Non-Profit Ministry Hurting

Volunteers with Emerald Coast Ministries hit the streets of Pensacola early Friday. The non-profit organization collected money at busy intersections in Pensacola to help off-set a financial deficit.

"Time are really tough," says Chaplain Jack Van Ord with E-C-M. "The economy is down and a lot of people are out of work so the donations are really not there. It's sad, but true."

E-C-M provides alcohol and drug addiction counseling, operates a homeless shelter and runs a boating adventure for terminally ill children. The ministry is on the verge of going belly up.

"We can barely pay our mortgage," says Van Ord. "It's tough to make a 24-hundred dollar mortgage and we have to beg, borrow and steal I guess you'd say."

The ministry hopes the economy will turn around soon. Until then, the organization is relying on its faith through the difficult times.

Call 850-607-7011 if you can help donate to Emerald Coast Ministries.