Service Committee Recent Accomplishments and Funding Updates

A huge thank you to Mary Johnson who worked each week from March 30-June 30! Mary interviewed clients and made sure to have all documentation needed for the Community Development Block Grant we received. A total of 75 families were assisted, using all $20,000 provided by the city. Applicants included 58 single persons, 5 married persons, 4 separated, 6 divorced, and 2 widowed. Each client had to provide proof of income, and 64 families had income that was less than $21,150/year for a family of 4 (pro-rated for other family sizes). Some families needed help with water and electricity. Some families needed food, and thanks to Loaves & Fishes, we were able to provide food boxes for those.

Additionally, we were able to use our budgeted general funds to pay for past due utilities for a few people who lived outside the city limits or were just over the income limit. A few people had no transportation, and we were able to provide bus passes for them. We did not want to turn anyone away so appreciated the funds available directly from FPC.

We implemented a new process – having clients make appointments and send their documents via text in advance. We were then able to check their IDs, see if they had received assistance before, and verify their income before confirming appointments. Once we got that in place, the process flowed easily. We are anticipating receiving more funds from the city in the next few months. Watch for news and bulletins seeking more volunteers to help with sharing with our community!