PIN: People In Need

Fundraising Group - 100 Women Who Care - present a check to PIN for $15,700 on August 2, 2023.

People In Need is founded on the belief that the spiritual health of a whole community and of its individual members depends on care for one another. PIN accepts financial contributions from groups and individuals, and it assists those temporarily in need by offering limited help in exceptional circumstances through direct payments to clients’ creditors, for rent, utilities, medical and other basic needs.

Since 1983, over 6,000 individuals or families have been assisted by PIN. Assistance is dispensed in amounts that average about $175. Applicants for assistance are individuals or families who have nowhere else to turn in an emergency.

PIN is an organization run totally by volunteers. Free office space is provided by Westminster Presbyterian Church. Members of the Board of Directors fund all overhead costs. This enables us to live by the motto: A dollar to PIN is a dollar to people in need.

Board of Directors:
Tom Stovall, President
Teresa Mulert Sirk, Vice President
Cindy Pearce, Vice President
Keith Nilles, Treasurer
Deb Kal, Assistance Coordinator
Dick Smith
Sister Sara McAlpin
Father Lyle Wilgenbusch

Mailing Address:
2155 University Ave.
Dubuque, Iowa 52001

Email:
peopleinneed7995@gmail.com

(563) 581-7995
Please leave a message since this is only a recorded line. Potential clients should not call; only social service agencies, churches/congregations and DACU organizations should refer potential clients. Application via phone only.

PIN Annual Report 2023-2024
During 2023 PIN celebrated its 41st anniversary of serving people with emergency assistance needs in the Dubuque community. During the year, PIN provided assistance to 319 households (an increase of 210 or 193% over last year’s 109). Total assistance dollars were $114,055 (an increase of $52,543 or 85% over last year’s $61,512). The average assist per household was $357.54. These figures document the tremendous need to provide basic human needs continues to grow in our community.

Our Dubuque community continues to be very generous. We are truly blessed with the support and donations of congregations, organizations, grantors and individuals to meet the increased need. In 2023 PIN received $105,798 in donations, an increase of $61,512 or 218% over last year’s total of $33,293.

The assistance provided by PIN is directed to families and individuals who are temporarily facing emergency health and safety circumstances and with nowhere else to turn for help.

PIN provides monetary assistance paid directly to vendors for needs such as rent to avoid eviction or for electric, gas or water to avoid shutoffs. PIN also determines if a client might be eligible for programs or services provided by other helping agencies in the community and makes referrals on behalf of the client. PIN has developed good working partnerships with congregations and other helping agencies in the community for referrals and assistance. The 319 assists provided by PIN in 2023 were completed in partnership with 22 other organizations that provided referrals and assistance.

People In Need is a totally volunteer organization. Our 8-member Board of Directors serve as unpaid volunteers. There is no paid staff. Westminster Presbyterian Church graciously provides free space for meetings, an office and a mailbox. Overhead expenses (telephone, postage, etc.) are covered by donations from board members and DACU. 100% of all donations go directly to helping households with emergency needs.

People In Need was founded on the belief that the spiritual health of the whole community and of its individual members depends on caring for one another. People In Need was established in 1982 through the Social Concerns Committee of Dubuque Area Congregations United (DACU). Although PIN continues to be sponsored by DACU, it is separately governed and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the State of Iowa and has a 501(c)(3) designation with the Internal Revenue Service. Therefore, donations to PIN are tax-deductible. All donations receive a thank you letter acknowledging the contribution.

Donations may be sent to the PIN office: People In Need (PIN), 2155 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001. Requests for speakers and information may be directed to our email at PeopleInNeed7995@gmail.com or our phone at (563) 581-7995. Requests for assistance by referring organizations may be made to the email or by message left on the phone. Individuals may not request assistance directly. A referring organization is required.

2023 PIN Board of Directors: Tom Stovall, President; Cindy Pearce and Teresa Sirk, Vice Presidents; Keith Nilles, Treasurer; Deb Kalb, Assistance Coordinator and Secretary; Sr. Sara McAlpin; Dick Smith and Fr. Lyle Wilgenbusch.