Beech Tree News Network

The 2010 US Census reported that poverty in America has increased for the fourth year in a row with over 15% of the population living in poverty. In the 10 county area served by Community Action of Southern Kentucky, this equals to 42,629 children, seniors and individuals living in poverty. Community Action has many programs serving low income families, including the Emergency Food and Shelter Program(EFSP) that served over 700 families last year. But this year, that number will be dramatically less. Community Action was recently awarded funds to assist families in an emergency situation, but the amount was 40% less than last year.
 
“People in need of food, utility and housing assistance contact our offices every day to see if there is any help available for their families.  Some have lost their jobs, some are seniors, and some are families struggling to make ends meet. We provide connections to other resources in the community and help families through our food pantries, but food stock is low in the pantries and other organizations are low on funds to help too, said Leslie Talley, Director of Community Services at Community Action.

 The national EFSP was created in 1983 to supplement and expand the work of local social service agencies in an effort to help people with economic (not disaster-related) emergencies. Funds from the EFSP help many local non-profit and faith-based organizations meet the basic food and shelter needs of families in our communities.
 
Eligible clients may receive utility, housing, or food assistance:

    * Income for all household members combined may not exceed 150% of current federal poverty guidelines. Example: Family of four with an income of less than $33,525.
    * Applicant must be the party responsible for costs of applicable benefit.
    * Applicant must present evidence of an extraordinary or exceptional circumstance that brought about the emergency situation.

Community Action of Southern KY is a part of America’s Poverty Fighting Network, which concentrates on helping people and changing lives. For more information, please contact Charity Parrish, Public Information Coordinator by phone at 270-782-3162 or [email protected], or visit www.casoky.org. Community Action accepts non-perishable food donations at all Community Services locations.