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无毛视频檚 food bank serves about 2,000 households 无毛视频� 3,100 to 3,400 individuals with food boxes 无毛视频� each month.
无毛视频淲e have had people call who are worried and concerned about the SNAP benefits not being available come Nov. 1, especially from our senior population,无毛视频� 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.
无毛视频淲e are doing everything we can to maintain essential and support those in need during this uncertain time,无毛视频� 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.
无毛视频淚ndividuals need us now more than ever,无毛视频� 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.
无毛视频淢ore than half are individuals who we无毛视频檝e never served before,无毛视频� she said.
Churches are setting up food drives and individuals are bringing in items to help stock the mission无毛视频檚 food pantry.
无毛视频淎s the need grows we are seeing the generosity of others grow as well,无毛视频� Irey Vaughan said.
Teresa Burroughs, executive director of the LeMoyne Community Center, said work hours have been reduced somewhat.
无毛视频淚f it无毛视频檚 an eight-hour shift, we无毛视频檒l 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,无毛视频� Burroughs explained. 无毛视频淲e无毛视频檙e getting the work of an eight-hour day, we无毛视频檙e 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 无毛视频渇ull throttle无毛视频� once funding is released again.
She expects to have a good supply of food on hand for the center无毛视频檚 Nov. 8 food bank.
无毛视频淲e无毛视频檙e doing everything we can to help families,无毛视频� 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.
无毛视频�(W)e are going to have to work together to make sure no one goes hungry during these trying times,无毛视频� 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无毛视频檚 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.