Rising living costs are driving record demand at the Christian Service Center (CSC), which has already served more than 1,800 clients and provided over 112,000 meals in the first half of 2025.

To keep up, the nonprofit is doubling up on case workers and searching for new volunteers all while balancing food assistance with emergency financial aid for rent and utilities.

Since 1991, CSC has offered direct and indirect assistance to residents of Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and Orange Beach in the form of emergency aid to help residents with housing, utilities and medical expenses along with budget counseling and referrals to other agencies. Its food pantry, supported by local churches and community donations, supplies meals to families in need.

In recent years, the center has seen a sharp increase in the number of people it serves. The number of children receiving assistance rose from 2,560 in 2022 to 4,383 in 2024. Overall, the number of clients (households) served grew from 2,522 in 2022 to 3,882 in 2024, according to data provided by the center. While the number of clients served in 2024 and the first half of 2025 are similar, both years reflect a steady increase compared to previous years, reflecting sustained demand that started in 2022 in the aftermath of COVID-19 emergency aid beginning to sunset and has only exponentially risen since. Before 2022, increases generally were by less than 1,000 since 2008, and multiple years saw decreases.

Though there are no numbers available yet for the total individual people served this year so far, the center's data show 7,248 received assistance in 2022, compared to 11,656 in 2024.

While Baldwin County's booming population — over 66% from 2014 to 2024, based on U.S. Census data — has led to increased demand across all sectors of services, amenities and infrastructure, leaders at the center also attribute this rise to a combination of factors, including persistent inflation, rising rent, higher food costs and unexpected medical crises.

"People need food more than anything," CSC President Linda Chapelle said. "It's going to get worse with the cutting back on the SNAP program and Medicaid. If they cut that accounting on people, if they cut their food stamps, stamp benefits, they're gonna come here."

Food remains the most common request from clients, and it is the primary way the organization provides assistance. Stan Moss, chairman of the food pantry, said the center supplies each household with a week's worth of food — three meals a day for seven days.

"While we often cannot meet all the financial needs clients face, we can always help with food," Moss said.

He said the pantry relies on donations from local stores but still must make purchases to keep shelves stocked. As a result, rising food costs also impact the center's ability to serve the community.

The increased demand for assistance reflects broader economic pressures across the region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, shelter costs in the South have risen approximately 3.5% to 4% annually in recent years, while food and utility prices have also seen increases. Nationally, food prices surged by nearly 10% between 2021 and 2023.

CSC is operated entirely by volunteers. Funded by the Pleasure Island Ministerial Association, local churches, community organizations, businesses and individual donors, it maintains its operations and emergency aid programs entirely through contributions. Churches and agency representatives set policies and guidelines, while a team of volunteers keeps daily services running.

Chapelle, CSC's president, said there is a strong need for new, especially younger, volunteers to keep up with increasing demand.

"We have plenty of volunteers, but we need new and permanent volunteers. We need young blood in here," she said.

In addition to volunteers putting boots on the ground, community support remains vital to the center's ability to meet the growing needs of local families. Donations of funds, as well as essential food and household items, help keep the center's shelves stocked and services running smoothly. Contributions can include everything from basic pantry staples and personal care products to seasonal holiday foods and medical equipment. These donations not only provide immediate relief but also help sustain the center's ongoing efforts to support residents through difficult times.

"Volunteering at the CSC is a special opportunity; While blessing others, we receive an even greater blessing," CSC Vice President Janice Moss said. "It is an opportunity to serve as the hands and feet of Christ — who could want more?"

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.