Local charity prepares to help people affected by Hurricane Ian amid inflation woes
Local charities are preparing to help those in need after Hurricane Ian.
Channel 2′s Dave Huddleston reports how one group has already seen an increase in requests for help due to inflation over the summer.
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Every Tuesday through Friday, hundreds of people line up to get free groceries at a food bank off Northside Drive in northwest Atlanta.
Antioch Urban Ministries provides each person who shows up enough meat and essentials to feed a family of four.
Jack Pauls said it really makes a difference.
“It’s helped immensely, we really appreciate them opening this up, we’ve been coming 6 to 8 months or so and it does make a difference.”
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Rev. Terry Hightower is the executive director of Antioch, which is affiliated with Antioch Baptist Church. He says the number of people needing food nearly doubled to 1,200 cars or walk-ups per week after inflation skyrocketed and caused groceries, gas and housing prices to jump this summer.
“There’s a couple of things that could’ve played a role, but I believe inflation could’ve been number one, especially for families who already found it difficult during the summer months but now children are returning to school and there’s still a need,” Hightower said.
Hightower expects the number of people needing help will jump again after Hurricane Ian hits Florida and people travel to metro Atlanta to escape the storm.
“There are more people coming into Atlanta as a result of what’s happening in Florida, and Savannah and elsewhere, so we do anticipate an increase how much we don’t know yet, and we may not know until next week,” Hightower said.
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Not wanting to turn anyone away, charities are looking for more volunteers and donations. They want to make sure everyone has what they need, no matter the circumstance.
“We’re not only doing the food that’s passed out through our food bank, we also do lunches Monday, Wednesday and Friday to the general public and that is at no charge, the food is at no charge,” Hightower said.
If you need help or would like to donate, you can call Antioch Urban Ministries at 404-524-9775. For more details, click here.
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