Give to the United Way

The following was an editorial that was published in the Californian on February 27, 2010.

The call for action is timely. Unemployment in Monterey County is in double digits, at 16.7 percent and rising. The local economy shed 16,500 jobs in December, according to the state Employment and Development Department.

Things are worse in Salinas, where the jobless rate in December was at 22 percent. The unemployed only add to the swollen ranks of those in need in this community. It is a self-perpetuating problem, as the unemployed no longer have money to spend at local businesses, causing the businesses to cut back, creating more unemployment.

The need for help is growing. Proud folks who normally depend on themselves to make ends meet are depending on others. More people are struggling to feed and clothe their families as the job market continues to shrink. This is not just agriculture’s off season in the Salinas Valley; job losses are having an impact on government, tourism and the retail sector. In 2009, the number of hospitality, retail and construction jobs in Monterey County dropped by 4,000, according to state figures.

Meanwhile, look to the federal and the state governments for less help. They each have their budget crises. Many community services are funded by the feds with matching funds from the state. But given California’s multi-billion dollar deficit, the state is cutting or eliminating those sources, putting more pressure on charitable organizations that offer food, shelter and other help to people with no other options.

Just five years ago, only one in six residents was being helped by a community agency funded by United Way of Monterey County. That rate has worsened. Today, the local United Way says one in three people is showing up for help at any one of 40 programs and services under its reliable wing.United Way reports that it is giving more to local agencies that provide the basic needs — food banks and shelters, for example. The majority of its funding goes to fight hunger and homelessness and to benefit children and youth. It also supports services for victims of rape, suicide and domestic violence. It supports drug and alcohol rehabilitation and programs to help senior citizens. The new 211 Monterey County phone line was a roaring success in its first year of operation. The help line handled 13,144 calls. Most calls were for housing and shelter, legal services, mental health counseling, employment and food assistance. The United Way even helps people with their income taxes. (And those refund checks can be spent in the local economy!)

United Way gives you a chance to have an impact on the social and community issues important to you or the causes dear to your heart. The United Way says 97 percent of the money it receives stays in Monterey County. The other 3 percent goes to outside agencies of the donors’ choice.

Applaud the United Way for its good and important work, but remember it is you — the people and businesses, loyal, longtime contributors and new ones — who fuel the agency’s success. And even in a recession-racked economy like ours, many of you continue to contribute from your own wallets or through company payroll deductions because you realize many other people in our community are worse off.

There is no gift too small, and if you can’t make a monetary contribution, you can serve as a volunteer.

Give to the United Way and help 40 local agencies do their invaluable work. Your donations are tax-deductible.