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Published Thursday, July 02, 2009 in Local

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

Jeanette Wear volunteers at the One Roof Resale Store on Temple Avenue near the bypass on Wednesday — sorting clothes by size.

One Roof seeks donations of money, fans, school supplies

By Winston Skinner

The Times-Herald

On the first day of each month, people in need call One Roof Ecumenical Outreach.

Derenda Rowe, who directs the local ministry, often suggests that people call early and keep trying until they get someone. She knows that the money allocated for the month -- to help with rent, medical expenses and utilities -- will soon be gone, often that day.

When callers phoned One Roof on Wednesday, however, they got a recording that advised them to call again later. One Roof -- which was founded to be a central point for helping people in Coweta County -- has no funds to help.

"There's less money coming in, and more needs every day," Rowe said.

She emphasized that One Roof is not broke. There is money to keep the lights on and pay the rent and basic operating expenses -- for now.

Rowe said there is some United Way grant money, but it can only be spent for utilities or rent. Recipients of the United Way money must be employed.

Many of the people coming to One Roof these days are out of work, and many have needs other than rent or utilities. With obvious pain in her voice, Rowe said she hated to have to leave the "please call back Aug. 1" message.

"Many of the churches have cut back on the amount of donations they're sending," Rowe said -- some dramatically.

"Any donation is appreciated," Rowe said. She said there have been a number of donations from individuals, but those tend to be smaller than those from churches and organizations. Tax deductible contributions may be sent to One Roof Ecumenical Outreach, 320C Temple Ave., Newnan, GA 30263.

The needs of most people Rowe sees are daunting. For people who have had utilities disconnected, it generally means $400-$600 is needed to get the lights back on.

Rowe has been seeing more people looking for help with housing, but she has few options available. She is working with eight families -- trying to get them furniture such as mattresses and other basics.

She also needs fans and air conditioners. "People are miserable. We need as many air conditioners and fans as we can come up with," Rowe said.

"We still have people who are losing their jobs (and) people who have lost their jobs," she noted. Those people often have a wide range of needs -- including food and clothing. Some may also need help to get back and forth to classes they are taking in hopes of getting another job. Rowe was able to connect someone recently with a resource to pay for the General Equivalency Diploma exam.

While Rowe feels stymied by not having funds to help people in need now, she also is looking a few weeks ahead when people will begin to get ready to send their children back to school. Rowe said One Roof is already collecting clothing, book bags and backpacks and school supplies such as pens, paper and pencils. Hand sanitizer and facial tissues are also needed.

Rowe also said there is a need for summer-type clothing. She said One Roof does not have sufficient space to store winter clothing yet.

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