HOUSTON – Concerns regarding SNAP benefits not being disbursed are becoming more frequent, according to Carl Johart, CEO of Alexander Jewish Family Services.
Johart says he and his team have heard the concerns growing 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 Johart.
SNAP questions are intensifying every day of the shutdown but Johart says he and his team weeks ago researched the federal bill resulting in the shutdown and already have been preparing for it, “So we were already doing some planning for how would we deal with maybe a reduction in funding,” said Johart.
According to Johart. the preparations did not factor in a government shutdown, which is having deeper cuts than expected involving SNAP benefits. Due to the shutdown, Johart said Houstonians are calling in not only with questions but also misinformation.
The team at Alexander JFS have been collaborating with other organizations to share information learned in order 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 Johart.