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Onslow County DSS expands outreach: worker visits libraries and community centers to assist with benefits
Summary
An outreach worker from Onslow County Department of Social Services described visiting branches and community centers to help residents apply for food assistance, energy programs, Medicaid and childcare and offered phone and drop-in options.
Tricia Kendrick, an outreach worker with the Onslow County Department of Social Services (DSS), described in a county media interview how economic-services staff are taking services into the community to reduce travel and access barriers for residents who need assistance with food, energy, Medicaid and childcare benefits.
Kendrick said she was the county’s first outreach worker in economic services and detailed a schedule of regular locations where residents can seek in-person help without appointments: Jacksonville Main Library (Doris) every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Richlands Community Outreach Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; and one day a week in Swansboro. She said no appointment is required and that staff can accept documents, scan them and route them to the appropriate program worker.
Kendrick identified current service pressures: “food insecurity is a big issue,” she said, and added that energy bills are a strain during winter. She said the county’s crisis energy program was out of funding at the time of the interview but that LIAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) applications were open through the end of March and that she can accept applications at outreach locations.
On contact details, Kendrick gave her direct line as 910-219-4942 and asked residents to leave voice mail when she is at outreach. She emphasized the outreach role as a conduit for people who otherwise cannot travel to the central CHS building in Jacksonville and noted staff flexibility for working residents who need evening or later assistance at the library.
No new policy or funding allocations were announced in the segment; the discussion was explanatory about outreach schedules, services covered and how residents can submit required documents.
