The Sun Herald | 05/14/2006 | Money comes slowly to new nonprofits

The Sun Herald | 05/14/2006 | Money comes slowly to new nonprofits: "Money comes slowly to new nonprofits
Small charities must prove themselves
By SHELIA BYRD
- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BILOXI - Frances Burney's home smells like fresh paint. It is fully furnished, the white walls are immaculate and not a speck of dust dares to land on the hardwood floors.

Not long ago the house was a waterlogged heap, a grim remnant of Hurricane Katrina. But volunteers from the East Biloxi Coordination and Relief Center cleared out the muck and rebuilt the interior. Without them, the 92-year-old woman would probably still be sleeping on a nursing home bed.

Burney's home was one of thousands all along the Coast either splintered by the hurricane or left in soggy ruins.

City Councilman Bill Stallworth is proud of his relief center's work, but he's frustrated that limited funds restrict the number of houses his center can refurbish. His home is one of those awaiting repair.

Accessing the millions of dollars raised to help Katrina victims can be a challenge for small grassroots organizations such as the relief center. Much of the money is awarded to larger charities with a proven track record, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity."