Agencies make adjustments to compensate for lack of state, federal funding
The lack of a state budget and the shutdown of the federal government continue to have wide-ranging local effects.
Some agencies have had to alter services of lay off staff. Others have stepped up to try to fill the void and aid those in need.
About 2 million Pennsylvanians are among the 42 million Americans who were set to lose benefits from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) starting Nov. 1. On Friday, two federal judges ordered government officials to tap contingency funds to keep those benefits in place.
However, the rulings are likely to face appeals, leaving those in need of help wondering what will happen.
Kimberly Hawk, CEO of Fayette County Community Action Agency, said the nonprofit’s food bank serves about 2,000 households – 3,100 to 3,400 individuals with food boxes – each month.
“We have had people call who are worried and concerned about the SNAP benefits not being available come Nov. 1, especially from our senior population,” she said.
The delinquent state and federal budgets have forced FCCAA to make temporary adjustments to many of its services. Utility assistance vouchers are unavailable, food pantry boxes will contain fewer items, and home-delivered meals will be delivered two weekly with three frozen meals per delivery to ensure coverage for the week.
Services provided through WIC will continue without interruption.
Thirty-five staff members at FCCAA have been laid off, said Hawk, with those remaining working on reduced hours. If the state and federal budget impasses continue, Hawk said more programs could be whittled down and more staff members laid off.
“We are doing everything we can to maintain essential and support those in need during this uncertain time,” Hawk said.
While Fayette County officials find themselves making cuts, Diana Irey Vaughan, president and CEO of City Mission, said they have no plans to reduce services.
“Individuals need us now more than ever,” she said.
Irey Vaughan said the mission is more than doubling its capacity of people taking advantage of the food offered at the mission Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“More than half are individuals who we’ve never served before,” she said.
Churches are setting up food drives and individuals are bringing in items to help stock the mission’s food pantry.
“As the need grows we are seeing the generosity of others grow as well,” Irey Vaughan said.
Teresa Burroughs, executive director of the LeMoyne Community Center, said work hours have been reduced somewhat.
“If it’s an eight-hour shift, we’ll have one person come in in the morning and work four hours, and another person will come in in the afternoon and work the other four hours,” Burroughs explained. “We’re getting the work of an eight-hour day, we’re just devising it between two people.
She said the organization has been prudent with spending and has reduced the number of students taken in for the after-school Homework and More program. She anticipates going “full throttle” once funding is released again.
She expects to have a good supply of food on hand for the center’s Nov. 8 food bank.
“We’re doing everything we can to help families,” Burroughs said.
There are a number of resources available for those facing food insecurities in Washington County, a list of which was made available by County Commissioner Larry Maggi. He encouraged those who are not in need of help to consider volunteering or donating to help struggling agencies.
“(W)e are going to have to work together to make sure no one goes hungry during these trying times,” Maggi said.
A number of resources are available in both Fayette and Washington counties.
-Fayette County residents in need of emergency food help may call 724-437-6050. Information on nearest pantries also is available at that number.
-Greater Washington County Food Bank (Food Helpers) has services available at Southpointe, 1000 Horizon Vue Drive, Canonsburg, and Centerville Pantry, 909 National Pike, Brownsville.
Monetary donations may be made to Food Helpers, 1000 Horizon Vue Drive, Suite HQ1D15, Canonsburg, Pa. 15137.
-The Greater Washington County Foodbank’s Community Outreach Program distribution schedule is as follows. Avella VFD, 15600 Avella Road, third Wednesday from 9-11 a.m.; California Manor, 243 2nd St., third Thursday from 9-11 a.m.; Centerville Pantry, 909 National Pike, Brownsville, second and third Friday, 9-11 a.m.; Marianna Christian Outreach, 117 1st St., second Thursday, 9-11 a.m.; Mt. Pleasant VFC, 106 Main St., Hickory, third Tuesday, 9-11 a.m.; Thomas Presbyterian Church, 1068 Linden Road, Eighty Four, second Tuesday, 9-11 a.m., and West Alexander Fairgrounds, 116 Route 40, West Alexander, second Wednesday, 9-11 a.m.
There are no income or residency restrictions. Pre-registration is required, but walkups are welcome.
Emergency food help also is available at PA 211. Dial 211 or text a zip code to 898-211 to find local food and support services.