Garry Foley has construction work experience, but hasn't been able to land a full-time job.
So, the Amelia father of four is earning food stamps for his family by working 30 hours a week in the Clermont County Office of Adult, Child and Family Stability – the agency that processes food stamp applications.
"To be given food stamps and financial aid – just to keep a roof over my kids' heads – is killing me," Foley said Wednesday.
Foley is not alone.
More and more people are applying for or continuing to need food stamps in Southwestern Ohio, but they're being served by fewer and fewer workers because of state budget cuts and a hiring freeze.
The increase from January 2008 to January 2009 has been significant.
The number of recipients is up 31% in both Butler and Warren counties, 16% in Hamilton County and 19% in Clermont County.
"With the downturn in the economy, nothing surprises me at this point," said Crystal Patrick, Clermont County ACFS director. "That number steadily increases every month and has been for the last two years."
Clermont County has lost three case managers through attrition and they won't be replaced.
Patrick said that puts extra pressure on the 38 case managers who remain and must handle anywhere from 290 to 500 cases.
"Managing the ongoing caseload has been increasingly difficult," Patrick added.
Case manager Don Griffin echoed that sentiment by saying, "It's quite challenging."
Griffin said he's noticed a lot of new faces among the clients he serves because of layoffs and downsizing.
"We're seeing career people – people who have been in jobs for 20 years or more," he said. "We ask if they expect to be called back and almost all the time the answer is, 'No.'"
Most people Griffin sees will quality for food stamp assistance, but there are times when he's unable to help.
"It's frustrating not only for them, but for us as well," Griffin continued. "I leave here thankful I've got a job and thankful I'm able to help people who need it."
Patrick has instituted a major policy change to streamline the application process.
She's changed from a slotted system to one where clients can walk in and get help.
In the past, people seeking assistance visited her office and were given an appointment within the following two-week period.
Now, they can apply on one day and likely begin receiving aid a day later.
"They could come in for their interview the very next day at 7:30 a.m. –and if they bring all their identification with them – they would be approved the same day," Patrick stated.
While he'd rather be working 40 hours a week somewhere, Foley said he will do whatever it takes to care for his wife and children.
"I like to at least earn what I get," he said. "It's not a whole lot, but it beats a 'blank.'"
Benefits depend upon the number of people living in a household and their income.
An individual with no money coming in might quality for $176 a month for food stamps.
For a family of four in the same predicament, the value would be $1,058 a month.
