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The Greene County Department of Human Services in Catskill is actively seeking volunteers to help deliver meals to older residents through its Meals on Wheels program. The department currently needs volunteers to distribute between 150 and 175 meals daily, but the number can vary. The program faces challenges due to inconsistent volunteer availability and a shortage of drivers.
During a recent committee meeting, Executive Director Amanda Lyons highlighted the difficulties in maintaining a steady volunteer base. She noted that the department is short-staffed and lacks a volunteer coordinator, which complicates recruitment efforts. Lyons stated, "We are struggling finding people that want to work" during the meeting. The program, which is federally funded, returned to pre-pandemic delivery numbers after eligibility requirements were tightened earlier this year.
The county previously had 180 volunteers, but this number has dwindled to just a few dozen. The department is exploring options to address the shortage, including hiring per diem positions and possibly contracting third-party vendors for meal delivery. However, filling these positions has also proven challenging.
Lyons emphasized the need for reliable volunteers, as the current situation often leads to delays in meal deliveries due to issues like car breakdowns and volunteer availability. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Greene County Department of Human Services directly to offer their assistance.