A Special Thank You to the United Way for innovative weight loss program.

[fresnobill314]

On behalf of all of us with the HIV virus in Fresno County, I want to personally thank the United Way for cutting funding to the Living Room Food Pantry by 90 percent. Without your kindly funding cuts, we are no longer in double jeopardy of suffering from AIDS and obesity. I mean, really, who wants a fat AIDS patient? Now, you've given us the opportunity to develope creative household budget techniques. Now, we need to make decisions on what's more important - food or rent, food or medications, food or electricity. Monthly budgets will now be an adventure for all of us. And, of course, soon enough with your help, there will be fewer of us to worry about. You guys are so creative!

[acmavm]

1. Anyone know what the heads honchos of United Way make? I know

at one point (60s or 70s) there was a major scandal about how much of each dollar donated to United Way went to pay for quite a nice paycheck for them. That's when I decided not to give another dime to them. And believe me, I've worked for people who try to cram United Way down your throat. But giving money directly to causes that you feel are worth supporting makes so much more sense than giving it to United Way and then letting them take a cut of it before it ever goes to any worthwhile organization.

[Jo March]

3. There were problems but they've worked hard to clean up

My husband worked with them for a long time and that scandal really hurt them.

If they cut funding, I'm betting that it's because they just don't have the money. Only 10% of what they raise goes to administrative costs.

Is there anything that DUers can do to help out?

[Dr.Phool]

6. Same here

My employer demanded 100% participation. I told them "fuck off", I donate a lot of money to charity on my own, to the organizations I want to have it. Luckily I belonged to a union.

This was right about the time their CEO was caught charging a Manhatten penthouse for his mistress, and flying off to Europe on the Concorde, and charging it to United Way.

[sui generis]

9. they make a fair market wage

actually that number is below fair market for executive positions that require being in office and available 55 hours a week.

UW is a huge effort and the "head honchos" have to be worth their salt in order to keep money flowing in and get it distributed effectively.

The salaries of "head honchos" are below immateriality in terms of total donations; you're not hurting the honchos when you decide not to give.

[Hello_Kitty]

2. OMG that sucks!!

I'm so sorry. What's up with that? Why did they cut the funding and does this organization have a website so DUers can donate?

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

4. As someone who has worked for United Way

albeit not in Fresno, I have to respond. I realize you are suffering and feeling frustrated with this action.
I have 2 questons for you;
Do you know the reason for the cut?
Do you know how United Way gets its money?

I'm willing to bet the UW didn't raise as much money as it did previously and had to reduce funding. The decisions on who gets funded and who doesn't often rests with your fellow citizens. The Untied Way asks citizens of the county to make the distribution decisions. Not the UW personnel.
This doesn't help you but it may shed some light on how the decision occured.

[Jo March]

5. Let us know how we can help

I can't give much due to my massive pileup of bills but I can send a few $$.

[Systematic Chaos]

7. Oh. My. God.

That's seriously f**ked up. :(

[sui generis]

8. that's not completely fair

United Way (and your local Community Council) sometimes consolidate it budgets. It's possible they've shifted resources to a more "central" food bank, as food bank shortages are everywhere right now. Certainly they're not doing anything out of meanness, and you can be sure that there are people at United Way who are just sick with how they have to manage reduced funds.

Here in Dallas the Food Pantry is virtually ignored except for holidays, and we (fundraisers) have to make a huge ongoing effort to get steady donations into the food bank from the community itself, and through community events that benefit local charities, including HRC Black Tie, AIDS Interfaith, Community Center events, and lots and lots of little old blue hair lady events.

Don't be a victim of fate. Find out what charities support the food bank, and volunteer to help make phone calls for donations and support - you'll be helping more than just yourself. You definitely have whatever support I can give.

-sui

[fresnobill314]

10. Thanks for your concern.

The Living Room is a "project of Westcare," which is headquartered in Nevada. Westcare merged with the Living Room in April 2003 due to cash flow and funding problems.

The Living Room provides case management for the HIV/AIDS community by providing help in areas of medical care, housing, emergency assistance with food and utility bills, and until recently, provided a weekly Food Pantry to help supplement the nutrition needs of its clients.

The funding that the United Way provided came from emergency food funds from FEMA. FEMA recently made drastic cuts in these food programs to enable Congress to protect local farm subsidies.


Needless to say, our government has sacrificed the needs of the sick to protect the needs of the rich.

Westcare has a website. I do not know how they handle individual contributions. However, any help, especially polical pressure, is welcome.

Thanks again.