PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – As the government shutdown continues into the 38th day, the Wraparound Center at Peoria Public Schools is reminding the community about services it offers to those in need.
In just 90 minutes, the center, located on Peoria’s south side on the Latrobe side of Trewyn Middle School, provided 150 families on Thursday with a box of food.
Dr. Myskeshia Mitchell, director of the Wraparound Center, tells 25 News that they’ve seen a slight increase in demand for services since the shutdown began.
“It’s hard out here, things are more expensive and people need help,” Mitchell says. “It’s not a low income problem, a middle income problem, or whatever income problem, people need help.”
Since opening in 2018, the Wraparound Center has brought community agencies together under one roof to provide support and resources for PPS students, adults, and families in need.
The center’s services include food assistance bi-weekly between 10 a.m.-12 p.m., legal representation, justice advocate reports, truancy issues in school, housing insecurity and billing assistance.
“[There is] definitely an increase in demand,” Pamela Wiley says, CEO of Hand Up Pantry Inc. and Diaper Depot, who was handing out boxes to hundreds of cars Thursday morning. “We’ve seen that even since COVID-19, so anytime that something drastic happens in the world, it hits us.”
Both Mitchell and Wiley expressed concern that the government shutdown increased the number of people that need help. That said, they are no strangers to rising demand, something they often experience when meeting the needs of Peoria families. Still, they remain steadfast in supporting the community.
“We saw an increase of family members and community members in need before the government shutdown,” Mitchell says.
The public is invited to the center’s diaper giveaway on November 19 from 10-11 a.m., when Peoria residents in need can stop by and pick up diapers.
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