bills, the United Way of Rhode Island said Monday.

Calls to the agency's help line jumped 53 percent to 30,600 in the first quarter, from 20,000 calls during the first three months of 2008.

Many 2-1-1 callers had lost their jobs. They needed money to stay in their homes and apartments and pay for food, utility and medical bills, said Cristina Amedeo, director of the 2-1-1 program.

A faltering economy is driving the demand. Another factor: publicity about the agency's new Fund to Prevent Homelessness. At a news conference in early January, the agency kicked off one of two fundraisers. "Individuals seeking help had never heard of 2-1-1 before," Amedeo said. "They called and told us this was the first time they have needed any kind of financial help." In the last three months, United Way received more than $120,000 in contributions. The agency added another $120,000 and distributed the money through 23 agencies, including Amos House, Crossroads Rhode Island, Progreso Latino and Wood River Health Services. Some 521 adults and 383 children benefited, Amedeo said.

"A number of families are stable and warm because of your generous donors," said Darlene Briggs Magaw, a director with Family Resources Community Action, in Woonsocket.

To see more of the The Providence Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.projo.com. Copyright (c) 2009, The Providence Journal, R.I.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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