FAIRFIELD - An increase in shelter clients has left the Heather House feeling a cash-flow crunch.

The numbers say it all the emergency homeless shelter is running between 116 percent and 125 percent capacity and both space and expenses are getting tight.

During normal capacity times, operating expenses are more than $22,000 a month, paid with funds from federal, state and local governments and business and private donations.

But an increase in clients has forced expenses to rise these past few months, as financial donations continue to run slim.

According to Linda Mahoney, executive director for Heather House, the state only allocates about $9,000 a year to the shelter, a facility that has an annual budget of $280,000.

'They continue to cut and cut and cut. I guess funding a homeless emergency shelter is not a priority with the state,' she said.

But the shelter also faces another challenge. Unlike other nonprofits, Heather House opts to use donated funds toward operating expenses in lieu of advertisements, which could leave them in the dark and forgotten.

'I think its important for the community to understand that there is a whole network of nonprofits performing an invaluable service to the community,' Mahoney said. 'I think its important they know they need to support all the nonprofits and not just the one that has a high profile.

'Many of the nonprofits in the community are struggling.'

Heather House needs help.

The shelter relies heavily on fund-raisers and events to generate needed funds. As such, they are holding a 'Spring Concert to Benefit Heather House' at 7 p.m. Saturday at St. Stephen CME Church in Fairfield, featuring concert pianist Madi Barrena, The Five of Brass Jazz Ensemble, vocalist Craig T. Anderson and the Mark Schrode Trio.

'This concert will help to bridge the gap and will help get us through March,' said Margaret Manzo, fund developer for Heather House, who is looking to raise $10,000 by selling 500 tickets.

'We really need help to pay for PG&E, water, food and all the expenses needed to run a normal household.'

Heather House is in need of monetary donations. If interested, contact Mahoney at

427-8518. Donations can also be made on their Web site at www.heatherhouse.org.

Reach Andrea E. Garcia at 427-6953 or agarcia@dailyrepublic.net.

At a glance
Who: Heather House
What: 'Spring Concert to Benefit Heather House'
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: St. Stephens CME Church, 2301 Union Ave., Fairfield
Info: $20 tickets available at U.S. Bank, 1307 Travis Blvd., Fairfield; Gordons Music, 810 Texas St., Fairfield, City Hall at the Mall or by calling 428-7469.