Hailey
Many families in Emporia, Kansas are going through a tough time. As jobs disappear and prices rise, more and more people are turning to help from United Way of the Flint Hills. This organization is seeing a big increase in people needing food, rent, utility help, and more. But what’s causing this sudden rise in need?
Rising Unemployment in Emporia
The unemployment rate in Emporia has gone up recently. One reason for this is that big companies like Michelin and Tyson have shut down or laid off workers. These job losses have left many families without a steady income.
According to Daphne Reed Mertens, the Executive Director of United Way, these job cuts are pushing more people to seek help.
“We hear some of those stories and a lot of it does have to do with our recent layoffs and closures of businesses that has put people in tough situations,” she said.
Many families are now unable to pay their rent, utility bills, or even buy groceries. That’s where United Way steps in to help.
What Services Are in High Demand?
There has been a big jump in requests for the following services:
- Rent and mortgage assistance
- Utility bill assistance
- Food assistance
- Help with homelessness
These basic needs are what many families are struggling with the most.
It’s Not Just the Layoffs
While job cuts are a major reason, they aren’t the only one. United Way was already seeing more people asking for help before the Michelin and Tyson layoffs. Another issue might be the low minimum wage in the area.
“It’s really difficult for people to afford any quality housing in our area based on the minimum wage,” said Reed Mertens.
She explained that even people with jobs are struggling to cover basic costs. Because of this, more people are now homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Homelessness on the Rise
One of the most worrying trends is the rise in homelessness. More people are living without stable homes, and the number continues to grow. This makes United Way’s services even more important.
The lack of affordable housing and low-paying jobs are making it hard for people to stay afloat.
2-1-1 Hotline Becomes a Lifeline
One of the most useful tools United Way offers is the 2-1-1 hotline. This phone service helps people find the help they need. Whether someone needs food, shelter, or health services, the hotline connects them to local resources in their city or county.
This hotline has become a lifeline for many families, especially during these hard times.
How United Way Gets Its Funds
Most of the money that United Way of the Flint Hills uses comes from:
- Workplace campaigns
- Community donations
- Grants
Because the need is growing, the organization is asking more people to support them. Even small donations or volunteering time can make a big difference.
How You Can Help
If you want to make a difference, there are two main ways to help:
- Donate through the United Way website.
- Volunteer your time to support local services.
Even a little bit of help can change someone’s life during tough times.
More people in Emporia, Kansas, are turning to United Way of the Flint Hills because they’re struggling with job losses, low wages, and rising living costs. With increased need for food, rent, and utility assistance, services like United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline are more important than ever. Whether it’s because of layoffs at big companies like Tyson and Michelin or the city’s stagnant minimum wage, many families are facing serious challenges. If you’re in a position to help, consider donating or volunteering. Together, we can support those in our community who need it most.