WESTERLY — Things are not only the worst they’ve been in a long time, but they’re getting worse, state Sen. Dennis L. Algiere, R-Westerly, told the Basic Needs Network yesterday morning at Grace Methodist Church.

“In 16 to 17 years, this is the most difficult budget year I’ve ever seen,” said Algiere, Senate minority leader in a state facing a budget gap expected to exceed $500 million.

“We need more resources. We do not have the resources,” Algiere told the 34 social service workers and volunteers who gather once a month for an hour to compare notes and share resources. He urged everyone there to feel free to call him, saying he would do whatever he could. He said his best efforts would apply little more than a Band-Aid. Strategic planning is needed, he said, but everyone is in crisis management mode.

“We’re in bleak times,” agreed the Rev. Jean Barry, who as director of the WARM (Westerly Area Rest and Meals) Shelter runs the Basic Needs meetings. “I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes,” she told Algiere.

Algiere acknowledged that the layoffs of 48 workers from Bradford Dyeing Association and the coming layoffs, in February, of 139 Charbert workers put greater demand on services such as job counseling and food, housing and heating assistance.

But the Department of Labor and Training’s netWORKRI office in Wakefield closed Nov. 30, so people needing help finding a job must travel to West Warwick, Providence or Newport.

How do they get there if they don’t have a car?

The R.I. Public Transit Authority provides Flex service between Westerly and Wakefield, and Algiere said that needed to be expanded.

“If we can do it, fine,” he said. “If not, it’s because the money is just not there.”

Barry asked whether it would help to invite legislators to one of the monthly meetings of the Basic Needs Network, making them listen for an hour to the group effort it takes to provide “the things that can keep people alive.”

“They’re not going to hear anything they don’t know,” Algiere said. He said everything is on the table in the budget process. “It’s not going to be easy,” he kept saying.

Algiere heard about the difficulty of applying for food stamps. Applicants have to conduct their own scavenger hunt for documents to prove their need, then they must visit an office in person several times and re-qualify every six months. None of this can be done in Westerly.

He said he would work with the R.I. Department of Human Services on getting a person assigned to Westerly with the authority to accept applications.

Sonia Ferrin, of the URI Feinstein Center for a Hunger Free America, handed out packets designed to guide clients through the process of qualifying for benefits. One sheet listed hardships such as illness or lack of transportation that would allow a client to apply for food stamps by mail and be interviewed by telephone. She also said people can apply online at any public library, where library workers are trained to help with the process.

Meanwhile, Leo H. Dery, president of the Bradford Jonnycake Center of Westerly, said food stamp applications would be accepted from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the Wednesdays of Jan. 16 and 23 at the center, 23 Industrial Drive, Westerly. Later those same days, he said, people who have lost their jobs can sign up for unemployment benefits and job services and get advice about immigration and naturalization.

Participants heard of other opportunities, resources and requests for help.

For six hours today, there will be an opportunity to get on a waiting list to apply for Section 8 housing. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today only, callers to the South Kingstown Housing Authority, 783-0126, can ask for an application.

Seniors Helping Others put out a request for volunteers to deliver meals or give someone a ride to a medical appointment from a remote area such as Hope Valley. To offer help, call 789-2362.

The Rev. Joyce Duerr, a member of the Westerly-Pawcatuck Clergy Association, sat beside a stack of boxes of child-size hats and mittens that she said a teacher in North Kingstown had helped collect. Anyone who knew of children needing them could help themselves, she said.

Carolann Falasca said the Blue Mitten, which gave away 400 coats last year, distributes goods to 26 organizations from its thrift shop on Main Street, giving vouchers to people who lost their jobs or homes to come in and pick out whatever they need. She said the shops sells what is left after goods are distributed in other ways.

Mary Lou Gentz of the Literacy Volunteers of Washington County said people who want to help people learn to read can get training on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

dnaylor@projo.com