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DeSoto council weighs widening eligibility for Helping Hands emergency aid
Summary
City staff proposed broadening eligibility for the Helping Hands of DeSoto program after data showed only 10 of 64 applicants qualified under shutdown-specific rules; council asked staff to return with outreach, fund-split and applicant-makeup details before deciding.
Dr. Esther Williams, the city’s director of community services and external affairs, told the DeSoto City Council on Feb. 26 that the Helping Hands relief program launched for residents on Jan. 21 and was created as a temporary, city-funded safety net for people affected by the federal government shutdown, SNAP reductions, furloughs and related job losses. "So as of February 5, 64 total applications have been received, 10 total were approved," Williams said, adding that seven approved requests were for rent or mortgage assistance and three were SNAP-related vouchers. She reported roughly $34,042.62 had been expended to date.
Williams said the city contracted Found A Way Foundation to accept applications, track applicants and report weekly service counts. She told the council staff is recommending authorizing the city manager to amend eligibility to…
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