KALAMAZOO -- The economy has more people reaching out for a helping hand. The problem is, there's less to give out.

"The time our nonprofits need to be the strongest, we have challenges," said Mike Larson, president of the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.

"We're seeing a tremendous growth in need, specifically basic needs. People who never thought they would need services are there, whether it's food or some other basic need. Traditionally, if you have those needs, you have other needs too."

Food banks are among those struggling mightily.Wayland Area Christian Neighbors Food Pantry has seen its demand double in the past two years. At the same time, donations are down 50 percent. The increased need has wiped out the pantry's savings, and by the end of this month the pantry will have exhausted the cash donations it collected during the holidays.

"It's scarier than it's ever been now that the numbers have doubled," said KeLinda Scott, pantry director.

Of the 328 families served last year at the pantry, 185 were new. Among all those served, the biggest increase was in children and those between age 21 to 40.

"That's a working age," Scott said of the adults.

Those new to the pantry include a teacher, a part-time police officer and a minister.

"These are middle-class, prosperous people with white-collar jobs," Scott said. "They can't believe they're here."

The pantry, which is open on Tuesdays, gave out 47,000 pounds of food last year, compared to nearly 35,000 pounds in 2007.

The pantry spends about $2,000 a month on nonperishable healthy food such as tuna fish, peanut butter and canned soup. It is supported by donations and several organizations and schools that collect food.

Senior center needs funding

Other nonprofit agencies, such as the Ecumenical Senior Center in Kalamazoo, are having similar struggles.



The Ecumenical Senior Center serves mostly low-income, elderly African-Americans and operates on about $150,000 annually. The center is facing a $50,000 shortfall by July 1 if donations don't increase.

"It's tough all over," said Executive Director Joseph Scott. "Organizations like ours are dependent entirely on donations."

The center is open daily, offering free services and programs and a hot lunch daily. Last year, the center served 5,000 meals.

Some are unable to afford the suggested $2 donation, Scott said.

If funding continues to decline, services could be cut, he said.



"If we had to roll back services, or, God forbid, close, I don't know where they'd go. For some, this is the only meal they get. ... I'm planning on the faith and goodwill of the community that started this organization to not let ... (it close)," Scott said.

Demands increasing

Larson, of Greater Kalamazoo United Way, said he suspects that the need locally will continue to grow.

"I don't see the end in sight," he said.

Greater Kalamazoo United Way partners with 43 agencies to fund 61 area programs. Larson said he doesn't know of any group at risk of closing but that all the agencies are re-evaluating what services they can offer and how to provide them.

United Way isn't immune to the struggle. Its 2008 fundraising campaign was down 17 percent, to about $8.9 million -- the first decline in years.

"Obviously, it's going to trickle down and impact the organizations who we partner with," Larson said.

Although there is hope that the federal government's economic stimulus program will help local service organizations, Larson said he's unsure what to expect, who will benefit and when.

Some nonprofits stable

Not all nonprofit agencies are experiencing such struggles.

Ken Greschak, director of the American Cancer Society's Southwest Michigan Area Service Center, said the center expects to raise $2.4 million this year -- consistent with last year's fundraising amount -- to support local programs and cancer research. People are touched by cancer and continue to give, he said

.

Greschak also credited volunteers with supporting the society's mission.

"What we have is 15,000 volunteers, when you start counting Relay (For Life) team captains," he said, referring to the cancer society's signature 24-hour fundraiser. "If we weather this storm, it will be on the backs of our volunteers."

Greschak said there has been greater demand for the cancer society's services, noting a 70 percent increase in the number of newly diagnosed cancer patients who have contacted the organization. The center offers services such as free transportation to medical appointments.