Local non-profits struggling in pandemic

In the midst of a pandemic, the services provided by local non-profits are more needed than ever, while the donations that make those services happen have declined, according to officials operating the organizations.

"I think most of our non-profits have maintained the ability to serve people, but for some, that's not true. For some, things have been put on hold in big ways," said Erinn Burch, executive director of United Way of Eastern New Mexico.

"I think the biggest impact COVID-19 has had on non-profits is with fundraisers, because most of us have events, and most non-profits have not been able to pivot that piece," she added.

"So, even though non-profits are serving more people than ever, there isn't income generated for those services, so it's a big problem."

Burch said instead of in-person presentations and events, everything has been done virtually this year, such as United Way's Women's Initiative Network (WIN) luncheons and appeals for funding during this fall's campaign season. She said United Way is down $40,000 in donations this year, and she and other United Way officials anticipate raising 20 to 30 percent less than normal this campaign season, "which could mean 2021 could be a very rough year for the work we are doing and the programs we are supporting."

"Everyone is so busy and distracted and just trying to survive life, so a little email from United Way isn't really going to be a top priority for people," she said.

Burch said a bright spot in 2020 is that local non-profits have been able to help people more than ever this year.

"United Way has been very fortunate to get grants this year to help families impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns. Since April, we have more than tripled the amount of people we help," said Burch, adding that the organization has helped over 400 families with rent and utilities, and that number is usually around 100 families.

"To be able to help over 400 families and keep their power on has been a wonderful gift," she said. "The downside is those donations come in, and they are right out the door, and we are left to wonder what we're going to do for funding for 2021. Because we know that our agency partners have had funding interrupted, and 2021 is going to be tough. Right now, we are trying to generate interest in people donating."

Other organizations have seen worse days in 2020, including Angel Ministries, the non-profit that operates the second-hand store, Consigning Women, on South Avenue A in Portales.

"Because of the economy being so bad and people being on limited income, we've noticed a really big decline in the retail side of the store, and that's what we use to buy food (for people in need) and to put people in rehab," said Sheila Savitz, who operates the organization.

But Angel Ministries is more than a store front that provides food to those in need, Savitz said. The organization works with the Workforce and Career Link programs to help single parents "get on their feet" by providing them paycheck or daycare assistance. They also work with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Goodwill Senior Program, and the local courts in Clovis, Portales, and Texas towns, so people can serve their community service hours at the store.

Consigning Women was one of many stores shut down from March to May, but it did not qualify for government financial assistance for non-essential businesses due to being a non-profit organization that does not have a payroll, Savitz said.

After the shutdown, their Clovis store, Consigning Women Bouquet, was making less than $11 a day and had to be closed down for good. Savitz said she had to take out a personal loan to keep the Portales store open.

But that has not made Savitz lose her faith or passion for what she does.

"The Lord opened this ministry in 1998. He turned the key on a business that I had never intended to do," Savitz said. "He's been faithful to provide not some of our needs, but all of our needs. I know the Lord will get us through this time. He's been there since 1998, and he'll be there forever."

Savitz said through the generosity of a few anonymous, individual donors, the organization was able to provide Thanksgiving meals to over 200 families this year.

She said the organization is attempting to do the same for families at Christmas, but has yet to obtain any funding for that endeavor.

"It's been rough with COVID, but our faith allows us to know that we are going to get through this," said Savitz, adding that Portales is an amazing community with amazing people who are always willing to help. "Right now, if we can get anything to start generating anything for Christmas baskets, that would be wonderful."

Richard Gomez of the Lighthouse Mission in Clovis said his organization has been blessed this year in that their donations have been up due to many people staying home and taking the opportunity to "clean out their closets."

The organization has also had the opportunity to continue all of its services by only allowing one family at a time to come clothes shopping and asking them not to bring their children when they do and by providing drive-thru services for meals, including on Thanksgiving Day.

He said the Christmas Party the Lighthouse Mission usually throws for children in need will take place on Dec. 19 (time to be determined) and will also be a drive-thru service this year, as well as the Christmas dinner scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 25.