June 26, 2011

With Government Aid Drying Up, an 'Unnerving’ Future Looms

When the Bubble Burst, Charities in an Oregon Town Were Forced to Face a New Economic Reality 4

Janet Huerta, Saving Grace

“This year virtually everything is unclear. I just have to accept that that’s the way it is.”

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close When the Bubble Burst, Charities in an Oregon Town Were Forced to Face a New Economic Reality 4

Janet Huerta, Saving Grace

“This year virtually everything is unclear. I just have to accept that that’s the way it is.”

By Suzanne Perry

Janet Huerta, whose group provides services to victims of domestic or sexual violence, says she’s under more stress than ever before during her 20-year career.

Private donations to her group, Saving Grace, are up this year, but she says that doesn’t fully compensate for the uncertainty about government money, which accounts for 70 or 75 percent of the charity’s budget.

The charity’s caseload has increased by about 30 percent since 2007, while much