Lyon County people in need get more services

With winter at the doorstep, many people in Lyon County may soon find themselves in need of a little extra help to pay bills and feed their families.

Residents who need help have many options in the fast-growing county especially with the addition of a local Friends in Service Helping food bank and thrift store.

Those in need can step inside the newly opened FISH store, get a cup of coffee, warm their hands by the pot-belly stove and get help. The store brings additional emergency food and other services to the area, boosting those already provided by Lyon County Human Services and smaller charity groups.

The county and FISH are continuing to work out the details about how each will provide for the community but say they will work together. The county sees many working families and elderly residents every year who find themselves unable to pay their bills or get something to eat.

"If people are looking for resources and they have a need, they should call us," said Tammy Lambeth, Lyon County Human Services assistant director. "We're usually pretty good. We can get them in contact with someone who can at least work with them."

An agreement between the two allows FISH to serve people who need emergency food supplies and clothing. The organization will refer Lyon County residents to the county for utility and rental assistance, shelter needs, transportation, child care and other emergency services.

Lyon County also offers medical assistance for low-income individuals not eligible for other public or private programs, and a variety of services for senior citizens and family services.

In extreme special circumstances, county personnel will make home visits to provide applications and other needs.

The Crossroads Christian Family Fellowship also offers food and free clothing to anyone in need. Church parishioners provide the food and clothing contributions. They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. People can call ahead to make an appointment or show up at the door.

TO GET HELP

Lyon County Human Services: 577-5009, at 1075 Pyramid St., Silver Springs

FISH: 882-FISH (3474), new store at 4960 Highway 50 east of Dayton

Crossroads Christian Family Fellowship: 577-9194, at 1050 Highway 50 in Silver Springs

Lyon County Quick Facts

Total population: 36,783

Persons in poverty: 3,513, according to county officials

Percent of population change in 2001: 6.6 percent

State population change in 2001: 5.4 percent

Population percent change from 1990 to 2000: 72.5 percent

Persons with a disability: 7,112

Source: U.S. Census Bureau