Friday, June 26, 2009

One shortfall - no longer short

This week, members of Covenant Presbyterian Church read about millions in United Way cuts to Charlotte's nonprofits. Among the programs hurt were four at Uptown Shelter of Charlotte, including the emergency shelter, which lost $28,597.

The shelter offers 268 beds a night to Charlotte's homeless men, and Executive Director Carson Dean says his agency committed to not reducing that number despite the cuts.

But, he says: "We were making that commitment a little on faith."

Yesterday afternoon, Carson received a call from Covenant. The church's grants committee and Division of Mission wanted to donate $29,000 to cover the United Way shortfall.

(Full disclosure: I'm a member of Covenant but wasn't involved in the decision to donate the money to Uptown Shelter.)

"This is fantastic," Dean says. "It's a huge relief."

Says Covenant member Janet Delery, who is chair of Covenant's Division of Mission: "We are grateful to have an opportunity to make an impactful contribution to meet the needs of the poor in our community. By acting quickly, perhaps we can further our impact on the city by being a catalyst for others and setting a standard of leadership."

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is what Christianity is all about, helping those in need. Hats off to Covenant.

Anonymous said...

This is a fine example of how we pull these programs back from "the cliff". A very inspiring story...please keep them coming.

Unknown said...

This is Christianity, helping those in need...some may say that is what socialism is, but isn't that a good thing? I'm not a proponent of bailouts, but helping the less fortunate I am.

spinelabel said...

A "standard for leadership" indeed. Way to go, Covenant Presbyterian!

I too would like to see more stories like this one, and I'm sure the reporter would like to write them. We just need more people and institutions to take responsibility in this way.

Bob Lowman, Jr. said...

Thanks to Covenant, the church once again steps into its role of service in the community in the name of Christ. Now,it's time for the rest of the churches that can to step forward and assist in areas that match their mission in the city and region.

Bob Lowman
Metrolina Baptist Association

Anonymous said...

I think the proper word here is, "Amen".

Anonymous said...

I don't understand why UW is supporting exorbitant salaries at YMCA and YWCA. The pay cut to one of their programs, $300,000, is less than the executive director makes. Being in management at the Y' should not be a path to becoming rich as it is now. The contributions by UW to the YMCA and YWCA barely pays the salaries of the top four people at each agency.

The fact that UW is continuing to support them even though they know this is a good reason to stop giving to UW.

Give to good charities directly.

Unknown said...

great story

Anonymous said...

That is the best way to cut out the middle man... and not waste money on unnecessary salaries of the UW

Way to go Covenant!!!