More than 25 non-profit organizations from throughout the Los Angeles area gathered Wednesday to discuss ways to provide services to those hit hardest by the ongoing recession.
"When the whole country is facing the most difficult economic situation, the demand for help has greatly increased but donations are dropping," said Karin Wang, vice president of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center.
Wednesday's event -- part of a celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month -- followed President Obama's recent signing of a 5.7 billion U.S. dollar national service bill.
The measure triples the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college by helping those in their neighborhoods.
In the past, Wang said, America's middle class was a major source of donations for the nation's charities, but it, too, has been hard hit by the financial upheaval and now is unable to contribute as much.
As a result, Wang said, non-profit and charity organizations that depend on public donations for their budgets now have trouble collecting money and other assistance.
Asians have a tradition of giving, Wang said, and that tradition is even more important at a time like now when help is urgently needed. Those who are able, can donate money, Wang said, while others can donate time or professional services.
Those facing foreclosure need lawyers to get their homes back or find ways to keep their homes, while homeless people need shelter and food, Wang said.
Rev. Andrew Bales, CEO of the Union Rescue Mission, which helps the homeless, said calls for help have increased 400 percent in recent months. He said 15,000 volunteers are needed to provide meals and shelter for the less fortunate.
Hernan Vera, executive director of Public Counsel, a public interest law firm that provides free legal services to low-income families, also said requests for assistance have increased significantly.
Vera said his firm receives more than 100 calls for help with foreclosures and other legal issues each week. Lawyers can donate their time to provide free aid for those caught in the bad economy, Vera said.
With more than 6 million Americans out of work due to the recession, the need for help is great and growing. Charities across the U.S. are reporting that fresh volunteers -- employed and unemployed -- are knocking on their doors to serve.
The newly implemented national service bill will help also.
In addition to adding tens of thousands of new positions to charities, the measure also provides funding for organizations to train and oversee more volunteers.
Source: Xinhua
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