By LEAH WEATHERSBY

Churches have always been known as places the needy can go for help, so it's no surprise that several of them in the U-District, a neighborhood known for its visible homeless community, would raise the bar when it comes to organizing assistance for those down on their luck.

One way that neighborhood's churches have come together is through the University Churches Emergency Street Fund. Founded in 1986, the coalition represents resources pooled by about 30 local churches, businesses and community groups.

"Rather than people going from one church to another, they (are) directed here," said Olu Thomas, director of the University Churches Emergency Fund.

The group runs a mostly volunteer office in the University Congregational Church, located at 4515 16th Ave. NE. The emergency fund provides a variety of services and benefits such as free gas vouchers and bus tickets, food, toiletries, help with job searches, and utilities and rent assistance. Thomas explained that it's more efficient to have all of these services under one roof rather than leaving each church to run its own program.

The University Churches Emergency Fund office is open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Upcoming benefit for emergency fund:

On Wednesday, March 6, the Wedgwood Community Church (8201 30th Ave. NE) will host a classical music concert to benefit the University Churches Emergency Fund. The Rain City Symphony will perform music by Beethoven and Bizet, led by Conductor Jacob Winkler. The concert is free but donations are requested. For more information, call the University Churches Emergency Fund at 524-7885.