IHS Email to Friends - July 27, 2014 (Correction)

I will make this short, but we do need your help. Most certainly this note is not for those who are already doing what you can. I know it sounds like a cliché or the same old thing as usual; however, we don't make direct requests with any frequency. Most newsletters are for reporting unmet needs and who is lending a hand. Staying ahead these days is truly challenging. We have a very real need for advance purchase of infant car seats. We've made more purchases this year versus last year at this time. The need to remain ahead when a Pediatric request is called is vital. We must seek to increase quantity purchases, versus a few at a time. Of even more concern has been the steady increase in costs for each unit. For those of you who have babies, you know well what the least expensive car seat can cost, and we do receive significant discounting with quantity purchases. As to lodging, we informed you that the UVA Hospitality House (HH) had to increase their fees from $1.00 to $10.00/night. It does not take a mathematical wizard to understand that those who did not have one dollar most assuredly do not have $10.00. HH is only a 30 room (60 bed) guest facility for a very large institution. When HH fills (which is frequently), the only alternative which is our responsibility is commercial. Hotel rooms before IHS began were not even a consideration for those we serve. When a social worker cannot establish lodging, the least able among us CAN NOT COME FOR TREATMENT. That is the stark reality, and why this note has such meaning. As to the food packages, we are still delivering between 250-300 full-day meal packages per month to the UVA Hospital Social Workers. We are one of the major suppliers of the UVA Hospitality House (HH) with their food needs and other items (laundry powder, paper products, etc.). The difference here is that food prices have increased steadily as well and the amount of people with unmet needs coming to UVA Medical Center has increased. By the way, another unmet need, because of reduced nonprofits who were dedicated to long distant travel, will mean more bus or train or gas cards to serve those who must come to Charlottesville for treatment. What has NOT increased is availability of grants and donations. We count ourselves so fortunate that Bama Works in CACF and J & E Berkley Foundation have been so consistent. According to the news media, donations to nonprofit organizations are down by at least 35% this year. Even the state payroll deduction program (Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign) for charitable contributions has decreased every year for three straight years. Our sustained growth depends on individuals, groups and church participation and sustained grants from present supporters. Whether once or twice annually, consistency is so important for a never ending need. Again, we do not ask lightly for support unless it is truly needed. Please remember that all of us at IHS are non-paid volunteers, and we are all donating what we can to IHS personally. Also remember - for transparency we hold the "Gold Seal of Approval" from the Guidestar.org national clearing house. Please do what you can. And, if you would like to donate now to our cause, please click the button below to go to our encrypted secure on-line donation form.   A Sincere Appeal ...T. Wade, Elisheva & Sam                                  IHS Founding Officers