M.O.R.E. CENTER STATISTICS
You might be interested to know that in 2008 the Federal poverty level for a family of four was a gross income of $21,200. In McHenry County, with an estimated population of 312,373, an estimated 14,057 persons were in poverty. The bottom line is that McHenry County is an expensive area in which to live and even with two adults working in a family, minimum wage or low paying jobs places many families into that category of the working poor.
The M.O.R.E. Center sees an average of 200 families a month, representing about 775 individuals. Because we supplement families with food, used clothing and small household items, they are able to "shift" household income to meet their bills. Families meeting Federal income eligibility guidelines are allowed food two times per month, plus special food trucks and holidays. Families receiving food at the M.O.R.E. Center are limited in quantity according to family size. We cannot and will not supply any family with all their food needs. Our intent is to be a helping hand.
The M.O.R.E. Center also is in a position to offer advice on financial matters and to help some families to avoid eviction or utility shut-offs. In 2008, we helped 110 families with financial assistance and advised another 200. Since the year 2000, M.O.R.E. and Salvation Army have combined to issue more than $100,000 in emergency financial assistance.