Rising gas prices impacting the work of Central Ohio nonprofits
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The rising price of food and now gas is adding a boatload of pressure to local families already dealing with the financial impacts of the pandemic.
The need is certainly being felt at local nonprofits seeing a rise in demand for help as well. Local organizations are now calling on donations for gas gift cards to help families get over the hump.
"That's absolutely where they are right now. Making a decision day to day about food on the table, about care for their children, about clothing for themselves and about putting half a tank of gas in their car. That's making a difference about whether or not they can afford to stay in their homes or live on the streets," Cathy Stofac with Home for Families said.
The price at the pump is impacting just about everyone, but for families struggling to make ends meet, they may be forced with a tough choice. Filling up the tank to get to work or putting food on the table.
"Our families are right on the edge of losing their homes based on the rise in cost right now and inflation. The cost rising is causing a great strain on them right now," Stofac told ABC 6.
Stofac told ABC 6 that she sees the need every day, first hand. Volunteers at 'Home for Families' work with those trying to stay afloat. The nonprofit provides housing, economic and educational support. With gas prices ticking up by the day, the organization is putting out an urgent call for help.
"Some of our families actually live in their car and they need the gas to keep the heat going in their car and to keep moving in their car," Stofac said.
The organization is asking donors for gas gifts cards. Stofac told ABC 6 that a $25 or $50 dollar donation could keep a family from going under.
"Just like that pain that we're feeling at that pump and making decisions about how much to put in our tank and where to make changes in our budget around the cost of gas, it's the difference for our families between being able to stay in their home and being able to go to their jobs and being able to get the resources they need," Stofac said.
The easiest way to give is drop off a gift card right at their office located at 33 North Grubb Street in Columbus, or head to their website for information on donating.
