HOMELESS HELPERS: Local United Way contributors this...

HOMELESS HELPERS: Local United Way contributors this year could choose which charities got their dollars. Before, that job was left to an allocation committee. . . . Who gained under the new system? Most popular were charities that serve the homeless, abused children or battered spouses. The Episcopal Service Alliance, which serves the homeless, made the biggest gain, $53,000 from United Way in 1992 compared to $13,500 in 1991. Those hurt by the new system: traditional winners like boys and girls clubs and YMCAs.