Quad Citians are hurting.
Long before the government shutdown and rising costs, more than 40,000 of our neighbors lived below the federal poverty level, supporting a family of 4 on less than $32,150 per year. These individuals fill essential roles that keep our businesses, schools, and hospitals operating.
More than half of Quad Citians — approximately 165,000 people — live near poverty, one crisis away from financial collapse. A $400 emergency, such as a car repair or medical bill, can destroy their ability to pay rent, buy groceries, or afford medications. A cascade of consequences can result in homelessness, repossession, or unemployment.
The recent suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits deepened this hardship. More than 65,000 Quad Citians depend on SNAP to feed their families. This loss, combined with missed paychecks for roughly 3,000 federal workers, created an unprecedented strain on local nonprofit organizations who work on the front lines of the social safety net. Food pantries served a record number of people this month — many of them new to food assistance.
More than 125 human service agencies help meet needs for physical and mental health, senior services, disability support, domestic violence assistance, and more. Countless others provide workforce development training, education support, and economic development activities.
These 4,000 nonprofit staff members meet anxious clients every day while worrying about their own stability. Our recent survey found that 57% of nonprofits anticipate reducing or eliminating programs due to delayed payments and rising costs. Since then, government reimbursements stopped while expenses continued climbing. Imagine your business revenue stopping for weeks while your demand tripled. Our nonprofits now function with that reality and with fewer reserves upon which to draw.
While the shutdown has ended, the hurt has not.
Although federal programs resumed, recovery will not happen overnight. Families will need months to repay missed rent, repair damaged credit, and rebuild savings. The emotional and physical toll will last even longer. Economic distress correlates with increases in mental and physical health challenges, substance use, domestic violence, crime, and child abuse. Our nonprofits will stand at the ready to help with these challenges as well.
Business leaders possess the power to support our nonprofits. Every action strengthens the Quad Cities’ social fabric and economic foundation. Give money. Launch food, clothing, or hygiene drives. Encourage your employees to volunteer to relieve some of the burden these staff face.
The Quad Cities will face a similar crisis next year when the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” eliminates SNAP and Medicaid benefits for thousands of residents. The Quad Cities’ future depends on leaders who understand that prosperity and compassion function as partners. How we respond today can serve as a model for tomorrow. QCBJ
Linda Wastyn, Ph.D., CFRE, GPC, is president of Wastyn & Associates, Inc., Davenport. She can be reached at [email protected] or (563) 424-1395.
