San Joaquin Non Profit Charities Help Many.

By Amie Lane

California is a western state populated by people of varying nationalities. The central valley, located in northern California, is home to many working class people. A high number of residents, even though employed, fall below what is considered poverty level based on income alone. As in all geographical areas, there are pockets of wealthy citizens scattered here and there. For members of the general populace that reside in and near the 209 area code, seeking assistance from San Joaquin non-profit charities has become quite competitive.

Many people who reside in northern California are able to provide for their families. These citizens have been able to maintain their positions in their careers and live comfortably when other sectors have gone bankrupt as a result of tough economic times. On the other end of the scale, there are working parents and single individuals who have a very difficult time living week to week. A full-time minimum wage job is not enough to pay for the various insurances required, food, clothing, utility bills, transportation, and so on.

Established 501(3)(c) entities are able to provide assistance in some cases. Due to the high demand, not everyone can be accommodated even though their personal circumstances make it seem as if they should be receiving help. Several people have tried contacting agencies only to be told individuals cannot be assisted. This can be a let-down for people who genuinely need help and seem to be running out of resources.

The Fair Housing Association is a 501(c)(3) that receives hundreds of inquiries from people who need help finding a place to live. In an effort to help, this organization maintains a list of rental properties for low-income wage earners. Some of these properties are categorized as Section 8 dwellings. In times past, this agency had a waiting list of three years for home placement. Beyond housing assistance, there are services available to the general public. Free mediation is offered to those that need to settle housing issues. The Fair Housing Association is an offshoot of the Department of Fair Housing and Urban Development.

The Emergency Food Bank is another heavily used charity. This agency relies on non-perishable food donations from the public, as well as excess foods from local grocery stores and fresh produce from farmers. The food bank has been known to give away boxes of food to people in need; eligibility is decided by staff members. Homeless people and other folks in need of nourishment are welcome to eat in their cafeteria free of charge. The demand for food is very high; holidays and hard economic times require additional support from the community.

Many people do not think of hospital's as charities, although legally they are considered to be just this. In the northern California city known as Stockton, for example, two main facilities named Dameron Hospital and St. Joseph's Medical Center treat patient's year-round. Despite the fact these hospital's are legally considered charitable entities, patient's are still billed for medical care. However, there are instances where clinics designated for those with no health insurance may be seen by a physician and referred to local hospitals for no charge when the care they need is beyond the scope of the free clinic.

Several San Joaquin non-profit agencies, working in conjunction, has made it feasible for poverty stricken and low-income earners to have basic necessities. Housing is a blessing, no matter how small or large it is, when faced with the alternative of sleeping outside. Being able to eat seems like a miracle when the next meal may never come through other methods. Having access to medical care is priceless. People who are facing hard times have the same medical conditions as others do; colds and flus are not the only pressing issues. If charitable organizations did not exist, there would be a lot of people in desperate states.

San Joaquin non-profit

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