Press Release 2-3-09

For immediate release

TO: News Desk, Assignment Editor

FR: Ron Hardin, Communications Manager

SNAP

2116 E. First Avenue, Spokane WA 99202

509-456-7111 ext.242; hardin@snapwa.org

Cell phone 993-7143

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Concerns voiced over elimination of GAU Programs

Proposed budget cuts to a general assistance program serving adults will significantly impact homelessness and will be devastating to the community, according to a representative who oversees SNAP’s Homeless Program.

These programs, funded by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, pay for housing and healthcare to vulnerable people who are unemployable. Monthly payments to eligible person are $339 plus healthcare benefits.

“Loss of this program will create more homelessness, criminal activity, vagrancy and overuse of emergency rooms,” according to SNAP Senior Family Development Specialist Bob Peeler. “This will just be another barrier to our goal of reducing the number of people on the streets without shelter and healthcare.”

Numerous recipients of GAU funding live in SNAP operated rental housing. Should they lose their benefits and be unable to pay their rent, there would be no other alternative to eviction, forcing them live on the street. Most of them have little or no other income and are so disabled they are unemployable.

This will cause additional burden to shelter facilities like the House of Charity, St. Margaret’s and the Union Gospel Mission.

Recent statistics show about 1,400 recipients of GAU funding in Spokane County. Most of them are single with physical or mental challenges.

Qualified recipients of GAU funding receive case management, referral for medical treatment, chemical dependency assessment and vocational rehabilitation programs.

INTERVIEWS WITH BOB PEELER CAN BE ARRANGED THROUGH RON HARDIN

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About SNAP: SNAP connects and provides access to resources which creates opportunities, with dignity, for low income people.