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Drop-in center struggles with staffing and benefits access as state contract lags
Summary
The Park County drop-in center reported a staff vacancy, reliance on volunteers, delayed state contract and difficulties helping clients with SNAP and other benefits following program changes and Maximus account transitions.
At the March meeting of the Park County Local Advisory Council, Jenny Jo, who oversees the drop-in center, reported the program has lost its peer support specialist to parental leave and will rely on volunteers until state reimbursements and an executed contract arrive.
"We're not gonna hire another peer support specialist until we start getting reimbursements from the state because it's taking up to nine months to get reimbursements once the contract's signed and the contract still isn't signed," Jenny Jo said. She said the center currently staffs Mondays and Fridays with two volunteers and relies on volunteers for Wednesdays.
Jenny Jo listed three volunteers who are currently helping at the center: Barb Marshall (registered nurse), Cassie Rogers (volunteer advocate), and Sarah Homans (local artist and volunteer). Emma Wynn volunteered to build a website for the drop-in center.
Members discussed operational challenges helping clients apply for benefits. Speakers said SNAP applications are showing technical problems for many clients, including missing email records and confusing login behavior; a representative reported spending long periods on hold with state systems. One participant said that Maximus — a contractor handling certain benefits processes — has taken over accounts, complicating applications and follow-up.
Jenny Jo noted programmatic limits tied to reimbursements and said the center will not expand paid staff until the state contract and reimbursements are in place. She proposed sharing a volunteer signup link in the meeting minutes; members agreed that would be added.
Legal and technical assistance is available on a limited basis: Montana Legal Services attends the drop-in center about once a month to assist with SNAP, Medicaid and other benefits, but members said that single day of service does not meet demand.
The group confirmed a local partnership with the Livingston Food Resource Center for regular food deliveries and freezer support for meals at the drop-in center. Members praised that partnership as a key resource while benefits and staffing challenges persist.
No formal motions were made regarding hiring or funding; the council asked members to continue outreach and to add the volunteer sign-up link to the minutes.
