- November 27, 2024
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A moving help center which connects families in need with free community services, the Mobile Benefits Program recently added two new locations to its monthly schedule.
Previously hitting eight Flagler County locations per month, program specialist Donna Mota recently added the Student Services office and the Flagler Beach Library to her roster, bringing her total location list up to 10.
“Overall, people are finding me and my numbers are growing,” Mota said. “We all know people are out there needing help; I just want them to know where to get it.”
From benefits approved August 2011 to today, Mota’s program has generated $499,410 to Flagler residents. That’s an economic impact of $898,938, according to Mota, who says that the USDA estimates that every SNAP (formerly food stamps) dollar spent generates $1.80 in the community.
“For a county like Flagler, this is huge and it’s what I want to see,” Mota said. “People are getting some desperately needed relief, but we hope to continue to see my numbers go up, since we know there are more households out there who are eligible.”
Mota’s numbers represent about 390 households reached. When she started, however, it was estimated that more than 3,300 households in the county were potentially eligible for aid.
“I still have a lot of work to do,” Mota added, citing fliers being issued to local schools, nonprofits and retailers. “I want people to know this program can be of real, tangible help.”
Far overshadowing the state’s Mobile Benefits approval rate of 62%, Mota’s approval rate in Flagler is up to 90%.
“If you’re struggling, it can’t hurt anything to come and talk with me,” she said. “And even if people don’t qualify for SNAP, I have lots of information available for other local resources. … I always try to do all I can to make sure people walk away with as much knowledge as possible.”
Mota sets up shop at every Access Flagler First event, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every first Friday of the month, at Cattleman’s Hall at the Fairgrounds.
In June, she will also be at the George Washington Carver Community Center 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, June 4.
She’ll be at the Flagler County Human Services office, at 1000 Belle Terre Blvd., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday June 7, June 14 and June 28.
She’ll be at the Flagler County Library, in Palm Coast, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday June 8 and June 15.
She’ll be at the Hidden Trails Community Center, in Bunnell, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 9.
She’ll be at the Wickline Center, in Flagler Beach, 10:30 to 1 p.m. Monday June 11 and June 25.
She’ll be at the A1A Center noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, and the Flagler Beach Library 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. the same day and Tuesday, June 26.
She’ll be at the Student Services office in the Government Services Building, in Bunnell, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 and June 27.
Her last appearance of the month will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 30, at Grace Tabernacle Community Food Pantry.
Proof of ID and the last four weeks of household income are needed to apply for any benefits.
For more, call 855-515-SNAP, or 904-993-1885.
