Video: Tough times hit local charities

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SEATTLE - Kanti Mani is not your stereotypical client for homeless housing, but the 25-year-old with a bachelor's degree from an Indian university found herself in dire need after escaping an abusive husband in an arranged marriage.

"I would definitely be on the street, I mean, without the help of the case workers," she said.

Kanti is one of the many success stories at Seattle's Elizabeth Gregory Home, transitional housing for homeless women that provides educational, occupational and counseling assistance to dozens of women every year.

But donors are not giving as much this year, causing a $30,000 shortfall that could force the center to close its doors in just four weeks, putting women back on the street.

"They'll be raped, they'll be beaten up. Their lives will be destroyed," said Kimberly Jackson, Exec. Dire., Elizabeth Gregory Home.

Also feeling the economic pinch right now is Renton's Salvation Army, where the freezers are nearly bare. And Seattle's Union Gospel Mission is laying off workers with a shortfall this year of nearly $400,000.

The Operational Emergency Center, one of the biggest food banks in King County, needs to refinance its new facility to stay afloat.

But they can't find a bank willing to take the risk because of the current foreclosure crisis.

If the center doesn't come up with $175,000 over the next few weeks it will go bankrupt, leaving thousands looking for someone else to provide them with food.

"Everyone keeps telling us if this was last year or two years ago we would be fine," said Dian Ferguson, Exec. Dir., Operational Emergency Center.

Kanti Mari now has a home of her own and is working toward a master's degree at Seattle University.

She says people need only look as far as her to see the good that comes from charity.

"People don't become homeless because of their own choice. They get homeless because of the circumstances and whoever can help should help," she said.

The United Way of King County announced Monday it raised more than $100 million for the second year in a row, but much of that money is already spent and may not come in time to help the many charities hurting deeply right now.