In response to Steve Engard, who is flabbergasted about religious organizations receiving support from the Paycheck Protection Program (“Paycheck program mismanaged,” Our Readers’ Views, July 16), I wish to explain why he should be elated that these workers are included in the program.
According to The Atlantic, 83 percent of religious congregations have programs to help the needy. Those who attend weekly religious services donate three times as much to charity as those who don’t. After the United States government, Christian churches are the second largest providers of social services. Local or community religious organizations, while they may be part of an organized denomination, are their own fiscal entity. To qualify as a nonprofit under IRS section 501(C)(3) and receive PPP, the religious groups must have 500 employees or less.
While these religious groups have many unpaid volunteers, permanent paid staff are needed. These paid staff need to feed their families and have health insurance. These compassionate religious groups donate their time, talent and treasure without discrimination to help their neighbors. They save the government money and keep your taxes lower. Be glad for your neighbors who received their deserved PPP. They are helping feed and shelter the less fortunate in our community during this pandemic.
