Many in the area make tough decisions about what others might find to be routine matters. Choosing to buy food or pay for gas, a needed medication or rent — at times, there simply is no choice.
Nothing comes free, not even to a nonprofit that supports a community’s economically challenged. That’s why the Destinations Bradford Board of Directors invites community members who are able to donate to Share the Love, its annual campaign.
Places like Destinations step in to assist, but without support from the community through donation drives and the annual campaign, some residents would go without basic needs. The non-profit organization provides food and essentials, temporary housing, fuel assistance for medical needs, and prescription assistance.
The need is greater than many might realize, organizers said, adding it grows almost daily.
In 2023 Destinations helped 2,865 people from 1,373 households. They provided 2,720 meals and 735 people received hygiene products, 692 days of emergency housing went to 120 people, $3,680 in emergency gas cards were spread among 134 people in the area, and eight others were assisted with emergency prescription refills. The organization also assisted 42 people in obtaining their birth certificates last year.
But, representatives admit, the charity also faces challenges.
Even though 2023 proved to be a successful year, there was a lot that took a toll on the organization, they said. High poverty rates, unemployment and a significant increase in the cost of housing have strained the budget. For example, the organization was able to support eight people per month in emergency housing last year; however, this year they can only support five.
“At our current level of funding, we had to cut back from providing emergency housing,” said Executive Director Mark Lonzi. “In this year’s budget, we are trusting God to enable us to supply emergency shelter for at least six per month. We will still have to face the heartache of having to turn away more of our neighbors than we did before.”
As of January, 352 people received food assistance and 38 secured hygiene items, seven people received six emergency vouchers for a total of 42 days of emergency housing, and 11 gas cards were distributed. As the need for services in Bradford continue, Destinations will continue to do all it can to provide for those strapped, in distress and impoverished, Lonzi said.
To help Spread the Love, tax-deductible donations can be made online via PayPal.
Assistance from Destinations-Bradford is limited to residents of Bradford Area School District at this time, but Lonzi said they hope to expand. For more information, call (814) 362-4551 or stop by between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 Main St.
