To the Editor:
On June 4 the Joint Finance Committee proposed a budget that would cut 2 million dollars from grant-in-aid programs. These cuts were made behind closed doors. But the agencies impacted by these cuts open their doors to the homeless, the hungry, the sick and the elderly.
I have had the privilege to serve as a volunteer grant writer for the Whatcoat Social Service Agency in Dover. I know firsthand how difficult it is to secure private funding. The generosity of the private trusts can only go so far when so many civic organizations are asking for help.
The director of Whatcoat, Ruth Pugh, knows first hand how much more is asked of Whatcoat in these days of economic hardship. The request for food is increasing daily. The 46-bed shelter is full each night. Whatcoat recently opened Vera’s Haven, 10 housing units that provide families with the stability and support they need to become self-sufficient and leave the roles of the homeless. This is an innovative and valuable program, but it adds to the economic stress of the Whatcoat Agency.
Whatcoat will soon start its summer camp program for over 40 children from the homeless shelters throughout Dover as well as Vera’s Haven. The budget for the 10-week camp is $25,000, and the staff and volunteers are working hard to raise this amount.
This week, Whatcoat lost $7,840 in the grant-in-aid cuts and another $17,000 from another state grant.
We all acknowledge the difficult task of the Joint Budget Committee. But what does it say about our principles if the budget cuts recommended by the committee hurt our most vulnerable citizens? Ask the working poor who no longer can afford to buy cereal and milk. Ask the children at Whatcoat Summer Camp.
Joanne Cabry
Rehoboth Beach
