More elderly and disabled people are in need.
At a resource fair Jan. 25 in Port Orchard, Roland Arper, a member of Kitsap Project Connect, said, “We’re seeing an older population this year and much more of those with greater medical needs. We have more this year already with multiple people in wheelchairs and walkers and mobility issues.”
Dozens of people seeking free and reduced services walked in the doors of the Port Orchard United Methodist Church, where they were greeted by representatives of a variety of local, county and statewide organizations that assist low-income and homeless people and families.
Arper said he’s seen an increase in the number of elderly and disabled people using services such as the emergency weather shelter operated out of the church.
Susan Schultheis said while waiting to get her COVID shot that even though she feels blessed, the money is always short these days. “I was very fortunate that I got into Orchard Bluff, which is absolutely wonderful. If I had to try to do it with my minimal retirement and my social security, I don’t know where I would be.”
Wanda Young, 60, said she is not homeless but struggling to keep a roof over her head, a struggle she feels was created by county programs that don’t meet people on their level. “Don’t make me run to every freaking place to get something,” she said. “It feels like I got to fight for crumbs sometimes.”
Housing and homelessness division specialist Cory Derenburger said the fairs, which operate in conjunction with the county’s annual Point-In-Time Count, play an important part in jump-starting conversations with those seeking crucial living assistance. “They are able to come meet somebody in person where they live at,” he said. “I mean, we try to make sure that we’ve got the fairs around the county in the north, central and south parts.”
Jennifer Hardison with South Kitsap Helpline called it an important day for the educational aspect of her job, whether it be communicating with those in need or filling in the gaps with the other 45 or so vendors in attendance. “It’s about coming out and letting people know that we have food resources that can really help,” she said. “People have said they know about us so far, so that is some great news.”
The state Department of Licensing was a new service at the fairs highlighted by Derenburger, issuing identification cards for state IDs and driver’s licenses. People are also coming for the free vaccine clinic through Kitsap Public Health District for COVID, flu and child immunizations, he added.
Derenburger said while he can’t attest to what any organization does for its clients, a great place to start is calling 211, a phone line used to connect people to community resources. “If they’re having difficulties getting services, different agencies have their different programs that they offer,” he said.
