Bracing for shutdown aftershocks, Holyoke readies for wave of need
HOLYOKE — Holyoke is bracing for ripple effects from the ongoing federal shutdown, prepping to help residents with food, heat and other basic but essential needs, Mayor Joshua A. Garcia said Wednesday.
As SNAP benefits change or end for many residents because of new must-work policies and a cut in federal aid, the mayor also announced a new city food initiative, to help boost the supply for those who otherwise would go hungry. SNAP is the program that replaced food stamps.
Holyoke happens to be the No. 2 largest SNAP recipient in the state, with 43.3% of its residents receiving the monthly food aid.
The average household in Holyoke makes less than $27,000 a year, the mayor said. He asked residents to think about what that means for these Pioneer Valley families. Some families have little-to-no heating fuel, Garcia said; it should be treated as a state emergency, he said.
He warned residents not to use unsafe heaters indoors, and asked them to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. He also encouraged people to contact the Valley Opportunity Council for help.
Federal workers who missed paychecks might qualify for unemployment or emergency aid. Garcia said they should call the mayor's office for help.
The mayor spoke at a morning press conference at the city's Office for Community Development to address these shutdown-related needs, as well as the financial state of the city, which recently drew the scrutiny of the commonwealth.
Election Day is Tuesday; the mayor is unopposed, but some City Council seats are up for grabs in a taut political atmosphere.
Helping families, seniors
Garcia announced the new initiative that he called " No 1 Hungry ." It will be posted on the city's website and include information about food pantries and community meals.
Alicia Zoeller, the director of the Office for Community Development, is helping to lead Holyoke's response efforts. Zoeller said the city is working to remedy what she called a growing food crisis.
A survey for food providers is now available on the mayor's webpage. The city wants to create a full list of places offering free meals.
Zoeller said even small groups — like churches that serve lunch once a month — should respond. The city might also buy food in bulk to help providers lower costs.
"Everything is expensive these days," Zoeller said. "There's no shame in reaching out. These programs are funded by taxpayers — including the people who need them."
Food drive, school meals
Tim Rivers, director of Holyoke's Health Department, announced a citywide food drive that will run through Dec. 31. Donation boxes will be placed at city offices, fire and police stations, and polling places. People who donate can enter a prize drawing every two weeks.
The Holyoke school district serves about 3,500 breakfasts and lunches each day. Superintendent Anthony Soto said the district is ready to expand those programs.
"Our teachers and staff are working hard to support students," Soto said. "When kids need help, we connect them with the right resources."
The district also runs a "backpack program" that sends ready-to-eat meals home with about 300 students each week. That number might grow if the shutdown continues.
Supporting veterans, seniors
Holyoke will continue assisting veterans during the shutdown. Services funded through a Community Development Block Grant will stay operational, including help with health and finances.
The city also is making sure older adults have access to food. The Senior Center and Council on Aging offer weekday meals and monthly grocery deliveries. Zoeller said the city is working to expand food delivery for homebound seniors.
"There's no reason older residents should go without," she said.
Emergency fund and a call for political unity
City Treasurer Rory Casey said Holyoke is planning an emergency fund to help during future crises. The city hopes to start with $100,000 and grow the fund to $1 million, using interest and donations.
"We want to show people that their local government cares," Casey said.
A set of resolutions to establish the fund will be presented to the full City Council during its next few meetings, Casey said.
Garcia acknowledged Holyoke's financial missteps , past disagreements with the City Council, and the failure of a $1 million public safety plan. He said he and emergency response teams won't propose anything unrealistic.
"There are opportunities," Garcia said. "It just depends on the appetite of the City Council."
He said he's willing to meet with councilors one-on-one to explain the pros and cons of his proposals. But once public meetings begin, he said, the outcome is in their hands.
He added that government is meant to solve problems and help people. "We have neighbors in need," he said.
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