United Christian Assistance Program’s 2023 assistance report is out, and the organization paid a staggering amount of money to persons who needed assistance.

For the year, UCAP paid $59,368 in utility assistance – that number is up more than $4,000 over 2022. They also paid $2,200 in rent and $1,195 in emergency lodging. They purchased $83 in food and paid $136 for transportation services. Overhead for the year was $7,299.

“Without the help of this community, we would not have been able to provide this assistance,” said director Charlotte Jones.

UCAP uses 2 main fundraisers to aid in their quest. All fundraiser proceeds go to assist with utilities, rent, emergency lodging and food.

“In 2023, Hungerfest brought $13,970 total and the golf/pickle ball  tournaments raised around $35,000 total,” Jones said. 

The rest of their income came from churches, individuals and a few businesses. 

“Income covered expenses but didn’t give us but a few hundred dollars to carry forward,” she said. “Insurance is up and emergency lodging is up.”

UCAP workers are all volunteers, so there is no overhead there. And anyone who has a computer knows how quickly they become obsolete.

“We really need a new computer for the front desk,” Jones said. “I got a used one donated that will work for me, but the other one is more than 12 years old.”

Anyone wishing to donate goods, funds or a computer that is less than 12 years old, please contact Charlotte Jones at 318-377-6804.