Most nonprofits do not get funds

William Mowczko is concerned about why three nonprofit agencies are getting city of Yuma funds (“Why is city giving funds to nonprofits?”).

The new city budget up for approval this week shows that Amberly's Place will receive $50,000-plus, Crossroads Mission between $25,000-$30,000 and Catholic Services-Safe House will receive $15,000. These are the only three nonprofit charities that received city money since mid-2010.

The 2010 tax records are the last ones available for these nonprofits. They show that both Amberly's Place and Crossroads Mission had revenues in excess of their expenses well over the amounts the city provides for them, and I too wonder why they get funds from the city of Yuma.

On the other hand, Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona had expenses greater than their revenues. This Tucson-based nonprofit provides funding in support of Yuma's Catholic Services' Safe House, which provides up to four months of shelter for women, children and men who are victims of domestic violence. That contribution is more understandable.

It is important to note that mid-2010 saw the last of city funds that went to Yuma Community Food Bank, American Red Cross, Community Legal Services and Catholic Services Adult Day/Health Care and Senior Nutrition. Last month, Yuma had the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 28.9 percent, so wouldn't it make sense to put money into Yuma Community Food Bank rather than into services that are running surpluses?

We all recognize that all of these are necessary services for those who cannot afford them, but note that none of them are after-school programs as stated by one of the online dissenters to Mowczko's letter.

The Yuma City Council meeting is open to the public. It is Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Yuma City Hall in the council chambers.

Mariah Lutich

Yuma