Many of those we serve at the West Side Catholic Center were in pain long before the pandemic started. But since March, the challenges have only increased.
Imagine a family staying in our homeless shelter now having to navigate virtual schooling, or a person who depends on our center for socialization having to sit outside, or someone trying to better themselves in a workforce class having to pause during the shutdown.
As winter sets in and our county moves to red or potentially beyond, these challenges are further exacerbated. Likewise, for local charities that are struggling to continue providing services amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the end of the year presents additional, unique challenges.
For the past eight months, the hybrid approach to charitable services relied heavily on utilizing the outdoors. At the West Side Catholic Center, for instance, meals that were traditionally served indoors had to be transitioned to "takeout," with many clients simply choosing to eat outside our doors.
Other services have been limited, held virtually, by phone, by drive-up or otherwise needed to change. Thankfully, the warm weather along with continued masking and distancing permitted these approaches.
But with the onset of cold weather, we now collectively look to how we will continue to provide services. Naturally, we are working with other agencies, our county government and local neighbors to make that happen. Our partner agencies, the county office of homeless services, our staff and our volunteers have really been exceptional in maintaining a high level of service.
So, too, have our donors been phenomenal. We were truly impressed by the response in the spring as we transitioned our programs. The Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund led by the Cleveland Foundation and 85 area funders, the United Way, our past donors and many new donors really came through. Most government funding also continued to be reliable. I think we all found inspiration in seeing organizations adjust to continue their programs. I witnessed it every day as mission-driven employees and volunteers pushed to safely maintain services.
But the pandemic continued far longer than most of us anticipated. And a fatigue has started to set in for all of us. More and more events had to transition to virtual, and potentially less lucrative, formats. In our case, we canceled one event, merged two more and hoped our big November event could be held as planned. But luck was not on our side. Fortunately, our sponsors and past attendees have been very generous, particularly given less exposure with a virtual event. But our personal fatigue has led to another fear — that "donor fatigue," or worse, personal hardships, might set in.
To most charities, regardless of the fiscal year they follow, the end of the calendar year traditionally presents an important stream of income. Services that are needed year-round receive a spotlight during the season of giving, while many also seek that last tax write-off. For the West Side Catholic Center, roughly 25% of all annual income is derived in the final month and a half of the year. In short, it can make or break our year depending on how the final six weeks go.
I mention all of this as a reminder of the measurable importance of the services provided by local charities — putting meals on family tables, clothing those in need, providing shelter to the homeless, comforting the sick and dying, and caring for the most vulnerable among us. Our fear is that many who were so generous in the spring may not recognize that our needs now are greater than ever.
So as you approach the end of year — one likely less social, separated from family and celebrated on Zoom calls with holiday décor in the background, I urge you not to let your penchant for generosity be less as well. Our community has been so incredible this year, as it has for many years to people who are struggling, but they need you now more than ever — quite literally.
Litten is executive director of the West Side Catholic Center.
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November 21, 2020 at 04:00PM
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Personal View: As this difficult year comes to a close, keep your spirit of generosity high - Crain's Cleveland Business
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