The Emergency Food & Shelter Program board had some tough decisions to make Wednesday afternoon when it came to the allocation of more than $25,000 in funds to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in Lyon County.
The board met at the Emporia Public Library Wednesday afternoon to determine how to allocate the money, a total of $25,129. There were five organizations the board allocated the money to — SOS, LCREF, ECKAN, United Way of the Flint Hills and the Emporia Rescue Mission, which includes the Abundant Harvest Soup Kitchen.
Discussion turned to Lee Alderman of the Emporia Rescue Mission and a board member during the meeting. The $3,921 allocation would be a drop in the bucket, Alderman said, however it would make a difference, especially in light of a $50,000 funding cut, which is 33 percent of their budget. The cut was made in December and is due to the economy, Alderman said. The $3,921 allocation would cover about three months of the Abundant Harvest soup kitchen’s utility bills, Alderman said.
“I think what is happening is point blank, the economy dropped,” he said. “It was just a blow to us. It was unexpected.”
Alderman said the Rescue Mission runs month to month and they pay what they can with the money they have.
Last year the board voted to allocate the money by percentages. Board members voted unanimously to use the same percentages. The board discussed whether to adjust the percentages in light of the Rescue Mission’s funding cut, but opted not to after realizing that cuts to budgets are across the board in the agencies.
“The pinch is being felt pretty much down the line,” said Board Member Mike Watkins of the United Way.
The allocations are as follows:
• SOS: 24 percent, $6,200
• LCREF: 39 percent, $10,000
• ECKAN: 19.7 percent, $5,000
• Emporia Rescue Mission: 15.3 percent, $3,921
• United Way: 2.9 percent, $513
Happiness09 (anonymous) says...
How about if we take some of that surplus tax money the Emporia City Commission is trying so hard to get rid of and donate it to these facilities?
January 8, 2009 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Free4all (anonymous) says...
And we gave who a raise?...oh I'm sorry. Who voted themselves a raise?
January 8, 2009 at 6:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
The COUNTY commissioners did, but I'm sure the city commission raise is upcoming.
January 8, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )