News and Events

Here’s what has been happening with Webster Hope lately, and a look at what’s coming up.

“Pop-up drop-offs” to return after taking winter off

After being suspended for the winter, “pop-up drop-offs” will be returning to Hope with the return of better weather.

These programs of special calls for specific items proved to be popular and helpful in meeting some critical shortages when they were held last summer. One in particular was a diaper drive that very successfully restocked Hope’s supply of disposable diapers and baby wipes when the stock was very low.

Hope director Margery Morgan said the drop-offs, with volunteers available roadside to collect items so that donors don’t even need to leave their cars, will likely resume in April. The roadside feature is why the drop-offs were suspended for the winter because it would have been difficult and dangerous to have volunteers out in the cold and dark. 

Upcoming drop-offs might be scheduled any time, but Wednesdays have been popular in the past and so this next round will probably start with some Wednesday events every four to six weeks. The schedule will depend largely on the ebb and flow of Hope’s stocks of particular high-need items, like the diapers last year.

The events will be promoted on the Hope Facebook page and website, generally just a few days in advance. Potential donors should keep an eye on those online locations for further details.

The Monroe County Department of Human Services has added a page to its website to help people sort through changes in the eligibility guidelines for the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps.

The website has a detailed explanation of new work rule requirements for people called "able bodied adults without dependents" (often abbreviated ABAWD), along with a list of criteria that make people exempt from them. Two of the biggest changes are (1) an increase in age for the recipients and (2) a decrease in ages for dependents that had led to being exempt from rules requiring at least part-time work to retain SNAP eligibility.

The site also has downloadable forms to document exemptions (such as disability and pregnancy) as well as downloadable forms for documenting work, training, and community service hours. This documentation must be provided to the county each month to maintain SNAP eligibility.

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance also has a website with information about SNAP and the new work requirements.