Greta Hansen knows firsthand how the economic downturn has hiked the need for such basics as shelter and food.
"We are seeing people who have never been to a food pantry before," says Hansen, the executive director of During the fourth quarter of 2008, the CAC experienced a 27% increase in pantry visits compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. It's also seen an increased demand for its temporary rent assistance and eviction-prevention programs. "Low-income people are resourceful," says Hansen, "but people facing poverty for the first time because of job loss or foreclosure of their home have fear and anxiety. We help them to see that they have value and that there is hope for them." The nonprofit group, with an annual budget of $4 million, receives funding from federal and state agencies as well as local foundations, companies and donors. Last year the amount raised through public donations fell slightly.