By Rod Rowe
The need for food and shelter in Elkhart County is not going away, but a new grant will help provide those necessities.
According to the United Way of Elkhart County, local agencies will share in a grant of more than $238,000 to supplement area emergency food and shelter programs this spring through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board.
The board is charged with the distribution of funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
A local board responsible for overseeing how the funds are spent includes representatives of United Way, the American Red Cross, LaCasa, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, local government and citizens.
Larry Gautsche, director of LaCasa, explained that he and Rebecca Gascho sit on the board that will help distribute the funds. LaCasa will not receive any of the grant funds, though.
“I’m sure the dollars are certainly needed and will be well-received,” Gautsche said.
He said that LaCasa, a housing and social services agency, does not distribute food. However, The Window in Goshen is responsible for Meals on Wheels, the local hot meals program and has a food pantry.
“We received some of these funds last year and I was wondering if there would be more,” said Ed Swartley, executive director of The Window, when told of the announcement. He said the staff at The Window has seen a huge need recently and has increased the amount of food given to families by 15 to 20 pounds per delivery.
“It’s not letting up. Some people have run out of unemployment benefits,” Swartley said Friday.
The Window provides a box of food for 275 to 300 families per month. The Window’s Katie’s Kitchen on Main Street feeds 50 to 75 people daily and Meals on Wheels provides lunch to about 50 home-bound people daily, according to Swartley.
Some people contribute to The Window by paying something for their lunches. The Window accepts donations from people and organizations across the community.
In Elkhart County, grant funds have been provided in the past to Susanna’s Kitchen, United Cancer Services, Salvation Army in Elkhart and Goshen, Family Services, Family Christian Development Center, Council on Aging and the Harvest Basket program at United Labor Agency, according to the United Way release.
Qualifying organizations are urged to apply for funds. Applications may be obtained by contacting Darren Bickel at United Way at (574) 295-1650. Completed applications should be returned to United Way by April 19.
