The executive director of a central Kentucky agency serving thousands of people who receive a wide variety of federal aid says he’s concerned about how they’ll be affected by a possible default on the nation’s debt. Troy Roberts has been with the Bluegrass Community Action Partnership for nearly 30 years, the last 15 as its leader.
“We have nearly 300 individuals 65 years or older that we serve, and more than seven senior citizen centers. And most all of these folks are on social security. And they rely heavily on that Social Security check.”
Roberts said Bluegrass Community Action has community service offices in nine counties and provide services in several others. All told, they assist people in more than 5,000 households that receive SNAP benefits, which used to be known as food stamps.
“And most of these folks have to struggle to make that benefit last for the entire month the way it is. So if it doesn't come on time, what do they do? You know, worrying about feeding your children? There's nothing worse than that than that.”
Roberts said his agency also operates Headstart programs in six counties, with a total enrollment of more than 300 children and families.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
