Western New York charities struggle with cost of living

NIAGARA FALLS, NY — A single parent with one child in New York state would need to earn $48 an hour to support themselves and their child, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator. The current minimum wage in upstate New York is $15 an hour.

Where wages aren’t enough, food pantries and charities like Niagara Falls Community Missions try to help.

“Our biggest struggle right now is just making sure we have all the food, all the items that people need when they come to us,” said Christian Hoffman, a spokesperson for Community Missions. “We are always looking for donations of time, talent and treasure. So time and talent can be devoted to volunteering. Financial donations are the ones that can really be stretched the furthest because we have so many wonderful partnerships.

Hoffman said the charity can often get more bang for their buck than some can get at the grocery store. Community Missions regularly serves about 350 families, but anyone can find themselves unexpectedly falling on hard times, especially with today’s cost of living outpacing people’s salaries. This is why the team ensures that the stigma associated with needing help is never an obstacle.

“We absolutely try to be as dignified as possible in helping someone, no matter where they are,” Hoffman said.