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General Assistance reports heavy demand, new staff hire eases backlog
Summary
General Assistance reported a busy July–September quarter, processing 128 applications in July and handling substantial financial requests totaling more than $200,000; the office added a new staff member in late September and staff said they will examine eligibility criteria and other program improvements.
Erin Reewertz, who presented the General Assistance quarterly report to the board, said the office processed 128 applications in July and carried an operating deficit through May into the peak rental-turnover period. “We did process a 128 applications in July,” Reewertz said.
Reewertz told supervisors the office added a new staff member, Veil McDougall, on Sept. 29, which provided immediate operational relief. She said the office plans to review eligibility criteria and other procedures once staffing stabilizes.
Supervisors expressed concern about the scale of need in Story County. One supervisor noted the quarter’s requests exceeded $200,000 and described the level of demand as alarming given Story County’s relative affluence. Reewertz said partner groups and events such as landlord roundtables have been useful and that some USDA employees have been furloughed during the federal shutdown, increasing need for immediate assistance.
Ending: Reewertz said she will pursue data and eligibility reviews, and the board voiced appreciation for the staff’s work under sustained demand.
