Last week in our Out of Reach series, we told you about the different times Christine Hyatt, a 27-year-old mom, has tried to apply for food stamps without success.
Hyatt also called into “These Days” on KPBS yesterday when we were talking about the series. We checked in with her again today.
Hyatt’s husband, Hudson, returned to the county center in Chula Vista early this morning to try applying for food stamps again where he waited in line last week, Hyatt said. This time, he was able to leave the couple’s three children with a family member.
Hudson waited about 90 minutes before speaking to a county worker, Hyatt said. He was told to attend an orientation session at 11 a.m. and to return with Hyatt’s last three pay stubs to verify their income, she said. As part of the application process, the couple also has to make an appointment to be fingerprinted.
That surprised Hyatt, she said.
“I feel like a criminal. What’re they going to do with my fingerprints?” she said.
Tonight, the couple plans to gather documents they need to finish applying, like their birth certificates and old bank statements proving they don’t have more money.
Hudson plans to drop off the pay stubs tomorrow and the couple is scheduled to be fingerprinted on Feb. 22.
— DAGNY SALAS