Social service organizations are seeing rising concerns as the government shutdown continues.
Opportunities, Inc. said while they have not seen many furloughed workers yet, they have had more people with shutdown-related questions.
Most are worried about when SNAP benefits will be restored.
Community Living coordinator Cherrie Kelly said despite the shutdown, they will continue to assist everyone they can.
Opportunities, Inc. offers vouchers for food, clothing, and furniture while also offering emergency rental assistance and some medication assistance.
“The food stamp is primarily what we’ve heard a lot about right now,” Kelly said. “I have had a few people call and ask if Head Start is going to get shut down. Is the social security office going to be closed down? What’s going to happen next? Are they going to lose their Medicaid? I can’t answer those questions for them.”
Kelly said staff try to reassure callers to the best of their ability that they are there for them as a resource.
“If they need something else, we can point them in the right director to get them the services that they need,” she said.
She added that if the shutdown continues much longer, they will start to see furloughed workers seeking more assistance.
For more information about Opportunities, Inc. and they services they provide, visit their website.
-Reported by Joe Huisinga/MTN News
