The effects of changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, have become increasingly apparent at The Night Ministry. Individuals who are already juggling the daily struggles of homelessness are now confronting an additional crisis: heightened uncertainty about how they will access food.

On May 1, the federal government established new work requirements for SNAP recipients, which may affect a person’s eligibility for benefits. Marquell Jones, an outreach and health case manager at The Night Ministry, has been helping many unhoused and low-income clients understand the changes and steps necessary to maintain their access to food. “When you’re already facing instability, even small changes can feel overwhelming,” Marquell said. “Our role is to guide people through these challenges so they can continue to meet their basic needs.”

The Night Ministry recognizes the pressing food needs within the community. In FY25, about 25% of clients reported rarely or never having enough food to eat each day. During this period, the Outreach and Health team distributed nearly 48,000 meals. With rising food prices, demand for meals is expected to increase further.

All affected clients are being screened across the agency to determine their eligibility for the homelessness waiver, which may exempt them from the work requirement. Eligible clients will receive assistance with completing waiver applications.

For those experiencing immediate food shortages, staff members provide referrals to local food pantries, enabling them to access meals and groceries while their benefit status is being resolved. The Night Ministry is also working with legal aid partners to assist clients in appealing SNAP decisions.

In addition, staff are identifying alternative supports, including programs that provide three months of gift card assistance to people losing SNAP benefits.