3 days ago
KC nonprofit serving seniors struggling due to federal cuts
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A home delivery of a hot meal is a blessing for people like Marilyn Driver, a retired teacher and families like John Johnico's.
'By the end of the month, that's the hardest time when you're retired,' Driver said.
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'Without that program, we would be struggling even harder than we are now,' Johnico said. 'We're blessed to have our food delivered.'
Delivering the meals are volunteers with KC Shepherd's Center, which focuses on helping seniors.
'We are the fastest growing population, we are the fastest growing homeless population, and yet funding is not keeping up at all,' Janet Baker said.
Baker is the executive director of the organization. She said right now they're stretching their resources thin to keep Meals on Wheels operating.
'We're in crisis to be honest with you, and already only receiving one percent of funding,' Baker added.
The Shepherd's Center is one of the largest nonprofit providers of Meals on Wheels, keeping homebound seniors on a fixed income fed.
Baker said this year alone they've lost $500,000 in funding, lost one of their other programs and can now only serve 600 people, half of the number they were serving two years ago.
'You know you're going to have something to eat until that next month comes,' Driver said. 'Meals on Wheels is a lifesaver for elderly people.'
'If they were to stop it, there would be a lot of people hurting because we do need it,' Johnico added.
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Now they're heavily relying on the community's support to continue providing some relief.
'Will you fill an empty plate? Will you provide us with the ability to deliver meals to hungry homebound seniors?' Baker asked.
. All donations will go toward feeding homebound seniors in Kansas City.
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