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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there income guidelines for service?
Yes. Assistance is based on family size and the federal poverty guidelines. To be eligible for most of our assistance programs, your monthly gross income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. For a family of 4 that amount is $3,842. Our Turn the Tide programs use a slightly lower income level.
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Turn the Tide is our holiday assistance program. To be eligible, gross monthly income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. For a family of 4 that amount is $3,361. Turn the Tide includes holiday food baskets and gift distribution. Look for more information on the website.
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What other services are available?
Services include clothing assistance, food pantry, financial aid, and medical assistance.
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Yes. We accept donations of food, clothing, and household items at any of our four locations during regular business hours. Monetary donations are also accepted or can be mailed to PO Box 1052, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Your donations are tax deductible and receipts will be provided upon request.
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What are the most needed items?
In the thrift stores, we are always in need of children’s clothing as well as larger men’s and women’s clothing. We also need bedding and towels. In the pantries, our most needed items are peanut butter, tuna, noodles, cream soups, cereal, one box meals, and personal hygiene items. As members of the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, we are able to stretch those monetary donations. Every dollar donated provides three meals! Needs may vary from time-to-time and at different locations. It is recommended that you check with your local office for their most pressing needs.
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What are your hours of operation?
All offices are open Monday thru Friday. Hours vary by location. The Centerburg office is open 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Danville and Fredericktown offices are open 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. The Mount Vernon office is open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
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Interchurch is locally funded by churches, groups, and individuals. We also receive funds from the Food for the Hungry campaign sponsored by area media partners in December and Christmas in July sponsored by the Soroptimists and the Knox County Sheriff’s office. We are also supported by United Way of Knox County. We do not receive any state or federal funds.
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Is Interchurch accountable to a governing board or oversight body?
Yes, Interchurch is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of representatives from our member churches and other social service agencies. The full Board meets bimonthly. The Executive Committee meets on a monthly basis.
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How many households receive services through Interchurch?
In 2013, an average of 791 households received pantry services each month. An average of 72 households per month received financial aid for housing or utility assistance. An additional 57 households received prescription assistance or a gas voucher for an out-of-county medical appointment. Through June, 2012, an average of 717 households have sought pantry assistance each month. Sixty households per month have received financial aid and 36 households have received a prescription or a gasoline voucher.