Aidpage

• The Marion Food Pantry
  The Marion Food Pantry The Churches of Marion Food Pantry is an ecumenical group of 11 Marion and Cedar Rapids churches that work to alleviate hunger in the area. The pantry, which was founded in 1982 by a seminary student during a summer internship at First Presbyterian and moved to First Pres' Mission House in 1985, is run entirely with lay leadership from all denominations. Its operating hours are from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Crossroads Mission
  Food Pantry, Counseling Services, Domestic Violence Rescue Services, and much more. 1006 - 2nd Street SW • Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404.
• Linn Community Food Bank - Google Maps
  310 5th Street Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA (319) 364-3543‎
• Linn County General Assistance
  Resource links to several agencies and local governement resources to help.
• Alliant Energy Assistance
  The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded initiative that helps low-income households with the costs of energy used for home heating and cooling.
• Hawkeye Community Action Program
  Hawkeye Area Community Action Program serves the following counties: Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington
• Iowa Division of Community Action Agencies
  The Bureau of Energy Assistance administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federally-funded block grant is designed to aid qualifying households in the payment of a portion of their residential heating costs for the winter heating season. The program's energy crisis intervention components are designed to provide immediate response to alleviate potentially life-threatening situations, and the client education component of the program provides funds for activities that encourage regular utility payments, promote energy awareness and encourage reduction of energy use through energy efficiency, client education and weatherization.
• Marion Cares
  Marion Cares, Inc. is a faith based organization serving the needs of families and children in Marion, Iowa. The primary purpose of Marion Cares, Inc. is to address academics, technology, education, recreation, moral guidance, and family and social needs for the families and children in Marion.
• HACAP
  Hawkeye Community Action Program Frequently Asked Questions

For more information and resouces visit my blog at

http://friendshelpingfriends.aidpage.com/

Information & Referral

United Way
-Information & Referral Service (from landline) 211
-Or from cell phone 239-433-3900
http://www.unitedwaylee.org/

Elder Helpline of SW FL
(over age 60) 1-800-963-5337

Abuse Counseling & Treatment, Inc.

-24 Hour Family Violence & rape shelter/counseling

Phone: 239-939-3112
http://www.actabuse.com

Catholic Hispanic Social Services

- Programs to assist Hispanic persons, food vouchers, blankets, English classes, infant clothing, diapers4235 Michigan Avenue, Fort Myers

Phone: 239-337-4193
http://www.catholiccharitiesdov.org

Dept. of Children & Families

-AFDC-Aid to families with dependent children
-Aging/Adult services
-Food stamps
-Medicaid eligibility

4150 Ford Street Extension, Fort Myers
Phone: 1-866-762-2237
http://www. ?

Lee County Human Services

-Utility and rental assistance for low income and elderly

1440 Thompson Street, Fort Myers
Phone: 239-533-7900
http://dhs.lee-county.com/default.htm

Salvation Army

-10291 McGregor Blvd. 33919 239-278-1551
-Food & Clothing/Women's House 239-278-1551
-Overnight Shelter (single males) 2400 Edison Ave., Ft. Myers 239-332-4241

http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss_fortmyers.nsf

W.I.C. - Women, Infants, & Children

-Special supplement feeding program

3920 Michigan Avenue, Fort Myers
Phone: 239-332-9501
http://www.lee-county.com/healthdept

Lee Cares

-Provides information about Lee County Government services 239-332-2737

http://www.Lee-County.com

Health

Childrens Medical Services (H.R.S.)

-Provides Medical Services to children who are eligible for Medicaid
-Cost of services provided can be adjusted according to income

Phone: 239-939-8143
http://www.cms-kids.com

Lee County Health Department

-Free immunizations for babies & children
-General Health Care needs

3920 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers 239-332-9501
83 Pondella Road, N. Ft. Myers 239-656-4440
http://www.Lee-County.com/healthdept

Southwest Florida Addiction Services

-Treatment & Counseling for adults and adolescents
-Programs to ensure care for pregnant women
-Available to Medicare and Medicaid recipients
-Or cost-adjusted to income

Phone: 239-332-6937
http://www.swfas.org

Legal

Child Support Enforcement (H.R.S.)

-Available to AFDC and Medicaid recipients
-Or $ 25 initial fee for anyone with children in home

239-936-0102
http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/childsupport/

Florida Rural Legal Services

-Legal services provided to low income individuals
-Assist in landlord/tenant disputes

Phone: 239-334-4554
http://www.frls.org

Employment

Job & Benefit Center

-Job Service of Florida has jobs on computer, must come into office

Phone: 239-278-7140

Mayors Alliance

-Located at Goodwill Industries-Provides Services for people with disabilities

Phone: 239-995-2106 ext. 126

City of Cape Coral Job Line

-Recording of jobs available in City

Phone: 239-574-0535
http://www.capecoral.net

Miscellaneous

Consumer Credit Counseling of Florida Gulf Coast

-Free budget & financial counseling
-Debt repayment program
-Must call for application – appointments made after application is completed

Phone: 239-278-3121
http://www.cccsfl.org

Lifeline Family Center

-Maternity home, free pregnancy testing-Crisis Pregnancy Counseling

Phone: 239-574-4457
http://www.lifelinefamilycenter.org

S.O.L.V.E.

