MEMPHIS, Tenn. — While the summer can be a lot of fun, it can also prove to be hard on others, especially for nonprofits.
Often known as the "Summer Slump," this notorious time of year can put a strain on groups trying to make a difference.
“Here in Glenview and Orange Mound, we’ve developed 10 homes to date, and it’s even better that I get to do it on the street where I grew up on here in South Memphis,” said Kayla Gore, My Sistah’s House founder and CEO.
For Gore, the dream started back in 2018, when she founded the nonprofit to help build emergency housing for trans and non-binary individuals. Years later, the nonprofit launched the Tiny Homes project to help expand affordable housing in Memphis by transforming blighted properties into full on homes.
However, sometimes of the year are easier than others. According to Fidelity Charitable, during the summer months, there is a drop in volunteers and donations while people go on vacation. When coupled with inflation, Gore tells ABC24 nonprofits have to adjust to survive this dry period, which does not let up until Labor Day.
“A lot of nonprofits, My Sistah’s House included, have had to reduce a lot of the services that we provide," Gore said, "which is sometimes, all the times, a bad thing, especially when it relates to people who are super vulnerable.”
This is also the time when nonprofits lean on their consistent donors and volunteers the most. During this time of year, Gore said several small businesses hold fundraisers to help out these organizations, while volunteers also donate their time to help. If you would like to help, Fidelity recommends setting up an automatic payment that donates every month, to help create a sustainable flow of funds for nonprofits.
“We can bet on that revenue to support our people, to continue our missions,” Gore said.