Kent City Council: Shortsighted policies threaten Portage County way of life

Kent is a community on the rise, with a thriving R1 university, excellent K-12 schools, affordable housing, and a diverse citizenry. Yet, recent economic shifts are threatening our way of life.

Let’s begin with our non-profits, which provide care and support for many of our friends and neighbors. A recent study by the Urban Institute reveals a chilling reality: 70% of Portage County non-profits are at risk due to the freeze on government funding, with a staggering $76,473,940 potentially lost. This represents a net reduction of over 25% in their operating revenue. Take one: Family & Community Services (FC&S), who operates a network of organizations in Kent. Take one: Kent Social Services, who provide 20,000 hot meals and 100,000 lbs of groceries to low-income families through their South Water St. location. Take another: Freedom House, a homeless shelter on Anita Dr. for veterans which provides nearly 2,000 bed-nights of housing to unhoused veterans per year. To families experiencing temporary hardship, these services are invaluable. In 2023, FC&S received over $20m in local, state and federal funding to provide these and countless other services.