FLINT (WJRT) -- (09/01/10) -- A growing number of people need state assistance, and a new initiative in Genesee County is trying to bust myths about welfare.
According to the Department of Human Services, a record number of people need help with money, food, clothes and shelter. The DHS says many of those needing help are people they wouldn't traditionally see. "People who have worked all their lives that are now asking for help. Traditionally, it was more in the urban areas that were coming in for assistance," said Genesee County DHS Director Sheryl Thompson. "Now we're seeing it all over the suburbs. People who really have to humble themselves because they didn't want to come for help."
According to Thompson, 109,000 people are on the state's food assistance program in Genesee County - nearly 1 in 4 residents. That number is up from 80,000 a year ago.
In an effort to reach out to people who need help but are afraid to ask for it, the state is trying to bust the myths about welfare.
Thompson says they are handing out more flyers and posters throughout the county to better educate people and break the myth that welfare is a drain on the system.
"That's helping people to keep jobs. That's helping people, grocery stores stay open," Thompson said. "In turn, they're going to spend money, and we're just trying to let people know it's meant to help."
(Copyright ©2010 WJRT-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
assistance, welfare, state government, local, autumn perry
0 comments
Be the first to make a comment!
(Max. 500 Characters)
abc12.com and its parent and affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted above or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. While we may delete comments and block or take other action against users who we determine at our discretion have violated our rules, we cannot always do so. Please see our Terms of Use for additional policies applicable to these comments.
By commenting, you agree to our Terms of Use.
Sponsored Content
Advertisement
- Crash victims' identities released
- Some local bridges among the worst in the state
- Taser used on Abuelazam during altercation
- Friday marks final day of statewide sex offender sweep
- ABC12 NEWS UPDATE
- New Epic/MRA poll shows latest in gubernatorial race
- Lansing plant to produce new, smaller Cadillacs
- New Super Drunk law goes into effect Saturday night
- Early morning shooting precedes school closure
- Brewery offers a sweeter 'beer'
- MoneySaver: Halloween candy tips
- Survey: Economic outlook gloomy
- Forbes ranks Midland high on family list
- Young women aging out of foster care now have new home
MORE: MOST POPULAR | TALKIN' FOOTBALL
More on abc12.com
-
Most Popular
- Most Viewed StoriesMost Viewed VideoMost Viewed Photos
Advertisement