Congressman shows support of charities in tough times

(STUART) Food pantries, desperate for help, get a welcome visit from Congressman Tom Rooney.

A Republican, Rooney voted down the Obama Stimulus bill, but supports one bi-partisan amendment still on the floor.  That bill would give $400 million in direct funding nationwide for food banks and pantries.

House of Hope in Stuart says the need for food is spiking since the massive layoffs just one month ago. In 2008, the demand for food and services increased 80%, while donations are down.

The charity serves over 18,000 families from their Stuart headquarters and say any help from the federal government and the community is needed.

"Unfortunatley I think the tough times are just beginning," said Congressman Tom Rooney, "in the end it takes a lot of private donations, a lot of volunteers, and this agency almost exclusively relies on the genrosity of others."

House of Hope says it received only $4500 from the federal government last year.

The rest of their charity is run on private donations.

For more information on how you can help: www.hohmartin.org