By Sharon Salyer
Herald Writer
In a time when many hunger and housing programs are facing budget cutbacks, 14 area groups are getting a much-needed booster shot — almost $355,000 from the federal government.
This is an increase of about $3,000 over what the federal government distributed in Snohomish County last year for the programs.
Representatives of area social service groups said not having to face further budget cutbacks at a time when the uncertain local and national economies have already forced cutbacks is welcome news.
"We’ll be thankful if we’re not cut any more," said Virginia Sprague, who runs the food distribution center at Volunteers of America, which helps stock 19 area food banks.
"We’re not looking at more dollars, but keeping our fingers crossed not to be hit too badly with future cuts," she said of how area food programs are viewing this year’s budget climate.
Volunteers of America received the most federal money — slightly more than $181,000 — for food and shelter programs that in some cases will be shared among a number of social service agencies.
The Salvation Army, Pathways for Women YWCA, the Tulalip Tribes, Lutheran Social Services, the Center for Battered Women, ARC of Snohomish County and Housing Hope are among those that will receive part of the nearly $103,000 from the federal government designated for rent and mortgage assistance, said Cynthia Moreno Tuohy, who assists homeless families at Volunteers of America.
The money is used for one-time assistance, she said, so it can be spread among the most people, rather than helping fewer families that may be several months behind in their rent. It addition, clients usually are asked to chip in money of their own.
"It’s basically to get a foot up financially," Moreno Tuohy said. "Oftentimes, they’ve gotten into a bad situation or laid off, and it’s not their fault. It’s just one of those situations that occur in life. They need assistance to get through it."
Local social service organizations help needy applicants write up budget plans to help them avoid or help plan for a future financial crisis that could leave them without housing money.
Last year, the federal government provided $96,000 for these emergency rent and mortgage assistance programs, she said, which helped several hundred people.
"We try to prevent eviction so they’re not out on the street," Moreno Tuohy said. "We want to curb homelessness as much as possible."
Volunteers of America also received nearly $63,000 to help stock the shelves of 19 food banks throughout Snohomish County. Sprague said she will use the money to purchase meat and food in bulk.
The organization also will receive $15,600 for emergency shelter programs to assist the homeless.
You can call Herald Writer Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486 or send an e-mail to
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