Perry County JFS helps cover commute costs for those in need

NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio -According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average American spends over $2,000 a year at the gas pump. This is why the Perry County Jobs and Family Services (JFS) is offering a program to help people afford their drive to work.

Fueling the Need is part of the county office’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program to help low-income families overcome barriers that prevent self-sufficiency. Fueling the Need offers Perry County residents in the workforce gas vouchers to help make their commutes throughout the month. Those eligible are at 200% or below the income poverty line.

“…individuals that are right at that line, that are employed, that are working at least 25 hours per week are, maybe, looking at their income, ‘going what’s in our budget? What do we have to cut out so that we can make sure we go to work?'” said Mendra Hupp, Assistant Director of Perry County JFS. “And being able to help them become self-sufficient is our goal in our PRC plan. So, they developed this program, wanted to help individuals. Again, it’s 25 hours per week that you have to be employed. You show 30 days of income for the past month and then on a monthly basis, you would receive those gas vouchers by providing that data.”

Those who are eligible can receive vouchers for up to $800 during the four-month enrollment period, depending on miles driven for work. According to Hupp, the program has helped around 30 individuals this year, with nearly $13,000 spent.

“We’re working with individuals that are employed, that are working on their plan to become self-sufficient, to move off of benefits eventually and we’re able to help give them a step there. That is something that we strive to do,” Hupp said. “You know that is something we’re teaching, financial responsibility, working through all those things and be able to look at, as a whole, what other things, what other programs do we have that may benefit the family overall.”

If you’d like to learn more or apply, you can visit the Perry County JFS office at 5250 State Route 37 in New Lexington, visit their website at PerryJFS.org, or call (740) 721-0674.