When you're hungry, you eat. When you're cold, you turn up the thermostat or build a fire in the stove. That is what the majority of us do. Sadly, this isn't the case for nearly 60,000 people in Wyoming, 1 in 8 of whom are children.
It's hard to believe, but there are people in Wyoming facing the trade-off between food and heat. This dilemma has the potential to result in worsening the quality of diet for people who are already suffering, prolonging illness and in the case of the elderly, could lead to serious consequences. Most will suffer in silence, bound to their beds or sofas wearing coats and layers of clothing, often they will not welcome visitors because of their embarrassment.
Many people already struggle to pay high heating bills in the winter, but this winter has been particularly stressful. Coupled with closed roads, shortages at the grocery stores and an unusually brutal winter, even those that never faced this struggle, are now feeling the bite. Energy insecurity is a result of lack of money and worsened by poor energy efficiency; the more inefficient, the more expensive it is to heat a home. High energy conservation is a coping strategy used by the poor along with turning on ovens, stoves, or space heaters to supplement heating. Old, inefficient or non-working heat sources are also a common thread among those needing help. Energy insecurity is also associated with poor sleep quality, mental strain and respiratory illness. Cold stress is also connected to heart issues and a decline in neurological function.
Charitable programs are unable to fully support those facing hunger. The combination of charity and government assistance programs are necessary to help bridge the gap.
The need for help with heating and food leave people feeling low, some feel like failures because they just can't cope. Working at the food bank has revealed a section of the population to me that I wasn't completely aware of. I am surprised at how many people are barely keeping their heads above water, but don't want to seek help, especially in this small community, due to the stigma associated with the need for assistance.
After investigating the programs available in Wyoming for people struggling with providing heat and food for themselves and their families I wanted to share the resources I found available right now.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Foods available through SNAP include fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; dairy products; breads and cereals; other foods such as snack food and non-alcoholic beverages; and seeds and plants that allow a household to produce their own food. This program is available through the Department of Family Services.
Food banks are available in Saratoga and Encampment. The food bank in Saratoga is open the first Tuesday 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Clare's Cupboard is on the porch of the Agape House at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. There is also a Giving tree filled with socks, knit hats, personal hygiene items and even dog treats. The Coat Tree out front provides coats for those in need. The Encampment Food pantry is accessible by calling 307-327-5331.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was spurred into existence during the global energy crisis of the 1970s and 1980s. This program provides payment assistance for income-eligible households and delivers emergency relief when households face a disconnection threat, shut off or at risk of running out of fuel. It is a critical lifeline, yet few actually receive help, or ask for it. To apply call 800-246-4221 for an application to be sent to you, or you can go online and apply. LIEAP will help fix your furnace if you own your home. If you are a renter, contact your landlord immediately.
Call Wyoming 211 referral service if you need more help.
Please notice your neighbor. You don't have to be nosey, just offer help. Let them know they aren't alone in this thing we call life.
Reader Comments(0)