More Abilenians calling United Way for help as shutdown drags on

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The United Way of Abilene has seen a 10% increase in calls for help in the past week. The rise comes as the November 1 deadline approaches for SNAP recipients who are expected to lose benefits this month amid the ongoing government shutdown.

United Way of Abilene’s Chief Development Officer, Katie Deal, said the most recent requests are for food aid. One of the center’s goals is to alleviate financial challenges where they can, and Deal shared that helping with a light bill or rent puts more money in the individual’s budget for groceries. A relief that Deal shared is affecting many right now.

“We have gainfully employed federal employees who are going to work every day but are not receiving a paycheck. With that comes the increased stress of ‘How am I going to cover my mortgage this month? How am I going to cover my car payments?’ There are programs available for them that our generous community has provided and that we are able to use. The best thing that anyone can do is call 211,” Deal explained.

However, the Abilene 211 Call Center Manager, Lynn Jackson, said that increased calls do come with a fair share of challenges. Jackson outlined how not every situation they come across can be solved easily, or even at all, and that, at times, those situations can be the most frustrating part of the job.

“Sometimes when you hear those stories, when they begin initially and you know that it is above the scope of what we actually can do, and you have to take a moment to debrief. Just take a big breath and say, I did the best I could with that situation,” said Jackson.

Jackson added that among the increase, they have seen individuals in unfamiliar territory trying their best to navigate their situation due to the government shutdown.

“We are seeing a high number of first-time callers. People who have never called before are calling 211 because of what is happening in our economy due to the shutdown of the government, and then just trying to survive,” Jackson shared.

Chief Development Officer Deal added that United Way of Abilene is constantly working to develop new partner relationships to increase aid. She and her partners will continue to do everything they can to serve those seeking United Way of Abilene for assistance.

“That’s our job, to pull the caring power of West Central Texas together, to create a plan to help provide a safety net for our community during this time.”