Transient Fund aids the stranded poor
It happens more often than most people might expect. Someone with very little money — or no money at all — is traveling through Maryville on the way to a new job or to see family living in another city.
All of a sudden the job falls through, the old car won’t start, a wallet gets lost, or some other emergency happens, and the person who was just passing through is suddenly stuck here, perhaps without even the means to buy a meal or find a bed for the night.
It’s not widely known, but there is a program in Maryville designed to provide emergency aid to individuals and families who find themselves in just this situation. It’s called the Nodaway County Transient Fund, and it’s administered in cooperation with Maryville Public Safety by Norma Eckerson, special projects coordinator for Community Services Inc.
Located at 1212B South Main St., Community Services is an umbrella social services agency probably best known for its residential weatherization and home heating assistance programs. But the non-profit plays a role in a number of other charitable efforts as well, often working closely with the Maryville Ministry Center and other charities.
Eckerson said the Transient Fund was initially supported by the Maryville Area Ministerial Fellowship, a group of pastors from local churches. However, she said, that group has since decided to direct its resources toward Nodaway County residents who find themselves in need.
Since then, the fund has been maintained through private gifts and currently contains less than $500. The balance declined to $0 last November, Eckerson said, before being resurrected by a single donation.
“Typically it’s for people passing through here who don’t have the means to go home,” Eckerson said. “The money is usually issued by Public Safety and may cover a hotel for one night or be used to buy gasoline or food.”
Others in need have received enough cash for a bus ticket at least as far as a larger community where more services may be available, she said.
“A lot of times (being in Maryville) is not something they’ve planned,” Eckerson said. “Cars break down. Things happen. This is a last-ditch effort to help people out.”
Nodaway County residents are not eligible for Transient Fund assistance.
Eckerson said Maryville Public Safety is the main conduit for the program since many people find they need help in the evening when Community Services, the Ministry Center, churches and other places where people sometimes seek assistance are closed.
Pastors, social workers, police officers and others who come into contact with homeless or displaced people are generally aware of the fund and often refer those needing help to Maryville Public Safety headquarters.
A total of 20 individuals or families received Transient Fund assistance in 2014, Eckerson said. Nineteen requests for aid were filled in 2013.
So far this year, the fund has been used to purchase bus tickets for a family of three, two motel rooms and a tank of gasoline.
Eckerson said those wishing to learn more about the Transient Fund and other local charitable initiatives can call Community Services Inc. at 660.582.3113.
