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Sign on to support Arlington County nonprofits
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Attention, Northern Virginia nonprofits. The clock is ticking. Please support efforts to ensure critical services funding for those in need.
Review the following sign-on letter and add your organization’s name. A copy of the letter will be sent to each Arlington County Board Supervisor.
Dear Arlington County Board Member:
As you continue to weigh difficult decisions concerning FY2011 funding options, please be mindful of what’s at stake.
Arlington, just like neighboring jurisdictions, has felt the effects of the current recession. As more people lose their jobs and their homes, they turn to county services to help them make it through the day. Instead of cutting funding, counties should be focused on making sure those services continue to meet the growing needs of its residents.
The Arlington County board has taken the initiative to adopt measures that protect critical services counted on by thousands of residents. The potential tax rate of 96.5 cents will bring in more revenue, which in turn will minimize possible program cuts. The proposal also recommends $9,502,280 for “safety net” services, a 26 percent increase over last year’s mark. Programs covered under this umbrella include rental assistance, food assistance, transitional housing and health care.
The partnerships between Arlington County and nonprofits have been fruitful ones. Nonprofits multiply the impact of county funds by leveraging donations from foundations, corporations, and individual donors and then multiply these funds further with volunteers and in-kind donations. More people are able to receive the help they need.
Be mindful that all reductions, no matter how small, will have a far-reaching effect. Services offered by nonprofits such as Doorways for Women and Families, Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless and Borromeo Housing have given county residents more than just a helping hand; the services give them hope to continue and persevere. For each dollar taken from these critical services and programs, another person’s call for help goes unanswered. Slicing funding for critical services takes away support that many families need to stay alive.
We ask that the board considers vital programs not necessarily meeting the “safety net” definition – programs to increase the stock of affordable housing, adult literacy and tenant empowerment are a few examples of efforts that set Arlington County apart.
We thank Board members for their commitment to and partnership with the local nonprofit community. We encourage you to continue to consider the benefits, not just the costs, when evaluating the investments in nonprofits. Protect the programs and services nonprofits provide to you, your community, family and friends.
Sincerely,
Concerned Nonprofits Serving Arlington County
SIGN HERE
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