United in cash infusion

It was a typical Tuesday morning at Share Our Selves in Costa Mesa. The place was bustling.

The parking lot was crowded, families were walking out with bags of groceries, and even more folks were going in.

The waiting area was full, not an empty seat in there.

Meanwhile, people waited to see one of a few counselors who could help them get back on their feet in the sluggish economy and lifeless job market.

These days it seems more and more people need help.

Thanks to a $5.6-million grant from Orange County United Way to Orange County charities, including $360,000 to five in Costa Mesa, help is on the way.

“We just never have enough for everyone, so getting that support is phenomenal,” said Karen Harrington, SOS director of development.

The agency received a $60,000 grant for its diabetes clinical partnership with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, and an $80,000 grant for its social services program.

The money for the diabetes clinic equals 10% of the agency’s budget for medical treatment and could help up to 500 patients, Harrington said. SOS serves up to 1,200 patients with chronic conditions, she said.

The injection into the social services program is particularly valuable because it’s difficult to get awarded money because of the statistics required to apply for them, she said. SOS has seen a 40% spike in families needing help putting food on the table.

They probably hand out 300 bags of groceries for a typical family of four, Harrington said.

In a departure from past Orange County United Way grants, this year’s are a one-year deal instead of the usual three.

“A one-year funding cycle gives us the opportunity to address the most pressing needs at hand,” said Cara Lasala, public relations manager for Orange County United Way. “The three-year funding cycle worked really well but we had to change with the economy.”

Lasala said they saw a 98% increase in food needs, a 70% increase in rental assistance and 30% rise in rental, counseling and legal services.

Serving People in Need Inc. also received a $60,000 grant for its Guided Assistance to Permanent Placement Housing Program.

That program helps people transition from temporary shelters or housing to more permanent residences.

The money will go toward helping 39 families, officials said.

Orange County United Way awarded $18.3 million to charities this year, Lasala said.

By The Numbers

 Girls Inc. of Orange County: $35,000 — College Bound program

 Serving People in Need Inc.: $60,000 — Guiding Assistance to Permanent Placement Housing Program

 Share Our Selves: $60,000 — SOS-Hoag Diabetes Collaborative

 Share Our Selves: $80,000 — Social Services Program

 Women Helping Women: $50,000 — Employment Success Program

 Youth Employment Service of the Harbor Area Inc.: $75,000 — Work and Beyond Program