As far as DESK is concerned, let me address three important questions:

1. Does DESK receive federal funds?

Yes. Although DESK is primarily funded by local community members (like you), our operating budget this year includes about $246,000 in federal funding of some kind. Most direct service staff members, as well as several management and administrative staff, are funded partially or in whole by these funds.

2. How worried should you be about DESK?

In the very short term (next three months), we’ll be alright. DESK’s funding strategy has always relied on a diverse revenue stream meant to protect us from these kinds of unpredictable political swings and immediate shortfalls.  Our doors will stay open.

In the long term, however, the picture is less rosy. Even if the federal government upholds their contractual obligations and disburses the promised funds (and that’s still a big “if” at this point), these federal contracts only take us through the end of this fiscal year (June 30). Each year, we sign new contracts … and next year’s contracts have not yet been signed. The Trump Administration has made it clear that nonprofit social services, especially harm reduction agencies who serve high-need individuals and people from historically marginalized communities and groups, are very much in their crosshairs.

3.  What can YOU can do to help?

• Be an advocate: Forward emails and news stories (peppered with your commentary), share social media posts (along with your outrage!), and highlight to others in your networks and social circles how this is affecting your community and organizations doing important work.
• Contact our federal representatives: Senator Murphy, Senator Blumenthal, and Congresswoman DeLauro. These three representatives are on our side, but they need to hear from you: personal stories of those we serve, success stories of the volunteer work you’ve done in the community, and the heartbreaking stories that emphasize how much more there is to do.  Tell them this is important to you.  They can’t make the case in Washington without knowing exactly how this will affect people who live, work, and receive services in their district.
• Stay vigilant:  We’re in for a rocky four years.  There are going to be many opportunities to push back against this Administration and the culture of cruelty they are promulgating. Please don’t turn away and ignore; stay vigilant!  We will need you and your passion to fulfill our mission in the months ahead.
• Keep the support coming:  DESK will only weather this storm, and the storms to come, with YOUR help.  We need your support now more than ever.

If you have questions about how to help or concerns about DESK and our future, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

In solidarity,

Email: swerlin@deskct.org
Phone: (475) 238-8557