Nonprofit Unity House shaken by bad economy
From the Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Unity House has long been a financial pillar of support for Hawaii families affiliated with organized labor, providing beneficiaries with child care support, school scholarships, recreational activities and other assistance. But the plunge in real estate and stock markets over the last few years has shaken the organization's foundation and triggered dramatic cutbacks in charitable spending.
The nonprofit shelved two of its three biggest social welfare programs, child care and scholarships, along with some less costly services two years ago, and has no plans to restore spending in these areas this year.
One major program — a retiree center that provides dance, exercise and excursions for seniors — has been maintained along with a few other less costly services including legal aid. But the cutbacks represent a significant loss in the local social services field stressed by the Great Recession.
Unity House, which has more than 20,000 beneficiaries, cut total program spending from nearly $1.6 million in 2008 to $620,320 in 2009, according to tax returns. Information wasn't available for 2010 because that tax return is still being prepared.
