The Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness (IFCH) raised $7,863 from its recent raffle contest, funds the group will distribute to Islanders who need some support to keep a roof over their heads, organizers said.

The total was slightly higher than the amount raised last year, said Emma Amiad, who heads the group.

“We’re thrilled, with the economic times so bad, to match what we made last year,” she said.

Two Islanders — Brenda Moore and Mary Frances Lyons — won the baskets, each one stuffed with more than $700 worth of merchandise and coupons from Island retailers and businesspeople.

Deb Dammann, who organized the raffle, said she was impressed by the amount of business and community support the effort garnered. She was particularly moved, she added, when someone who had been helped by IFCH bought a ticket.

The organization, meanwhile, is averaging three requests for help a week, nearly all of it to help Islanders pay their rent, Amiad said.