Central Ohio nonprofits feeling pinch from government shutdown

COLUMBUS, OHIO (WCMH) -- An organization that has been a staple in the community for more than 100 years had to furlough its employees amid funding delays. Luckily, the closure was short-lived largely in part to community support.

“It was tremendous. I didn't know how much we still had an influence or a connection with our community,” said Dr. Iyaad Hasan, President & CEO of the Breathing Association.

The nonprofit provides medical care and energy assistance to thousands of residents each year but Dr. Hasan tells NBC4 funds dried up and they had to shut their doors.

“I was looking outside and I was thinking about somebody who's at home right now who can't turn their electricity on because they need a nebulizer for their asthma treatment,” he said.

Less than 24 hours later after announcing the closure, the community support poured in. He said people donated nearly $4,000 and it caught the attention of the Ohio Department of Development, which is now keeping them open throughout the shutdown.

“Sadly, in tough times like this it’s great to see when people get together and it was overwhelming, I have to tell you, and I was excited and I probably believe that's what kept me going during that time,” Dr. Hasan said.

Now the staff is back to work training for their winter crisis program and Home Energy Assistance Program, known as HEAP.

“We're back on. We're happy and we're excited and the lights are finally back,” he said.

The Breathing Association still isn’t back to being 100% operational. Dr. Hasan said the clinic had to cut back on services in September and they’re still waiting on some grant funding.

“An individual who comes to see us for treatment for asthma, if we help them out about $150. But if we're not around to help them with management, they go to the emergency room, which is $1,500. So the costs go back to the community,” he said.

He said the community support is exactly what he needed to keep pushing and stay positive through the process.

“We pray that the solution from the federal side comes into play and helps out the communities that really desperately need it,” Dr. Hasan said.

He said their winter programs will resume Saturday, Nov. 1.