Safety-Net Groups Warn Of Growing Food Insecurity

South Bay nonprofits that help families pay rent, keep utilities on and put food on the table say demand is rising as public funding tightens. San José Spotlight reported on May 21 that the Emergency Assistance Network, a collaboration of Santa Clara County nonprofits led by United Way, is facing a shortfall tied to federal and county budget cuts. The network connects residents to one-time rent and utility aid, food pantries and referrals meant to prevent homelessness and hunger. West Valley Community Services and Sacred Heart Community Service are among the agencies now warning that more families are asking for help. ### Which groups are sounding the alarm? The Emergency Assistance Network is a countywide system of nonprofits that provides one-time rent and mortgage help, utility assistance, food pantries and referrals based on a resident’s ZIP code. Santa Clara County’s Division of Equity and Social Justice says the network’s purpose is to help stabilize families facing emergencies and reduce the risk of homelessness, utility shutoffs and hunger. West Valley Community Services is one of the nonprofits in that system. The organization says it offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, food access, transportation help, clothing and other basic-needs support, and it also participates in the county’s Homelessness Prevention System. Sacred Heart Community Service is another network member serving parts of San Jose and Campbell. (desj.santaclaracounty.gov) The group says it has funding for emergency rental assistance for low-income Santa Clara County residents with past-due rent, in addition to food and hygiene donation intake at its South First Street site. ### What are families asking for right now? Food and housing help are at the center of the requests. (wvcommunityservices.org) Santa Clara County’s Emergency Assistance Network lists food pantries, one-time rent or mortgage assistance, move-in deposits, utility help and referrals to benefits such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh among its core services. West Valley Community Services says clients are seeking rent and utility assistance as well as access to its food market and mobile food program. (sacredheartcs.org) Its support page also says all low-income Santa Clara County residents who are housed but at risk of losing housing can apply through the Homelessness Prevention System. Sacred Heart says its rental aid is aimed at low-income county residents with overdue rent and that applicants are screened by ZIP code and income. (desj.santaclaracounty.gov) The organization also operates a donation station for food, clothing and hygiene items, underscoring the mix of household needs showing up at its doorstep. ### Why are providers saying the pressure is getting worse? (wvcommunityservices.org) San José Spotlight reported on May 21 that providers are dealing with increased demand at the same time federal and county support is shrinking. The article said the network is confronting a lack of financial assistance because of those budget cuts and is calling for community support. (sacredheartcs.org) County guidance for the Emergency Assistance Network says assistance levels are limited by available funds and that most agencies provide one-time help only. That structure means a funding squeeze can quickly limit how much aid agencies can offer households already on the edge. That is an inference from the county’s program rules and the reported shortfall. (sanjosespotlight.com) ### How does the county system decide where people go? Santa Clara County routes residents by ZIP code. The Emergency Assistance Network directory lists which nonprofit serves each area, including Sacred Heart for several San Jose and Campbell ZIP codes and other agencies for Mountain View, Palo Alto, Milpitas and elsewhere. West Valley Community Services says residents can also seek help through the countywide Homelessness Prevention System by phone, email or the prevention portal if they are low-income and currently housed but at risk of becoming homeless. (desj.santaclaracounty.gov) Sacred Heart’s rental assistance page similarly directs people to intake screening and notes that some ZIP codes are referred to other agencies. ### What happens next for residents and donors? Residents who need help can use Santa Clara County’s Emergency Assistance Network directory to find the agency assigned to their ZIP code and ask about current eligibility and funding availability. The county says services vary by agency and are subject to available funds. West Valley Community Services and Sacred Heart both continue to advertise active intake for support programs on their websites, including rent-related assistance and food access. (wvcommunityservices.org) San José Spotlight reported on May 21 that providers are also seeking community support as they try to close the network’s funding gap. (desj.santaclaracounty.gov)