WEEOC gets money to help residents find jobs

Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, a community action agency headquartered in Steeleville, has received funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment Barrier Reduction Pilot Program.

Applicants must reside in Perry, Randolph or Monroe County and currently receive SNAP benefits, have a pending SNAP application, or previously received SNAP benefits in the last nine months and were kicked off due to time limits.

The services through this program are designed to reduce barriers to gaining employment and to assist applicants in securing and maintaining employment. Supportive services expenses include expenses for training, tools/equipment, uniforms, transportation/gas, homeless prevention, utilities and other employment related services.

Funding is made available from the Illinois Department of Human Services through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).

To begin the application process, contact your local outreach office: Perry County (618) 542-4656; Randolph County (618) 443-5231; or Monroe County (618) 939-8715.

The pilot program will end May 31, 2021.