Food and housing insecurity continue to be a prevalent issue facing many residents, thanks to a combination of inflation, recently announced layoffs and business closures over the past several months.
This was the main talking point for representatives of Southwick House, Emporia’s Spartan Stop, Food For Students and the United Way of the Flint Hills during Tuesday’s Talk of Emporia on KVOE. Representing Southwick was Executive Director Cara Codney, who was just coming off the recent groundbreaking of the agency’s new transitional housing facility two weeks ago.
Codney says this was an important step for Southwick as it will help to address a pressing need in the community that has been somewhat absent since the closure of Plumb Place back in 2020. Codney says last month’s groundbreaking came with a lot of excitement, but also a sense of urgency given the recent economic hits the city has taken with last month’s announced Michelin layoffs and the closure of Hopkins Manufacturing.
These job losses have a ripple effect not only on the employees directly impacted, but also on their children, as stated by Food For Students and Spartan Stop Coordinator Heather Wagner. Thankfully, she says she has yet to see these impacts lead to an increase in need for food or hygiene supplies among local students, but unfortunately, she believes it will be coming sooner than later.
While troubling, the development of these economic issues has led to the rollout and evolution of several programs from local agencies, including some direct services that provide assistance for more than just housing and food insecurity, according to United Way Incoming Director Whitney Johnson.
On top of these programs, other longstanding resources are continuing to operate at a high level, namely Abundant Grace, formerly Abundant Harvest, with United Way Outgoing Director Daphne Mertens saying they are seeing a high level of output from the kitchen and an even higher level of involvement from the community since Grace United Methodist took over operations at the start of this year.
On top of the economic pressures, Wagner stated that the end of the school year, which is fast approaching, will only increase the need for assistance, especially when it comes to feeding young residents. With that in mind, she reminded parents that USD 253 Emporia will be starting up its annual free summer meal program for district families early next month.
Meals will be served every day, with some exceptions, June 1-July 31, from 11:30 am to 1 pm at William Allen White Elementary and Emporia Middle School. The first time parents utilize the service, they will need to have their students with them, at which time they will receive a card for the remainder of the summer season, allowing them to pick up lunch and breakfast without their children needing to be present.
In addition to the above-mentioned agencies, services and support are also available through the Salvation Army of Emporia, which provides various resources, including rent and utility assistance, on top of its food pantry.
If you need assistance, you can call the United Way’s 211 service line, which connects residents with essential services and volunteer opportunities.
