Rock Island Senior Center Faces Growing Demand for Meals Amid Funding Struggles
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Rock Island County Senior Center reports an alarming demand for its meal program, currently facing a waitlist of 117 seniors in need. Serving 814 seniors during the last fiscal year in collaboration with Project Now, the center is grappling with a significant increase in requests for assistance.
Amy Fortney, representing the senior center, highlighted the pressing need, stating, "There’s such a great need for it. We can’t accommodate everyone, unfortunately." During the COVID-19 pandemic, meal provisions surged, yet with the cessation of emergency funding, the program struggles to meet ongoing demands from the community. Fortney noted receiving 4 to 10 daily inquiries from seniors desperately seeking help, often encountering them during her travels.
The situation extends beyond Rock Island, attracting the attention of lawmakers in Springfield, where concerns are surfacing regarding similar struggles statewide. In response, Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie has introduced legislation aimed at reallocating $25 million from the Department of Human Services to bolster the Home Delivered Meals Program under the Department of Aging. McCombie defended his proposal, asserting that priority should be given to seniors before allocating resources to other programs for newcomers.
The proposed bill, HB5911, has garnered several cosponsors but faces uncertainty in the Democrat-controlled legislature. Compounding the issue is the discrepancy between the fiscal years of the state and federal governments, which has led to overstretched resources for local agencies.
If approved, the funding could provide much-needed support to local seniors like Fred Cersnetisch, who shared, "It really helps us out a lot." Meanwhile, Fortney remains dedicated to her role, emphasizing the familial bonds formed through her daily service amidst the ongoing challenges. The Rock Island Senior Center anticipates a $150,000 shortfall in funding next year, not accounting for those on the extensive waitlist.
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