Treasure Coast nonprofits struggle keeping up with increasing need for school supplies

'More people are just struggling to get what they need to send their kids to school,' Rob Ranieri saysAcross Martin County, nonprofits and families alike are struggling to prepare for the start of school.

By: Kate Hussey

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. - According to the National Retail Federation, an average household now spends nearly $900 on school supplies.

Between that increased cost, the uptick in families needing help, and a lack of funding, many nonprofit organizations that normally provide back to school supplies for the community said they're struggling to keep up.

At House of Hope in Stuart, CEO Rob Ranieri told WPTV he's seen a significant increase in the amount of families seeking help with school supplies, food, rental assistance, and much more.

“Cost of food, cost of insurance, everything’s gone up so I think more people are just struggling to get what they need to send their kids to school," Ranieri said.

As the list of those struggling gets longer, donations are getting smaller, and likely for that same reason.