Don't discount the value or distress of nonprofits
http://www.freep.com/article/20090323/OPINION05/90323028/1231/OPINION/America+s+quiet+crisis
John M. Bridgeland and Bruce Reed

The economic downturn has prompted congressional action to shore up the financial sector and get credit flowing. What's been missing is a concerted effort to respond to a quiet crisis in America - the plight of the nonprofit sector that cares for those hurting most from the economic recession....The troubles are real. Churches, the core of social service delivery to the poor and needy, were expected to raise $3-5 billion less than expected in the last quarter of 2008. United Way saw a 68% increase during the past year in calls for basic needs such as food, shelter and warm clothing. Over the last year, more than 70% of Michigan nonprofits have seen increasing demand for their services, while 50% say their financial support has dropped.