The Almanac – The final phase of South Hills Interfaith Movement‘s Do More Good campaign will be intended to address growing needs and strengthen key services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the end of the campaign approaches, additional funds are needed to fuel critical improvements to SHIM’s infrastructure, fill program gaps and support staff development as they continue to help residents meet basic needs and achieve self-sufficiency.
The Do More Good campaign was launched in October 2018. Since then, a community including Jefferson Regional Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Eden Hall Foundation and the Pittsburgh Foundation, along with individuals and volunteers, have stepped up in generous ways to support the effort. To date, $5.4 million has been raised.
The vulnerable populations SHIM serves continues to be the hardest hit by the pandemic, leading to a 61% increase in assistance for basic needs over the past year. While the pandemic exposed gaps in the safety net in the South Hills, it also highlighted the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
“Because of our incredible donors, we have been able to provide the basics our community desperately requires. From food and clothing to educational support for children, thousands of individuals and families turned to SHIM in the last year. And our work is far from over,” SHIM executive director Jim Guffey said. “Together, we’ve all done much good. Now it’s time to do even more good.”
By supporting the Do More Good campaign, donors help SHIM improve and upgrade infrastructure, fortify existing best-practice programs and create a responsive model of service programs, allowing the 53-year-old nonprofit to meet the emerging needs of South Hills residents well into the future:
- From upgrading the vehicle fleet to paving parking lots, strengthening SHIM’s infrastructure strengthens its programs.
- Through food pantries, community gardens, volunteer programs, early childhood learning, middle- and high-school mentoring, direct assistance and service coordination, SHIM reduces the effects of suburban poverty and in turn strengthens the community.
- SHIM understands the importance of investing in people, both neighbors in need and staff and volunteers who work diligently to provide top-notch programs and services. SHIM is committed to staff development and training, creating a culture of ongoing innovation.
- By strengthening infrastructure, investing in key programs, and enhancing capacity, SHIM will ensure long-term fiscal soundness for the future of the South Hills.
“Last year was rough for everyone. Now is the time to take what we’ve learned and move forward in creating a better South Hills for the future,” said Tim Millett, chairman of the SHIM Board of Directors. “By supporting this campaign, we can make sure SHIM’s resources, dedicated staff, and volunteers can continue to enrich the programs and services to sustain a long-term thriving community.”
Those looking to support SHIM and its mission to rebuild, heal and strengthen the South Hills through the Do More Good campaign can make a donation at shimcares.org/domoregood through June 30.
