WSOS Community Action Agency and the Ottawa County Senior Community Center invited the Ohio Benefit Bank and the OBB Mobile Express the opportunity to travel across the water to the South Bass Island by ferry. We attended a resource fair for locals where they could find information about many resources including hospice, home health care, 211, child care services, as well as Benefit Bank services.
The editor of the local newpaper cam by to snap pictures and tell the story of how the Benefit Bank and other organizations could help those on the island. While there, she shared that in her own experience, she did not know where to turn when her father, who has Alzheimer's needed home health care. She express relief and comfort knowing there are resources available. Her story is not uncommon, we often don't think about things until we find ourselves in need.
Russell and Erin (OBB Mobile Express Staff) often talk with folks who have had jobs all of their lives and find themselves laid off or with unemployment running out. They express that they don't have a clue what benefits are available to them. Conducting Quick Checks and shepherding these folks through the enrollment process is an important suppport during confusing times.
The trip to Put-In-Bay was beautiful. The van was nestled amoung other vehicles on the deck and we were able to sit up on the observation deck as we traveled across the lake to the island.
As we participated in the resource fair we found ourselves asking questions about food stamps and learned that none of the stores on the island accept the EBT Card. Folks travel to the mainland to do their shopping. the fery cost $6.50 one way and takes about a half hour travel time. This seems doable until you consider that in the winter, when the water is frozen, ferry service is not available. The only way to travel is by plane for $50 one way.
Given this, The Benefit Bank VISTA's from the North West Toledo Food Bank visited the local grocer and opened dialog about becoming a food stamp vendor. You never know what is possible.
