If federal funding grant projections for the Neighborhood Service Center turn out to be accurate, one of the Mid-Shore’s most critical social services agencies, typically the last resort for individuals and families in the area experiencing severe poverty and homelessness, may not be able to continue its mission.
That was the sobering message from NSC director Marilyn Neal last night to the Talbot County Council regarding an emergency request of $150,000 to cover federal grants committed to the agency but now on hold, even though the funds have been distributed to families in need. In addition to the county request, the Neighborhood Service Center is also asking Talbot towns to individually chip in $33,000 to help the organization avoid a significant and potentially fatal state of insolvency.
The Talbot County Council members agreed in principle to support the NSC. Still, some members wanted more clarity about the relationship between the County and the organisation, including its fiscal management, before a formal vote is taken at the next meeting. In the meantime, the Council approved $50,000 immediately to help the struggling agency in the interim.
This video is approximately 20 minutes long. To make a donation to the Neighborhood Service Center, please go here.
Kathy Bosin says
The problems around poverty belong to all of us, especially local governments, and even more so in counties like ours with such stark wealth disparities. The county should provide the funding in the form of a grant, and focus on helping NSC try to gain sustainability for the long-term, especially with a now-unreliable federal government partner.
And – our elected leaders could be asking what else they need rather than applauding their staffing cutbacks. These are our neighbors they’re serving, and things are likely soon to get a whole lot worse for the 10.2% of Talbot citizens that live under the poverty level.
Richard Marks says
Well said, Kathy. I might add that it is unfortunate it took the current Federal administration’s guillotine actions for some local elected officials to become more aware of the breadth and depth of the critical services provided in our community by the Neighborhood Service Center. I suppose every cloud does have a silver lining. I am pleased to see the Council engaged and assisting along with other private citizens, businesses and foundations that have stepped up to help. Hopefully, all the municipalities will contribute as well. We are all in this together!!!
Jim Bachman says
They are too busy applauding the agriculture industry currently asking for welfare bailouts from the Federal government
Logan Sinclair says
Well I lived in Talbot county 25+ years and I recently left due to high rent costs for the low income and all there building is high priced rentals in the low income areas so it’s not affordable to live in Talbot county and when you take away the nsc that’s when you will see a collapse in my home town it’s sad the people that voted for the low income people to be pushed out of where we have spent all of our life and can’t afford 900 a month to live in a broke down neighborhood shame on the people in the county that allowed this to happen.shameful Talbot county
Logan Sinclair says
Shameful of the Talbot county council and the town of Easton I’m a victim of there ignorance as well
Jason Elias says
I’ve worked at NSC and I’ve needed the services and this is awful. People should realize that every cut impacts states, people and families. NSC should get everything it needs, it has helped the community for years and it has changed lives for the better.