The Marshall County Pony Express Partnership for Children (PEPC) is facing a surge in demand for basic needs assistance, particularly in housing, food, and utilities. Housing-related aid consumes the largest share of PEPC’s budget, with rental and housing assistance requests up 116% and 84%, respectively, since 2018.

Food assistance, mostly sought by seniors, has increased by 145% due to inflation and stagnant SNAP benefits. PEPC’s Family Support Program helped 37 families in 2024 by covering rent and deposit costs. The agency also supports those facing unemployment and soon-to-be-released inmates, helping reduce recidivism.

PEPC operates primarily in Marysville but hopes to expand services eastward. Based at Lincoln Center, PEPC collaborates with 10 agencies, including Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers, to support families and children. The partnership has made progress, notably reducing homelessness from 14% in 2016 to 8.6%, despite growing economic strain in Marshall County.