News Blog
Dorothy's Place Undertakes Major Fundraising Campaign
June 8, 2012
Dorothy's Place has so excelled at what it does—provide services to the homeless—that it's tremendous growth leaves the non-profit in a financial lurch.
They're looking to raise $48,000 by June 20, or risk cutting back programs and staff.
Cash flow generally dries up starting this time of year, as most big gifts come around the holidays, according to Development Director Jill Allen. But Dorothy's Place, a beacon for the needy in Salinas' Chinatown, dipped into its savings last year to renovate the kitchen.
And good thing they did, because they're serving an average of 100 more meals per day this year. Similarly, the number of overnight guests has about doubled in the past year.
"Funding has gone down and the need has gone up," Allen says. "That’s what you can expect when the economy goes sour." Allen is heartened by the outpouring of generosity in the of the fund drive—nearly $5,000 in the first two days of the two-week drive—but says it's time to restructure the financial model of Dorothy's Place.
"We're beginning businesses slowly," she says, "so we can be in a position a couple of years from now to start using earned income to support basic needs services." The @risK Gallery on Soledad Street and Peter Maurin Screen Printers are setting the stage for what Allen hopes could become a sustainable financial future for Dorothy's Place.
But that's only if they can get over the funding hump to make their next payroll period: "We can't stretch anymore," Allen adds.
Pictured above: a community garden across the street from Dorothy's Place.
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