Hope Alliance is seeking community donations so it can continue providing gas and grocery gift cards to survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in need.
“Historically we've been able to purchase groceries and gas cards out of our contract funding to help our clients, whether they need to stop and get gas or need some help buying groceries,” said Hope Alliance Director Kris Camenzind. “And now, our contracts don't allow us to do that. And that's been a real void with our clients.”
The nonprofit has preferred giving clients gift cards instead of donated items because the gift card gives the clients more autonomy and freedom to choose what they want and buy it for themselves.
“For example, if we have a lady in east county that needs to come over to the west side, whether it's for court or going to the hospital, or whatever, gas is sometimes a barrier. So gas cards, grocery cards, anything would be greatly appreciated,” Camenzind said.
While she has heard some concerns about the potential for clients to use gift cards inappropriately, Camenzind said, “I’m pretty sure that most of our clients are conservative with what we use to make sure their families needs are met.”
Camenzind said she didn’t know for sure where the rule change over use of contract funds came from, only that it was unexpected and took effect this year.
The change only impacts how Hope Alliance is able to use contract funding, Camenzind said. “We can buy gift cards with donation money, but just not with (money from) our state and federal contractors,” she said.
People can donate via Hope Alliance’s website, https://hopealliancelc.org/, or in person at Hope Alliance’s office at 815 W. Main St. in Centralia.
Donations are tax-deductible.
Hope Alliance is a free, confidential support service for English and Spanish-speaking domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors.
The nonprofit's crisis line — 360-748-6601, or toll free at 1-800-244-7414 — is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available on the nonprofit’s website. The site is equipped with a “quick escape” button that lets you quickly leave the site if needed.
