By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Community Assistance Center food bank in Hays is distributing food as normal, but is bracing for what the director fears may be an increase in demand in the coming weeks.
The CAC has suspended shopping hours and garage sale times, but will continue to distribute food in accordance with its normal policies.
If the center has an influx of traffic in its lobby, it may limit the number of clients it allows in the building at one time, Laurie Mortinger, co-director, said.
The CAC has not seen an influx of food requests yet. However, she said she fears hotel and restaurant business slow downs because of the COVID-19 virus, could result in layoffs.
Mortinger said the food pantry is at about half capacity. It will remain open its normal hours for now.
"It is hard to know," Mortinger said. "We will have to see day to day how it is going to pan out. It is going to be a tough one here."
How to receive help
If you already have an application for food assistance on file at the CAC, you can still receive food six times per year. If you are already registered with the food bank, Mortinger said she hopes to get clients in and out of the center in about 10 minutes.
For those who need to apply for food assistance, you need to bring in some sort of proof of income and proof of Ellis County residency. This could be a water or utility bill or a copy of a current lease.
The CAC has sent home elderly volunteers. However, Mortinger said she does not need additional volunteers at this time.
The CAC is always in need of nonperishable food or monetary donations. For more information, call 785-625-9110. You can also follow the CAC on Facebook.
First Call for Help
First Call for Help is also bracing for what its staff thinks might be an influx of families needing assistance in lieu of children being out of school.
The agency has already received calls for toilet paper. The agency does not have any nor can they get any, Linda Mills, director, said.
First Call has a small food pantry and does have food on hand. Those needing assistance can access the pantry once a month. The agency is asking people wait in their vehicles if there are several people in the office already, due to the small size of First Call's office.
First Call's primary mission is to provide housing assistance. The agency will continue to do so. You will need an appointment to apply. However, the interviews for assistance will be done over the phone if possible.
The center can always use donations of food or monetary donations for its rental assistance program.
For more information, call 785-623-2800 or visit the agency's website. There is an online donation button on First Call for Help's website homepage if you wish to help.
Catholic Charities
The Hays Post contacted Catholic Charities in Hays Monday morning. A representative there said no assistance policies have changed.
Clients can receive food once a month, hygiene items every other month and laundry detergent every three months.