At the height of the pandemic, human services organizations showed up on the front lines – and they continue to do just that. As incomes shrank or disappeared, we saw a significant increase in food insecurity (during two weeks in July 2021, 25% of adults with children reported not having enough to eat) and housing instability (especially as the moratorium on evictions expired).

social safety net organizations are rising to the challenge

Health was an obvious challenge as an outsized number of those severely affected by the pandemic were Black and Latino, and mental health issues skyrocketed along with child abuse (though likely underreported) and domestic violence (children and adults with nowhere to go were exceptionally vulnerable). Indeed, the pandemic has left many in a persistent state of emergency. This year, like last year, social safety net organizations are rising to the challenge. Basic needs work – from grocery gift cards to financial assistance – that launched during the pandemic is now incorporated into the missions of organizations that did not previously offer it, either through the expansion of their own work or in partnership with others. The renewed focus on racial equity is also guiding the formation, creation, and delivery of programs. Nonprofits have stepped up to support their neighbors in a culturally appropriate manner while also recognizing capacity in the community – seeing clients as members and advocates in their own recovery and on their own self-determined paths to success. Last year was a hard year, and this year may not be as easy as hoped. But there is certainly a will and there is definitely a way.