State Representative Norine Hammond is working to prevent the impending closure of the Mason County’s Department of Human Services (DHS) office, Family Community Resource Center, on Main Street in Havana. She joins AFSCME, the employee union, in voicing opposition and vowing to fight the department’s decision.
“About 250 people visit the Family Community Resource Center every month. What are these people going to do for assistance when there is no public transportation in the county?” said Hammond. She added, “This closure would be devastating to the elderly and disabled who depend on services that they can easily access.”
The Center currently has five employees but would employ nine individuals when fully staffed. These current five employees would be transferred pending closure. So, what is the cost savings for the state? The cost of rent for the building is $2,300 per month.
Representative Hammond reiterated the need for the local DHS office, “Their caseload is currently at 2,500 people. That’s 2,500 of our friends and neighbors that have reached out for help. I will continue to push for accessible care and assistance for them- the most vulnerable among us.”
An official notice has not been released informing of an office closure but DHS management has sent boxes to the Havana office and told workers to prepare for a move.
Read the Peoria Journal Star’s story here.
WHOI’s story on the proposed closing is here.