Threat of Becoming Homeless on the Rise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:
Megy Karydes
312-560-2715
megy@karydesconsulting.com

Threat of Becoming Homeless on the Rise
Rise in calls to Homelessness Prevention Call Center

Chicago, IL, (August 27, 2009) — Calls to the Homelessness Prevention Call Center are at an all time high, according to the Emergency Fund, a Chicago-based non-profit organization committed to providing immediate financial assistance to individuals and families in need.

“Calls to the Homelessness Prevention Call Center have increased by 22.3 percent from the beginning of the year through May,” says Nonie Brennan, executive director of the Emergency Fund. “While the economy is affecting nearly everyone across the board, it’s particularly challenging for those individuals and families who were already at the brink of a crisis. We’re seeing more families with incomes over $35,000 calling to see if they qualify for assistance because they can’t make ends meet.”

The Emergency Fund is in a unique position to provide help to thousands of residents because of its relationship with 58 partner agencies located throughout the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

“We couldn’t do our work without the help of our partner agencies,” says Kathleen Molnar, program director of the Emergency Fund. “They are our eyes and ears in the community and together we’re able to help individuals and families through a crisis which could easily result in homelessness.”

Ranging from community centers to shelters, the partner agencies meet with individuals and families to assess each situation on a case by case basis. Most find the agencies through their community or by calling 311 and speaking with a representative from the Homelessness Prevention Call Center who directs them to the closest agency. If the individual or family qualifies for assistance, help is provided within 72 hours.

“More individuals and families need our help now more than ever,” adds Brennan. “We’ve never seen this level of concern and we’re doing our best to meet the needs of each individual and family.”

To learn more about the Emergency Fund, please visit www.EmergencyFund.org or call 312-379-0301.

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ABOUT THE EMERGENCY FUND
The Emergency Fund is a non-profit organization based in Chicago which has been providing immediate financial assistance to individuals and families in need through its network of 55 partner agencies located throughout the City of Chicago and nearby suburbs for 36 years. To learn more about the organization, visit www.EmergencyFund.org.

NOTE TO MEDIA: To arrange an interview with Nonie Brennan, executive director of the Emergency Fund, please contact Megy Karydes at 312-560-2715 or at Megy@KarydesConsulting.com.

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