A vital service provider for some of the families most in need in Moody County and across East Central South Dakota is facing dramatic budget cuts.
ICAP, or the InterLakes Community Action Partnership, recently learned that a $1.5 million federal grant it has received annually for programming will return this year to pre-COVID levels.
The change means a budget decrease of close to half a million dollars.
Chief Executive Officer Erik Kunzweiler told the Moody County Enterprise this past week that, “Essentially throughout the pandemic, there was a large increase to our programs that is now going back to 2019-2020 levels.”
ICAP is a community based non-profit that primarily serves low-income families and senior citizens. Programs it supports locally and regionally are typically funded through grants, donations, and other community resources.

Food and transportation are some of the most requested assistance in Moody County. Program officials are currently assessing what cuts likely need to be made, but the extent of the budget impact is yet to be realized.
“Transportation is an ever-increasing need in Moody County,” said Kerry Kulkarni, the current Community Service Worker for Moody and Brookings County.
“The population within Moody County is aging, and many have disabilities. These individuals need to travel outside of the region to obtain necessary medical care but cannot always afford bus transit or cannot afford to maintain a vehicle. Although we do offer some assistance with bus tokens and gas, it is grant funded and the amount we receive is going to decrease in the years to come.”
Kulkarni added that increased property taxes have hit some area families incredibly hard. The situation isn’t unique to Moody County, but it is important, she noted, as it is causing some to lose their housing.
“Income-based housing is lacking within Moody County, and I have had to help clients move out of the community to secure housing because they cannot afford rent otherwise. Forcing individuals out of their communities can cause a plethora of other challenges and issues for those in crisis. It can be particularly impactful when school-aged children are involved,” she said.
With decreased funding from a block grant, ICAP and other local organizations will have limited resources of their own to try and find permanent solutions for those in crisis.
Resources Kulkarni said are already lacking in Moody County include rent and mortgage assistance, income-based housing, transportation, and food security.
ICAP currently offers programs to help with food purchases. There is also a garden program where clients can get a $50 voucher to purchase garden veggies and fruits seeds and plants so that they can grow their own.
Homeowners faced with aging homes that need updates, including furnace repairs or replacement, weatherization, and other major repairs to make homes efficient and safe, can contact ICAP for help with these challenges.
The program also is currently able to help those who are facing homelessness with their security deposit. This program does require those individuals to have some source of income to be approved.