By Elaine Allegrini, Enterprise staff writer
Last year’s high heating costs, combined with the ever-rising cost of living, has left a residual effect on those who live on the edge, according to area social service leaders.
With the winter heating season just a cold-spell away and the holiday season on the doorstep, requests for food stamps, heating assistance and holiday help are on the rise.
In Brockton alone, requests for food stamps are up 10 to 15 percent, an indication that more and more people are falling under the national poverty guidelines, said Robert Martin, director of human resources for Mayor James E. Harrington.
“More people who work full or part time call this office for assistance,” said Martin, who links the needy with social service agencies in the city and the region.
Martin recently joined several social service providers from Brockton, Taunton and area suburbs to kick off the annual Enterprise Helping Hands drive, the annual holiday drive supported with donations from families, individuals, businesses, civic and school groups and administered by The Enterprise Charitable Foundation.
The foundation raises money through direct donations and fund-raising events such as the Dec. 9 Jingle Bell Run in Brockton.
Last year, Enterprise readers donated $10,000 more than past years, allowing distribution of $67,500 to 20 charitable agencies throughout the region.
Every cent raised through the Helping Hands Fund goes directly to local needy families.
A donor coupon runs daily in the newspaper, and a list of contributors is published weekly in the newspaper.
“The need of our neighbors from year to year doesn’t diminish, but neither does the generosity of Enterprise readers,” said Chazy Dowaliby, editor of The Enterprise. “Serving as a conduit for so much real holiday spirit is a true joy of the season for all of us.”
This year, social service administrators say the basic needs remain — food, heat and shelter. They also strive to provide holiday gifts for children.
“We’re seeing families who are still recoiling from last year,” said Charles Fiske of Brockton Area Multi-Service Inc. (BAMSI). “They are trying to play catch-up and more people are in the mix.”
Resources are strained — from Taunton’s St. Vincent dePaul food pantry trying to keep its shelves stocked to the Salvation Army of Brockton staying abreast of fuel assistance requests.
Affordable housing is another ever-present and increasing need, according to Tom Washington of MainSpring House in Brockton, which offers a shelter for homeless singles in addition to family housing.
“People are struggling to get into housing,” he said.
The biggest obstacle for many is amassing first and last month’s rent and a security deposit.
Ken Kristiansen, pastor and commanding officer of Salvation Army of Brockton, said many immigrants are also seeking aid.
While the bulk of need rests in the cities where many settle to take advantage of transportation and consolidated services, Dennis Carman of United Way of Greater Plymouth County said there are pockets of need throughout the region that are often unrecognized.
“There are a lot of isolated elders who don’t know where the services are,” he said.
“The invisible poor is something we see all the time,” said Erich Miller of My Brothers Keeper of Easton that provides furniture and food throughout the year and holiday gifts during the season.
To date, more than 400 families have applied for help this holiday season, according to James Orcutt, president of My Brothers Keeper. Last year, the agency filled more than 1,600 requests for holiday aide. Included in that group were 4,900 children.
“There’s no agony greater than not be able to provide for your child,” said Orcutt, noting the importance of Helping Hands in supporting the effort to provide for children during the holidays.
“For us, it’s the happiest and most joyful time of the year,” added Miller. “For people on the edge, it’s the most stressful time of the year.”