Greetings BECs,
I wanted to share with you a creative approach that
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans took to solve an issue of
timeliness as it relates to SNAP and Medicaid program applications in New Orleans. This proves that creative thinking and taking time for relationship building can go a LONG WAY!
Great work Raphael and the BEC team of New Orleans!
~Randy
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Write-up by: Raphael Velasquez
The initial plan was to use the Parish Outreach case managers in the NCOA BEC program to develop community coalitions to reach the working poor and elderly populations. The intent was to have the SNAP program
coordinated to provide eligible participants with information and convenience of application assistance. Our belief was that many non-participating, but eligible participants were unaware of their eligibility or put off by the stigma in the application process
at the SNAP office. When asked about the actual food stamp process, many people said that they felt intimated, were not able to complete forms, they were confused about required documentation.
Some of the many suggestions to remove barriers included: a more streamlined food stamp application process because the form is too long and complicated; use volunteer assisted sites at libraries for paper
and electronic sign-ups; create mobile signup sites; and, provide language assistance for Latinos and Vietnamese. Many complained that the phone appointments are never on time and if you are not available for the call, your application is denied.
We decided to change the paradigm:
become the solution to the problem. We became a part of the SNAP and Medicaid application (and approval) process. We requested to become a Gold Level Community Partner with the Department
of Children and Family Services, the agency that approves SNAP and Medicaid applications in the State of Louisiana. An excerpt of the arrangement is described below:
o
In an effort to provide more effective and efficient services to more citizens, the Department of Children and Family Services will enter into agreements with partners
whom are made up of Federal, State, and local political subdivisions, private non-profit organizations, and for-profit businesses who will assist in the application for services by participants in areas more readily available to
them.
o
Any partner that works with members of the low-income population can make a major contribution to the success of DCFS and federal eligibility and social service programs
by increasing awareness of program availability and rules.
o
The Community Partner is a DCFS point-of-access for applicants of public assistance
benefits. No consideration will be exchanged for the services provided. This agreement is a Cooperative Endeavor that it is voluntarily entered in to between the State of Louisiana, Department of Children and Family Services and the Community Partner,
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, to better assist in the delivery of services to citizens across the State of Louisiana and is a collaborative effort between the parties to make social services more readily
available.
Randy Feliciano, MPA
Program Manager, Center for Benefits Access
Phone: 571-527 -4008
National Council on Aging
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