Monica Salinas, executive director of Buckner Rio Grande Valley, wrote this article that was originally published on My RGV News, sharing the importance of nonprofits working together for change. 

I try my best to always look forward to the future, and not dwell upon what has passed. However, sometimes reflecting on how far we have come is important to appreciate our progress.

According to a report by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 42% of nonprofits in Texas are facing increased demand for services or support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic — a demand that is happening at the same time many smaller nonprofits have been forced to close.

Even prior to the pandemic, the Rio Grande Valley was experiencing higher poverty rates than the rest of Texas. In Hidalgo County in 2019, 27.3% of the population fell below the poverty line. This number is almost double the 13.6% of people living below the poverty line in Texas.

There is not a simple solution to the problem of systemic poverty and the additional issues that result, such as neglect and abuse. And there’s not a single nonprofit organization that can provide all the necessary solutions and services required. Therefore, nonprofit-and-public relationships are vital to the well-being of the community.

We need each other.

Read the full article on MyRGV.com.