2022 - Remaining strong for our clients

This year has brought a bit of normalcy back into our daily routines, although life is far from settled or where we would all like it to be. We hope all are doing well, and looking forward to the holidays with family and friends and connecting with the things in life that bring joy.

As 2022 comes to a close, we are thankful that our organization is strong, and that our community of supporters have been so compassionate and generous. We need to remain strong, because so many of our clients continue on a roller coaster of financial, food, and health insecurity. While the pandemic has subsided, the rising cost of housing has not, and the effects of overall inflation and economic uncertainty disproportionally impacts vulnerable populations.

Below is a glimpse into the ways that LCS, through our supporters, is having an impact on people’s lives.  We continue to innovate and serve by providing record levels of emergency financial assistance, meeting the need at our pantries, delivering food and personal hygiene items to senior high rises, expanding the Delaware Food Farmacy, and doing statewide outreach for the Delaware Quitline.

Working as a community navigation partner with the Delaware State Housing Authority, LCS facilitated over $1.6 million in homelessness prevention assistance through the first 10 months of 2022. That is a record for us and is a testament to our dedicated staff and the tremendous need that exists.

“I thank God for you all because without you, I could be on the street.
I could lose my place. You know, times are hard, but you guys are the
greatest. I was so depressed, I was crying on the phone. I couldn’t
believe I was getting help. I am very sick and am not supposed to be
stressed, but you guys relieved all that pain.”

Ms. Alice – homelessness prevention client

Food insecurity in our community continues at an unacceptable level. A
recent study now estimates that 60% of Americans are living paycheck
to paycheck. As a result, skipping meals and being able to afford only
processed and unhealthy food is the sad reality for many. LCS pantries
will provide healthy food to some 30,000 people this year. The pantry at
St. Stephen’s is a big part of that. They are open 5 days a week and do
an amazing job of helping people! LCS has added senior high-rise food
and personal hygiene item deliveries this year, and the Unity pantry now has evening hours.

“I’m blessed to have this pantry since the $54/month I was getting in
food assistance wasn’t enough. It’s so nice in the summer with all the
produce. People just bring it in from their gardens. I receive food I
could never afford.”

Debbie – client at St. Stephen’s pantry