The typical congregation among this group reported that 90 percent of the people it served were low-income. More than one-third of congregations offer services to the residents of their community. One in three congregations in the District offer services to people referred to them by third parties such as other religiously affiliated or secular nonprofits, compared to one in six congregations in the suburbs. Only 19 of the 266 congregations in the sample reported limiting services to their members only. Most services are free to people seeking assistance, but about a quarter of congregations charge for their services or programs.
Child care is the only program for which the majority of religious congregations charge a fee.
Most charge a fixed fee for services, but a quarter use a sliding scale. A handful of congregations suggest donations. Of congregations that charge for services or programs, more than one-third cite increased operating costs as a reason for the fee. More than half of the congregations that charge fees reported that the nature of the program necessitated some type of monetary exchange, such as rent for transitional housing or fees for preschool or child care. Some also reported that charges were in place to build a sense of responsibility or an independent character among recipients.