Demand for senior meals programs in Klamath County has risen by 50% over the past three years – but future funding for those programs is in jeopardy.
Harry Mauch is one of about 270 people that rely on daily meals through the Klamath Basin Senior Center…
“I can’t cook anymore – I used to like to cook.”
Senior Center Executive Director Marc Kane notes that the importance goes beyond just providing a meal, as many of the seniors live alone…
“We might be the only person they see in a given day. And so to some extent, it’s a public safety program. Somebody’s checking on them.”
A tight budget forced Klamath County to reduce funding for the program last year. So, the Klamath Falls city council stepped in to match the county’s $35,000 funding – but City Manager Rick Whitlock notes that it’s not an annual offer…
“The city budget is also tight, and the council did express a concern that there needed to be a long term plan for sustainability of this program.”
The senior center is also pursuing other funding sources – but Executive Director Kane points out that no one has any money…
“Churches and the other social organizations are really working to capacity right now. This is a really bad economy.”
The can’t afford more paid staff, so volunteers like Roland Burkhead are a key element of the program…
“I know they look forward to seeing us and having that meal, so it makes you feel good that you can serve them in that way.”
And Harry Mauch appreciates their efforts…
“To have somebody packing it to me, how do you beat anything like that”
So, Harry can have his lunch this year. Next year, there are no guarantees.
The Klamath Basin Senior Citizens Center expects to serve about 90 thousand meals to seniors over the next year.
The half-million dollar program is run through a mix of state, federal, and local funding.
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