TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — This Giving Tuesday, local non-profits are struggling due to the pandemic.
"We have 400 plus people out of the Kearney Center, out of the congregate shelter, and into a safe motel or studio so that they can shelter in place," said Holly Bernardo, director of development at the Kearney Center.
Providing external housing comes at a big cost.
"We've spent well over a million dollars as we speak, and every month that goes on, we will keep adding to that, but as of today, we are well over a million," Bernardo said.
This Giving Tuesday, The Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence asks for donations to be made to local nonprofits.
"Our nonprofits are going through a number of different things," said Felina Martin, the executive director at The Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence. "They're going through an increase of demand in their services, and quite possibly they're going through an increased demand but less resources to meet those demands."
With revenue streams decreasing, they're asking for extra help.
"Eighty percent of them have had to cancel their special events this year," Martin said. "That's significant. If let's say, 30 percent of your revenue, even 20 percent of your annual operating revenue, comes from that annual special event, then this is a big hole for you," said Martin.
Events like Spirit of a Child's day where a child in crisis gets a day to help bond and reconnect with loved ones.
"COVID has impacted us significantly," said Sharon Wynn, who founded Spirit of a Child. "A lot of our people that help us, and sponsor us, donations not only privately but corporate wise, and to our fundraisers. They're just not existent. The revenue streams are just not there."
Nonprofits say it isn't just money, you can also donate your time.
