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Assistance Center News

Action Alert!

By Jessica Rush, jrush@acnpapers.com
May 31, 2011

For nearly 35 years, residents from around the community have turned to the Assistance Center of Collin County to help them from financial crises. Whether facing a job layoff, medical emergency or family money issue, the Assistance Center has been a safety net to keep Plano residents from spiraling into greater financial troubles.

But what happens when the safety net loses its support?

Plano officials are struggling to find the answer to this question.

The Assistance Center relies heavily on relief funding from various government agencies and United Way, the Congressional Emergency Food and Shelter program, to help provide short-term financial assistance such as access to food or payment of rent and utilities to needy residents.

In a reorganization effort streamlining the emphasis on impact in education, income and health, United Way is no longer offering grant money exclusively to its "partner" agencies. Clint McDonnough, this year’s campaign chairman, said the list of nonprofits receiving United Way funds could look very different when allocations are announced, according to a submitted column on United Way’s website.

"We believe the inclusive process and increased competition is critical — yielding stronger programs with better outcomes, which are essential to providing donors a substantial return on their investments," McDonnough wrote.

Executive Director Rick Bousquet said that while they have nothing negative to say about United Way or its decision to go in a different direction, it does not change the fact that the Assistance Center's yearly budget is still shrinking.

"We could potentially be losing 40 to 60 percent of our budget," Bousquet said. "We’ve kind of been the perfect storm, because the city had to cut its budget and we’re losing funding from state and federal grants."

Couple dwindling donations with increased community need, and now the center has no choice but to ask Collin County residents to step up and help.

"Our board members are passionate about guiding the Assistance Center through a speedy transition from being grant-funded to becoming community-funded with no impact on service," said Chairman Robert Neff in a release this week.

In the last three years, more than 52,000 unduplicated clients have been helped by the Assistance Center, which has awarded more than $800,000 in direct financial aid to families. The center has a long-term, comprehensive fundraising plan in place but is looking for immediate support. This could come in the form of emergency donations, sponsorships from businesses and corporations or third-party fundraisers.

"One thing that’s really popular is for individuals and businesses with a big network of family and friends to do a fundraiser like a wine tasting and donate the profits to the Assistance Center," Bousquet said.

Individuals can also make donations and receive recognition through the Living Legacy program or simply volunteer their time.

"What I need is the community to recognize the Assistance Center of Collin County, with our track record, is an asset to this community," Bousquet said. "When people are in need in Plano and Collin County, they come to us. If we don’t get some help from the community … then I would hate to know where those people are going to go. It’s not a tearjerking mission, but it’s a relevant mission for people who find themselves in a crisis."

Donations can be mailed or made in person at the Assistance Center of Collin County, 900 E. 18th St. in Plano, or online. Anyone who wants information from Bousquet on how they can get involved can call 972-422-1125.