On a recent visit to Jewish Family Services, where the J-Help community emergency fund program is administered, we spoke with Intake Coordinator Beth Shapiro and asked if she had identified changes in the patterns of inquiries and requests for service since our last visit in October.
“The most significant trend is an increase in new recipients to the program,” Shapiro said. “The number of calls has definitely gone up, in part due to the increased awareness of J-Help in our community. In addition, other trends have emerged over the past weeks,” she added:
• Job searches are extended, and for some families, savings are depleted during this time. One frequent issue is a mismatch between the skills of the individual and the demands of the job market.
• JFS is hearing about more individuals and families whose allocations through the Food Share program have been reduced.
• Utility and shelter costs continue to be a major driver of financial problems for families, and we are seeing some instances of foreclosure.
• Many of the families served are living very close to the margins, and then a precipitating event, such as an illness or even needing to buy new tires, puts things over the edge.
• Out of pocket medical expenses are increasing financial stress.
See the rest of this article in the coming January issue.
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