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Follow on Google News | Economic Conditions Drive Thousands to Non-Profit for Emergency HousingBy: Community Housing Innovations, Inc. Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (http://www.chigrants.org/) In 2012, CHI served 2,639 people on Long Island who sought emergency housing (http://www.chigrants.org/ In Westchester County, the number of CHI’s emergency housing clients grew from 119 in 2009 to 206 last year. In Dutchess County, 211 people were in emergency housing in 2009 but last year, that number grew to 273. The increased demand is a reflection in the growing homelessness problem in Westchester County. Last year, there were more than 1,500 individuals who were homeless in Westchester — a 24% increase, according to the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless. That includes 700 children, an increase of 63%. Despite the high salaries that Westchester County residents pull down, there are still many middle-class families seeking assistance at local food pantries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average salary in Westchester County was $75,855 a year in 2011 — down from an annual salary of $77,165 in 2007, but higher than the state’s 2011 average of $51,126 a year. However, the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless saw 80,395 recipients last year, which was higher than the previous year. Many factors have resulted in more people turning to non-profits groups for assistance, such as job loss, lack of affordable housing, high property taxes and the rising prices of food and gasoline. “Despite the economic recovery for the wealthy, it is becoming harder than ever for low-income families to make ends meet, whether it is trying to pay the mortgage or feed themselves and their loved ones,” said CHI’s executive director, Alexander Roberts. In addition to private donations, CHI relies mostly on government funding. However, with a sizable decrease in charitable giving and elected officials cutting budgets to close deficits, it has become more difficult for CHI to confront the growing demand for services. “We are seeing an increase in the number of families in need turning to nonprofit groups for help,” Mr. Roberts said. “But in these tough economic times, organizations such as ours are also seeing our budgets stretched to the limit as we receive more requests for assistance.” For more information (http://www.chigrants.org/ ### About Community Housing Innovations, Inc. Community Housing Innovations, Inc. (http://www.chigrants.org/) End
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