Families struggle with food stamp delaysby Darla Hernandez (darlah@wsbt.com)
Delays in the issuing of food stamps has many Indiana families turning to food banks. (WSBT photo) ELKHART — Federal officials say the company in charge of Indiana's new welfare program is taking too long to approve food stamps. They're ordering the state not to start the program in any other counties until the problem is fixed. Multimedia The head of Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration says it takes about 60 days to process an application. That's twice as long as most states. The privatization plan was one of Gov. Mitch Daniels' biggest changes. His Democratic challenger says people have complained to her about the system. Jill Long Thompson says Daniels has heard the same complaints, but “apparently did not care enough to act.'' A legislative study committee met in Kokomo Thursday. It was standing room only, as dozens of people packed the hearing to tell their stories. Some families still waiting for help live in our area. Some told WSBT News the face to face interviews with welfare workers have been replaced by hours of waiting on the phone and weeks of no response. So they're reaching out to pantries for the first time. "I take a chance of steel rods being put in my left leg,” Elizabeth McCaffery told WSBT News. It's been nearly a year since McCaffery was diagnosed with MRSA and put on disability by her doctor. "I had gotten food stamps for five months but it took them over three months to get me anything,” she said. “Not working, not eating …” “Overwhelming for me, and heartbreaking … I cry a lot,” said Pastor Mary Booth Lyons. Pastor Lyons runs a food pantry in South Bend. She says the privatized welfare system created chaos for the neediest Hoosier families. "I'm seeing more people because they can't get food stamps and more people because they’re only getting maybe $5 or $10 a month,” she explained. “$5 — that may only buy you a gallon of milk." Enrique Gates, who is laid off, says he has tried to get food stamps for his family, only to be told no. "She said I made $5 too much!” he said. “It's just not fair to the people who actually need it." Pastor Lyons says they are worried with the food stamp struggle they won't be able to keep up with demand. “Crime is going to go up,” she said. “I think you’re going to find more homelessness. I think you’re going to find more unrest, which you’re finding. I think you’re going to find it’s going to be a disaster.” McCaffery says without local help she'd be hurt and hungry. "I've never been in a food pantry, before I heard of Mary’s,” she said. “And Mary’s been a godsend to me.” The Church Lady and Friends Outreach Ministries Food Pantry in South Bend says they are in need of food and monetary donations. In the meantime, there have been some changes made to the welfare system but it looks like they won’t take effect until September or October. Most PopularMore Good Stuff |
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