21 May 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Stacy Howard
Community Relations Director
Northwest Divisional Headquarters
(O) 206-217-1280 (C) 206-714-1469
Stacy.Howard@USW.Salvationarmy.org

SEATTLE, WA (APRIL 21, 2010) - The world's largest social service organization might have to start turning people away - unless enough funds can be donated and raised to bridge the gap of a $400,000 deficit in King County.

As our country's economic crisis continues, more families are turning to The Salvation Army for help. As a result of the 3% unemployment rate increase in the county, and more than 200 state social service programs were cut, The Salvation Army is seeing a 30% increase in demand for services.

While The Salvation Army has seen a drop in larger donations, The United Way's allocated funds to The Salvation Army will also decrease by 40% beginning in July.

Additionally, nearly $19,000 from the City of Renton previously given to The Army for the past 20 years, has stopped because of a city budget deficit. Project funding had to be cut which means the organization won't be able to assist hundreds in paying their water bills in that area.

The following other King County services and programs have already been affected and could be cut without the proper funding:

- The Salvation Army's three off-site severe weather shelters in Seattle could be shut down due to inability for the organization to pay rent at the locations

- The Community Advocacy Program which educates at least 500 people a year on healthy relationships, the dangers of teen dating violence, surviving domestic violence and crisis response plans

- Holiday assistance including meals and Christmas gifts for thousands of children

- After-school Tutoring programs, summer camps and day camps that currently keep at-risk youth off the streets in the White Center neighborhood of Seattle

- Nearly 100 people are being turned away from the Bellevue Corps a month; By June utility assistance will be cut from 85 households to just 10, per month.

"The downturn in the economy has made it a rough year for many families in King County," said The Salvation Army Northwest Divisional Commander Lt. Cl. Doug O'Brien. "In some ways it's a perfect storm, with job losses and cuts in state programs happening at the same time. It's vital for The Salvation Army to step in and help. But we're facing an enormous challenge. Right now, we're counting on generous people in our community to open their hearts and help us meet this shortfall. Our struggling neighbors are depending on it, and any contribution will help."

The Salvation Army is hoping to appeal to some of these donors at its upcoming annual fundraiser on May 11, where former Board Member and Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske will return from Washington DC to serve as the keynote speaker.