Houston organizations prepare to help families affected by SNAP benefit pause while also combating misinformation
Concerns regarding SNAP benefits not being disbursed are becoming more frequent, according to Carl Johart, CEO of Alexander Jewish Family Services.
Concerns regarding SNAP benefits not being disbursed are becoming more frequent, according to Carl Josehart, CEO of Alexander Jewish Family Services.
Josehart says he and his team have heard the growing concerns of late as a result of the government shutdown.
“We are getting a lot of phone calls with questions and concerns, and worries about what’s about to happen,” said Josehart.
SNAP questions are intensifying every day of the shutdown, but Josehart says he and his team started researching the federal bill resulting in the shutdown in preparation for it weeks ago.
“So, we were already doing some planning for how we would deal with maybe a reduction in funding,” said Josehart.
According to Josehart, the preparations did not factor in a government shutdown, which is having deeper cuts than expected involving SNAP benefits.
Due to the shutdown, Josehart said Houstonians are calling in not only with questions but also with misinformation.
The team at Alexander JFS has been collaborating with other organizations to share information learned to provide the best information and services in the days ahead.
“Many of my colleagues are hearing very much the same thing. Their phones are ringing off the hook, people are concerned, we’re working very, very hard to stay in close contact with other non-profits in the community so that as we know where there are resources, we can most effectively make those connections and get people as quickly as possible to the help they need,” said Josehart.
