Many residents of Hamilton County Florida are battling poverty...and struggle just to feed their families.
But Eyewitness News Reporter Kim Carapucci tells us, those same residents now have a better chance of getting the help they need.

Richard Claridy has been unemployed for two years, suffers from a disability, and struggles to make ends meet. "I haven't had any assistance. My wife is pulling the load by herself so we come down, seeking to get some help."

Claridy is one of many Jasper residents flocking to Bethel A-M-E Church to apply for food stamps....thanks to a partnership with Florida's Department of Children and Families.

Before, applicants had to drive 30 miles to Live Oak just to fill out the paperwork.

"And that has truly become a burden on the citizens here trying to travel back and forth," said Pastor Jeffrey Dove.

For Claridy, that was simply impossible. "Right here it's more convenient because I don't live probably about a mile away from here and so that helps me out a whole lot better because I don't think I could make it on that bicycle."

Pastor Jeffrey Dove hopes the shorter distance will finally allow residents to get some help. "It's so important because times are so tough and people are really having a tough time making ends meet...I think it just brings relief to the people of Jasper."

Relief that so many residentsdesperately need.

Hamilton County residentswho would like to apply for food stamps or other assistance can go to the Bethel A.M.E. Church anytime between 9 A.M. and noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays.