SpringfieldNewsSun.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Senior citizens usually stand in line for about an hour during the monthly food distribution through Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio.

Last month the line was 3½ hours long.

"That tells you how many more people qualified for the program," said Keith Williamson, Catholic Charities new regional director. And he doesn't expect a reduction anytime soon.

Demand for Catholic Charities services, which includes food distribution and emergency housing assistance, is expected to jump 20 to 25 percent from 2008 to 2009, Williamson said. That's on top of a 30 percent increase the year before.

"Some food banks are closing," he said. "It's gotten that bad."

Catholic Charities serves needy families and individuals in Clark, Champaign and Logan counties. Its services include the monthly Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Second Harvest Food Bank that distributes food to pantries, emergency rent and utility assistance, work experience program and mental health counseling.

Last year the agency missed its financial goal by $35,000, Williamson said. It adjusted its 2008 budget accordingly, "yet we're still running about $20,000 to $30,000 short of what we need for the year. We don't like to talk about layoffs, but it's been discussed," he said.

Williamson is familiar with the numbers. Prior to being named regional director this month, he was the agency's finance director for 10 years.

"My biggest goal (as the new director) is to strengthen the agency and the programs we currently have," he said. "My focus is to make us a better steward of our money."

He hopes to do that two ways. One way is to increase the 25-year-old agency's visibility.

"There are many people who still don't know what we do," he said. "I think if they did, they'd be more willing to help."

The other is to look for more fund-raising opportunities with local agencies — such as the recent Bar Stool Open, where nine local bar owners set up a miniature golf competition, which raised $2,600 after expenses.

"I'd like to see some kind of fund-raising event every quarter," he said.

While recent economic conditions look dire for the agency, Williamson believes there could be a silver lining.

"When the economy is kind of dismal, you start to count the blessings that you do have and think about those who are less fortunate," he said. "And as you help them, you find your life become more enriched and blessed."

In addition to much needed cash and food donations, the agency welcomes donated toiletries, as well as clean, used grocery bags and volunteer hours.

For more information or to donate online, visit www.donate2help.org or call (937) 325-8715.

Catholic Charities is located at 701 E. Columbia St.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.