April 2019: Working with broken systems.
April 2nd
Last week, four of our Allies and I had disappointing experiences with the systems; specifically, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the Hamilton County Job and Family Services (HCJFS).
There is a very large number of people whom do not have an ID and they often face many barriers trying to get one. Without an ID they cannot get a job. Two Allies needed to get their state ID so they can begin working, neither one had their Social Security card. One had a copy of their ss card and the other had a print out of their lease from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which had their social security number on it. Neither document was accepted, we were told that a certified copy of a school transcript would be acceptable. One Ally got their transcript and we tried again, only to be turned away because the school was not able to include the social security number on the document. The process to receive a new social security card takes about three weeks and requires you to mail in your official birth certificate or your ID. Trying to accomplish this task and then being turned away can leave someone feeling very defeated and still unable to begin working!
The process to apply for and gain food stamps begins with completing a paper or online application. The applicant then gets a letter that has the time and date for a required phone interview. Two Allies completed their applications and I was listed as the authorized representative, consequently the appointment letters are mailed to them and also myself. Three weeks after submitting the applications, our Allies and I received a letter stating the applicant missed their scheduled phone interview. HCJFS DID NOT SEND OUT THE APPOINTMENT LETTER. This is not the only issue I have experienced, in the past, the letters have frequently arrived a day after the appointment time.
Another common problem is very long hold times, even up to two hours, and sometimes getting disconnected! I understand HCJFS is going through a big change in their system but that is no excuse for poor operation of the SNAP benefits program. Many of our Allies and other Hamilton County residents are food insecure and flaws in the system further perpetuate this problem when they obstruct those in need from getting the food stamps they are eligible for.
Right now I see a reoccurring need for:
Hygiene items, toilet paper, feminine protection products
Diapers (any sizes)
Home cleaning supplies, laundry soap
Pest control (traps or poison for mice, roaches or bed bugs)
Space heaters
Blankets, pillows and foam mats(or other easily transported alternatives to a mattress)
Bus pass cards, gas cards
Jobs!!! (I have 6 people that want and need to work.)
Housing (Help paying a security deposit, apartments under $400 a month, help people to apply for subsidized housing)
Vehicle donations
Pledges to cover 1 or more months of car insurance
