The number of individuals in Worth County taking commodities under the Community Services program rose sharply to 232 in April, up from 202 in March. 104 families took commodities in April, up from 99 in March. 50 people took senior boxes in April, up from 50 in March. Worth County had more people take advantage of the program for families and individuals than Atchison, Gentry, or Holt Counties. This was part of the reports that were given to the Community Services board during their regular meeting Wednesday night.
Community Services held three poverty simulations, including one at Worth County School. They all went successfully.
Target enrollment for the Worth County Head Start for next school year is 15. Census data shows that there are around 13 children under the age of 5 living in poverty in Worth County. Head Start estimates that there are 9 returnees and three prospective enrollees for next year. They plan to use over-income children to meet their goal of enrolling 15. The Worth County school system's preschool program plans to serve 10 for the next school year. The Assembly of God Church operates a child care program in Grant City; they report serving 20 children. The large majority are over-income for the Head Start program.
The majority of families served in Worth County own their own vehicle, obtain their own insurance, and have a valid driver's license. The biggest obstacle throughout the five-county area is the cost of fuel to travel. The cost of fuel has risen from around $2.89/gallon last fall to around $3.39/gallon after the outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine.
Community Services weatherized four homes in April and three in May. The goal is to do one more in June to expend all funds.
There are 122 on the Section 8 Housing roll, with 16 vouchers on the street and 8 who have been sent vouchers. Viability of construction of rental homes was a factor in the low number of rentals. Community Services is in the process of determining whether a grant to address this is feasible.
Three Home Sealers projects for the USDA are planned towards the end of June.
Funding levels for 2014-2015 for certain programs are up in the air for Community Services programs. While CSBG, Head Start, and LIHEAP programs are secure, the Weatherization funding is up in the air. Community Services has received $22,097 in Utilcare money. This is to help pay for winter and summer utility bills for clients. There was a waiting list after they ran out of energy assistance in March due to the extreme weather fluctuations last winter.
Worth County's Head Start enrollment was 15 in April, down one from March.
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