Latest news with #HUDEmergencySolutionsGrant
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bracing for impact
The people who help the homeless in Schuylkill County worry that potential federal funding cuts now being discussed could hurt services that they provide locally to people in need. In the first two months of President Donald Trump's second term, the newly established Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk has cut spending across various federal departments and is attempting to enact further reductions, according to reports. Many of those moves are raising concerns about what will happen to community programs that rely on them, and the talk of cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) budget are among those that advocates for the homeless fear will limit the help they can provide. Servants to All, which runs My Father's House in Pottsville, the only homeless shelter in Schuylkill, gets about 20% of its funding from a HUD Emergency Solutions Grant, amounting to about $100,000. The nonprofit uses that money to run the shelter, conduct homeless prevention work and do street outreach for those living outdoors, said Jeanette Triano-Sinn, executive director. Though the organization also receives private grants, donations and state funding, with homelessness on the rise continually in Schuylkill over the last eight years, that federal grant is important, she said. Last year, Servants to All provided shelter housing to 295 individuals and families. 'It makes a big impact,' she said of the federal funds. Shelterforce, an independent publication reporting on affordable housing issues, has said that widespread grant delays, plans for mass firings and rescinded job offers at HUD could threaten the agency's basic functions and take down countless homeless service agencies and nonprofits along with it. Triano-Sinn said that while she shares those concerns, it's too early to say what will happen with the federal funding her organization receives. As of now the nonprofit has not been affected, so Servants to All is performing its usual work each day, she said. 'In an ideal world everything (funding) will stay as it is,' she said. 'We hope there are no changes. We want to be able to continue what we do.' Housing concerns Service Access Management (SAM) in Pottsville offers housing assistance to individuals and families, helping them to find and maintain appropriate living arrangements. Housing coordinator Shawn Frankenstein also said that it is unclear what will happen to federal funding used locally for homeless services. So far, he has not been notified of funding reductions despite the discussions under way by DOGE, he said. 'Am I concerned? Of course, a bit,' he said. The SAM office relies mostly on state funds but also receives federal money through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and its Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, or PATH, program. PATH funds services for people with serious mental illness experiencing homelessness in all 50 states, supporting about 450 local organizations nationally that offer services and supports not available through mainstream mental health programs. That includes rehabilitation, community mental health, substance use disorders treatment, referrals for primary health care, job training, educational services and housing services. Deanna Orlowsky, executive director of the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, is also monitoring what will happen with federal funding now used in the county for housing services. 'If there will be funding reductions for housing subsidies it could greatly impact our older adults and those with disabilities,' she said. Officials with the Pottsville Housing Authority and Schuylkill County Housing Authority were not available for comment Monday.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Salvation Army Waco supporting those struggling to pay bills
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – The Salvation Army Waco is stepping up to provide support for those struggling to pay their bills. The organization says many neighbors are in need – whether due to layoffs, unexpected medical expenses or rising costs. Surprise expenses like unexpected car repairs or medical bills can be the difference between affording rent, buying groceries or paying monthly bills. 'We have people coming to us every day seeking basic financial assistance and asking if we are able to help them pay their overdue utility bills,' said Major Jeffrey Miracle, with The Salvation Army of Waco. 'For some, this is their first time asking for financial help and that can be a difficult and stressful situation. At The Salvation Army, we are here to listen and step in with practical assistance if we are able, and Love Beyond those late bills.' William, a hearing-impaired veteran, came to The Salvation Army after a routine checkup at a local medical center. The nurses reported he was undernourished, lonely and needed more than just medical care. They reached out to The Salvation Army and referred William for a visit. The organization says William lived alone since becoming a widower three years prior and relied completely on his social security check for survival. He explained that his income no longer covered his monthly expenses and confessed he alternated between purchasing groceries and paying his electric bill, especially through the winter months in order to stay warm. He had fallen behind on his bills and had received a final payment notice. The Salvation Army was able to provide food vouchers, make arrangements to cover his outstanding utilities and gave William a new pair of shoes to replace his old, worn ones. 'Thank you, thank you, thank you!' William repeated as relief washed over him. He left with a spring in his step, new shoes on his feet and a much lighter load on his shoulders. When funds are available, the organization helps pay overdue bills, preventing homelessness and providing housing stability for individuals and families who have fallen behind on their expenses and are at risk of losing their homes. Through generous support from energy providers including TXU Energy, Atmos Energy and Reliant Energy, The Salvation Army has been able to provide critical assistance to those in need. Funding received from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance, the HUD Emergency Solutions Grant, and the HUD Continuum of Care Program allow The Salvation Army to offer much-needed relief, helping families keep their utilities on and remain in their homes. The organization says this ongoing case management is an integral component of its work with individuals and families in need. Clients work one-on-one with case managers, often connecting with local community partners to resolve complex issues and plan their way forward. 'Our work really does stretch well beyond the moment of crisis,' said Miracle. 'Yes, we're there in that moment of greatest need, but we are also committed to Love Beyond the utility bills or whatever the individual is facing, to get them on a pathway to success and self-sufficiency.' The Salvation Army is issuing a rallying cry for Americans to 'Love Beyond.' The message is simply that when we Love Beyond late bills, Love Beyond shelter and Love Beyond disasters, we can provide hope and help for millions who need it. Love Beyond is also a symbol of the resources and programs that so many people rely on when they turn to The Salvation Army for assistance. The organization has already provided 1,123 nights of shelter representing 103 individuals from 76 unique households, 5,392 meals, and $226,586.62 in financial assistance to individuals and families in 2025. The best way to ensure services continue for those in need is to visit (or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY) where you can make a donation or sign up for a sustaining gift of $25 per month, which could help a family overcome the risks of poverty and eviction. You can learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army in Waco at by visiting 4721 W Waco Drive, or by calling (254) 756-7271. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
