A Word From Land Of Last Resort Kootenai County Welfare Office Rolls With The Punches Of Reform

There are more jobs in Kootenai County. That’s good.

There are big changes in the state welfare system and that’s … well, the jury is still out on that one.

This is how Marla Lewis views the world. As welfare director for Kootenai County, she continually confronts the cost of being down-and-out, both in tax dollars and heartaches.

“We’ve all cried along with our clients,” she said of her small staff.

The office includes five employees, plus a veterans’ assistance officer and his volunteer helper. For the 14 people who apply there for help on the average day, it is often a last resort.

They may be facing eviction or out of the medicine that controls their high blood pressure. They may need a tooth pulled, fuel for the furnace, or money to bury Dad.

Most get help in seven to 10 days. Those who need medication usually get it right away.

Kootenai County - North Idaho’s most populous, with nearly 100,000 residents - budgeted $1.32 million to help the indigent in 1996-97. The welfare office ended up spending $300,000 less than that, despite a growing population.

One reason for the lower-than-expected demand is a stronger economy, Lewis said. Plus, the winter has been milder.

Another reason may be the state law that went into affect a year ago, requiring counties to put a lien on the real or personal property of people who apply for medical assistance.

When the property is sold or the person dies, the county then recoups some of the money it gave in aid. When they hear that, some people change their minds about applying.

Even if no lien is involved, the county asks for repayment from about 90 percent of its welfare clients. Some able-bodied people work off their commitment by doing maintenance or other tasks for the county.

“I believe when people receive assistance, they want to pay it back,” Lewis said. “That way it’s seen as more of a helping hand than a handout.”

In 1995-96, the county recouped $178,354 and spent $1.26 million.

Lewis looks for ways not to spend money. Clients are interviewed at length to find out what other resources they have, or if some simple budgeting advice would help them.

“If they can’t pay their rent, we’ll say, ‘Why don’t you move back home for awhile?’ Of course, they’re against that. But families used to help each other, and we encourage that.”

The county refers people to other agencies that might be able to help. Energy assistance might come from Washington Water Power, clothes from St. Vincent de Paul, free medicine from pharmaceutical companies.

Medical expenses gobble up the most county welfare money. This year, Lewis has budgeted $400,000 for hospitalizations, $120,000 for medications and $100,000 for doctor appointments.

“Most senior citizens we help are on Medicare, which doesn’t pay for medication,” Lewis said. “That can cost hundreds of dollars, and without it, they can end up in the hospital.”

The high cost of medical care, and large number of people without insurance, make Lewis fear that families will fall between the cracks of the state’s new approach to welfare.

It emphasizes getting people into the work force.

“A lot of adults don’t know how to dress, how to find work,” she said. “They’re not educated on how to keep a family together.”

The change became effective in July.

“I don’t think we will see the effects of this for two or three years,” Lewis said.

Lewis feels for the people who come through the door, even though a few of them have been known to take out their frustrations on the door, the furniture, the employees.

She said there was a time in life when she would have qualified for assistance. She hadn’t known it was available.

She and her husband ran a doughnut shop in town for 13 years. After it went bankrupt, she went to work in the welfare office nine years ago as a receptionist.

“Most of us started at the front desk,” she said.

She became director of the office five years ago. She looks for employees who have good interviewing skills, and like people, she said.

Lewis acknowledges that some people cheat the welfare system. But she likes to believe their numbers are few.

“I have a big faith in people.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HELP IS AVAILABLE The Kootenai County assistance office, which has counterparts in other Panhandle counties, helps residents in crises. It can provide: A month’s rent, when eviction is imminent. Mortgage payment, upon threat of foreclosure. Electricity or water, if a shutoff is threatened. Wood, propane, oil, gas or coal for heating. Medications. Medical care. Extraction of abscessed teeth. Medical insurance premiums to cover grave illness. Burial or cremation. Applicants must provide detailed information and documentation of their situations. A personal interview is required. If medical assistance is given, a lien is attached to all real and personal property of the applicant. Whenever appropriate, applicants are asked to repay the county or work off the assistance provided.