HomeMy WebLinkAboutHHS DSS Director Notes November 2025
Fuel/WHEAP:
The 850 paper short applications have been mailed and are coming back in to the office. We did a one-day outreach-onsite at Jenor Towers and completed 40 applications. We are currently
booking WHEAP appointments into the week of December 15th. Staff are doing an amazing job keeping on top of the applications. We are anticipating an increase in need this fuel season.
At this time, we cannot release any data on the benefit amount a household will receive and the benefits have not been released.
Economic Support Unit:
The Economic Support Unit is busy fielding calls in regard to the SNAP/FS benefits for November. From recent information we have heard the Federal government is releasing some reserve
funding and that people will receive a partial allotment. There are some technical/IT processes at the state level that need to be completed for this to happen. At this time the partial
allotment amounts are not known. In the news there has been information that Governor Evers may release some funds to cover November SNAP/FS for people in Wisconsin. Currently we
have not received any definite information on this.
Budget:
The 2026 budget has been completed. DSS will continue to look for efficiencies throughout the next year.
Staffing Challenges
We are fully staffed in the Social Work Unit now. The newest hire will start on November 18th. Advertising on Indeed did assist us in finding qualified candidates.
Elderfest:
We participated in Elderfest again this year. This is an awesome event for our elderly population and a way to reach vulnerable individuals in our community that may need assistance.