GULF SHORES — The Christian Service Center (CSC), a volunteer-based organization focused on assisting the financial needs of "Pleasure Island" — Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan — communities, has received "a growing number of clients" due to the growth in Baldwin County's population.

Janice Moss, vice president of CSC, said the organization has seen the number of clients go from 2,522 in 2022 to 3,537 in 2024, for an increase of 1,015 people served.

The number of individuals who received food (including those who received repeated service) increased by several thousand from 6,126 in 2022 to 9,858 in 2024, an increase of 3,732 times that individuals received food, Moss said.

She said new clients often move to the area "not understanding the economy and the seasonal nature of full employment. Some people just want to 'live at the beach' but can't afford it."

However, "the majority of our clients are not new to the area" and come with problems caused by "increased cost of living" that are "challenging families to make ends meet."

"We at the Christian Service Center have always said the very best thing that could happen would be that we closed up because no one needed our help," Moss said. "Unfortunately, the reality is that the need is growing. We are seeing people who have lived here all their lives without seeking help but are now struggle."

According to Moss, the main reasons "people get into financial trouble" are due to increasing rent, the cost of food and "serious illness and subsequent costs."

Aid from the CSC related to rent has seen an increase in 99 clients over two years from 465 in 2022 to 564 in 2024. The number of utility-related assistance went from 267 to 298 for a total increase of 31 clients from 2022 to 2024.

Meals provided by the CSC, Moss said, increased by 78,372, which is made up of the total of food for three meals a day for seven days a week, by going from 128,646 meals provided in 2022 to 207,018 in 2024. Families who received food made up 2,061 meals provided in 2022 and 3,220 in 2024.

Moss said each of the main costs have "increased relentlessly over the last several years, but income has not matched this growth."

The CSC is working to match the growth, however, by training new volunteers to work as administrative assistants and caseworkers "to better serve our clients." Moss said the CSC is also constructing additional storage spaces for the food pantry.

As a Christian-based organization that works with several churches on Pleasure Island, Moss said, "we strive to be the hands and feet of Christ, serving the least able among us, while being good stewards of the funds entrusted to us."