READING, Pa. – United Way of Berks County President Tammy White says the situation has become “a perfect storm,” with state and federal dollars stalled at the same time that the demand for help is rising.
“We’re not having the dollars we need to help people in our community,” White said. “The needs are increasing because people don’t have the support systems they’re accustomed to.”
According to data from United Way of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, the number of residents affected by service reductions has jumped to more than 241,000 statewide. Nearly 60% of nonprofits are expected to run out of emergency funds by the end of October.
Locally, White says agencies like Safe Berks and the Community Action Program have already cut staff or temporarily closed. Others, including food banks and childcare centers, are struggling to keep up as federal programs like SNAP face disruptions.
“These nonprofits are working with less money, and their staff are stressed and exhausted,” White said. “They’re doing everything they can to hold on.”
United Way is encouraging residents to donate, volunteer, and reach out to their local legislators. White says while philanthropy helps, it can’t replace government funding