The agency served 42,064 people in 1999. Part of the reduction in welfare is attributed to a strong economy. Many families have found jobs and relinquished their welfare benefits. Life at the poverty level usually means people can survive and pay their bills as long as there are no mishaps. When problems arrive, people seek help at churches and nonprofit agencies.
Some families request food more regularly, just to make it to the next payday.
Each agency only has so much budget, so many volunteers, so much paid staff, and there are only so many hours in a day. The need for a safety net will always be there. The safety net is kind of full right now. Pam, who asked that her last name be withheld, moved to the Arlington area in 1991 to escape an abusive husband. She fled her house, taking her children, and ended up at The Women's Shelter in Arlington.