Annual Fundraising Initiatives Fall Short of Goals, Salvation Army Struggles to Make Up Deficit
Fergus Falls, MN – Leaders from the Otter Tail County Salvation Army reported today that their annual fundraising initiatives are falling short of their projected goals. While some of the shortfall was created during the annual Christmas campaign, the Fergus Falls service center has not been able to make up that deficit, which currently stands at 66% of its budget target with less than four months until the end of its fiscal year.
“This has been a challenging year for us and our donors, to say the least,” said Captain Anthony Nordan, who leads the Ottertail County Salvation Army. “When inflation is high, charitable giving is usually the first thing to get cut from a family budget. And when the markets are down, even our best donors reduce or postpone their giving.”
Currently, there are 75,000 Minnesota households behind in their rent, half of which contain children.
Evictions are also on the rise, up 46% from pre-pandemic numbers2. This has led to increases of as much as 30% in the number of people seeking assistance.
Higher prices are not only challenging for families trying to make ends meet, but they also make it more challenging for social service organizations like The Salvation Army, as they now must spend more for the food and materials they need to help those who are struggling.
“Because times are tough, we’re seeing increased need from people asking for food, or seeking emergency financial assistance for rent or utilities so they can avoid eviction,” Nordan said. “No one should have to choose between paying their rent or feeding their family. We have also seen an increase of meals served during our lunch program. Last month we averaged 60 daily meals, but this month we are already averaging 110.”
Nordan added that The Salvation Army will need to adjust its spending to continue providing services, which is expected to result in a reduction of services to those seeking help.
“It’s been the immense generosity of the people of Otter Tail County that have made our work possible since we opened here 130 years ago,” Nordan said. “It’s our faith in our neighbors and our faith in God that will give us the strength and resources to continue to serve those most in need in our community.”
Those wishing to make a tax-deductible gift in support of Salvation Army programs can do so quickly and securely here.
Checks can also be mailed to The Salvation Army, 622 E. Vernon Ave., Fergus Falls, MN 56537. All gifts will support programs specifically in Otter Tail County.
For more information, visit SalvationArmyNorth.org/
The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped nearly 300,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, new struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.
By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 77 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.