Family and food resource centers gearing up for influx of families in need in 2022
DELMARVA – As families head into 2022, one thing they’re not taking is a child tax credit. While some may be alright without the extra financial cushion, some Delmarva organizations say, they’re already seeing an uptick in families needing help. “It’s important for us to help them, to help encourage them, to let them know that there is help there, that they’re not alone,” says Dr. Leshell Dennis, with Absolutely Flawless Women.
Dr. Dennis tells us, they’ve been able to help women and single families with rental assistance, house bills, food, clothing, and anything to get them by during this difficult time. “We’re trying to connect with the food bank and different agencies to get us out there to reach more families,” says Dr. Dennis.
She says, this year alone, the organization has fed more than 300,000 people. Dr. Dennis tells us, to accommodate the number of women and their families in need in 2022, they’re in the process of purchasing a larger building to provide more resources. “We’re just excited about helping women to change and be better in their lives.”
The Delaware Food Bank is also planning for a rush of families in need of a helping hand. “We know families that are struggling to try to figure out what to do, so if we can be there to help and provide assistance for those who so desperately need it then that’s what we want to do,” says Chad Robinson, Director of External Affairs with the Food Bank of Delaware says, he’s seen first hand the dramatic impact the pandemic has had on local families.
Losing the child tax credit may not be the end of the world, but it could make the food bank’s job a bit tougher in the coming year. “As we try to navigate, all those things, again we’re just trying to make sure that we’re thinking through all those potential needs that folks might have,” says Robinson.
Robinson and Dr. Dennis both say, they’re not sure what 2022 will bring, but one thing they do know is that they’ll never stop being there for Delmarva’s most vulnerable communities. “We know that for so many families, we know that the road to recovery will not be short, so we want to make sure that folks get on that road as quickly as they can,” says Robinson.
Dr. Dennis also tells us their organization is looking to open a pre-school or academy with 24-hour care.
Both Robinson and Dr. Ennis also say they’re always looking for donations, especially to prepare for 2022.
