The Salvation Army and Family Service have doubled the amount of distributed emergency food packages in recent weeks due to the government shutdown.
SAN ANTONIO — While the federal government shutdown hits its fourth week, several San Antonio families are feeling the financial strain, including those relying on federal paychecks. Meantime, across the city, local organizations are stepping up to provide relief and hope during these uncertain times.
Carlos Gomez, a federal employee and father of a large family, said the past month has been stressful, but he’s being strong.
“I tell people, don’t ever be ashamed to ask for help,” Gomez said. “We’re not getting our paycheck. Whether the government is shutdown or not, bills need to get paid.”
To help meet that growing need, the Presa Community Center on the city’s south side – once on the verge of closing its doors, has found new life through Family Service, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in crisis.
Richard Davidson, chief operating officer with Family Service, noted demand for their emergency food pantry has doubled in recent weeks.
“Every month, we serve on average between 360 and 425 families,” Davidson said. “We really look for that number to go even higher with SNAP and WIC stopping their services starting in November.”
For more on assistance provided by Family Service, check this link – https://family-service.org/presa-community-center/
The Salvation Army of San Antonio is also seeing a surge in need, going from supplying a dozen emergency food bags a day to 25. In recent months, the organization has experienced cuts in some federal assistance. At the same time, the nonprofit has seen an increase in clients needing help that goes beyond just food.
“Non-perishable items, we have cereals, rice, beans, canned goods,” said Brad Mayhar, public relations with the Salvation Army. “Now it’s really limited a lot of the funding we receive for these emergency food bags. We’re also seeing more clients asking for help with utility assistance.”
To learn more about aid available and how to volunteer with the Salvation Army, go here – https://salvationarmysanantonio.org/san-antonio/
Meanwhile, downtown nonprofit Corazon San Antonio is providing daily hot meals for both the homeless and families affected by the shutdown at the Travis Park United Methodist Church from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. People are encouraged to RSVP by filling out an online form – https://corazonsa.wufoo.com/forms/z104wqqb0pb2lnk/
“Anybody is welcome, pull up, and our team will love on you and provide you a hot meal,” said Morgan Handley, vice president of programming with Corazon SA. “We see it as an example to show people what unconditional love in action looks like to give them a glimpse of hope during difficult times.”