-Maternity Home, free pregnancy testing, infant clothes

5597 Sunrise Drive, Ft. Myers
Phone: 239-332-3122

Special Populations

-Day/evening/after school programs available for mentally and physically handicapped

400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral
Phone: 239-574-0574

Lee County Housing Authority

-Various Types of low income housing (call for list)
-Voucher programs and new project becoming available

Phone: 239-997-6688

Social Security Administration

-SSI – Supplement Security Income
-Medicare applications

Phone: 1-800-772-1213
http://www.socialsecurity.gov

SHARE – Florida Food Network

Phone: 1-800-536-3379

Bus Information

Phone: 239-275-8726
http://www.leegov.com

Community Cooperative Ministries (Groceries/Meals/Soup Kitchen)

3429 MLK Jr Blvd., Ft. Myers 33916
Phone: 239-332-7687

NFM - All Souls Church - Pantry and Clothing

Open Wed 9 am to 12 noon

14640 N. Cleveland Ave, Ft. Myers
Phone: 239-997-7685

NFM - Church of God - Pantry

Phone: 239-995-4966
http://www.freewebs.com/nfmcog

FISH

-For Pine Island, St. James City & Bokeelia

Phone: (Leave message, someone will call back) 239-283-4442

Electric, gas and telephone utilities serve millions of customers in Georgia, but there are many customers who can't afford gas, electricity or basic phone service without the help of payment assistance programs. Many electric, gas, and telephone utility companies offer payment plans to their customers who qualify. They may allow deferred payment for those who cannot pay their whole bill or delay disconnection for customers trying to pay their bills. Many civic groups, charitable organizations, and churches in local communities provide payment assistance to low income customers. For more information, contact your gas, electric, or telephone service provider.

Telephone Programs

Lifeline

Lifeline Assistance provides up to a $13.50 credit on qualified residential customers' bills in AT&T-Georgia's service area (a federal credit of $10 and an additional credit of $3.50 from AT&T-Georgia). Customers in other telephone companies' service areas receive the $10 federal credit.

Link Up Georgia

Link-Up Georgia reduces the cost of hook-up charges for eligible customers. AT&T-Georgia waives 100% of the telephone service hook-up charge for its customers. Customers of all other local telephone companies in Georgia receive a waiver of one-half of the connection charge or $30, whichever is less.

You may be eligible if you can prove that you are currently receiving benefits under onev of the following programs:

• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Food Stamps
• Medicaid
• Senior citizen low-income discount plan offered by the local gas or power company
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Call your local phone company to see if you qualify.

Electric and Gas Programs

Weatherization

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (www.gefa.org) distributes funds for weatherization assistance through Community Action Agencies for the repair or renovation of homes of low-income residents to make them more energy efficient. For more information call 404.656.3826 or contact your local Community Action Agency.

Low Income Energy Assistance

Most electric and gas utility companies provide an efficient means for their customers to help needy individuals by making it possible to include charitable donations with utility bill payments. Georgia Power Company and Atlanta Gas Light Company match funding contributed by their customers.

The Heating Energy Assistance Team ("HEAT") program is administered by the Georgia Department of Human Resources statewide through Community Action Agencies. For more information call 404.656.6696 or your local Community Action Agency. Project SHARE is also a statewide program and is administered by The Salvation Army. For more information call 1.800.25SHARE or your power company's customer service number.

Senior Citizen Discounts

Senior citizen discount rates provide savings for those who qualify. Customers who are at least 65 years old with a total household income of not more than $14,355 annually, are eligible to receive a $14.00 discount on their Georgia Power or Savannah Electric power bill. Natural gas customers in Atlanta Gas Light Company's delivery area may receive up to a $14.00 discount. Call your gas or electric service provider for more information.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)/PSC Matching Grant for Seniors

As a resident of Georgia, you may qualify for a financial assistance program designed to help you pay your energy bills. Low-income consumers who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive assistance from the federally-funded LIHEAP.

• Has an annual income at or below 150% of the poverty level for Georgia,
• is responsible for paying the cost of his or her home's primary heating source, and
• is a U.S. citizen or legally admitted alien.

For more information or to apply for assistance, contact the numbers listed below.

Phone Numbers for LIHEAP Assistance

Other Financial Assistance Programs

• The United Way, 2.1.1, or 404.614.1000
• The Salvation Army, 404.873.3101, or 800.257.4273 - toll free

Chilly nights have already settled into Buffalo and the surrounding areas and most families have put off turning on the heat because they don't have the money to pay high heating bills. Help is here in the form of HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), which begins taking applications on November 1st across New York State.

If your family received help from HEAP last year, you can reapply over the phone or online, you do not need to go to the Social Services offices.

For information and suggestions on how to lower your utilities bills, check out Heat Smart, NY.

HEAP (Home Engergy Assistance Program) Income guidelines (effective 10/1/10 through 9/30/11):

FAMILY SIZE           GROSS MONTHLY INCOME
   1                                     2,129
   2                                     2,784
   3                                     3,439
   4                                     4,094
   5                                     4,749
   6                                     5,404
   7                                     5,527
   8                                     5,650
   9                                     5,773
  10                                    5,896
  11                                    6,029

Each additional                 add $468 per person

Basic information about HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program):

Regular HEAP benefits are based on income, the primary fuel source and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older or permanently disabled. A household may receive one Regular HEAP Benefit per program year paid directly to the vendor that supplies their main source of heat.

Emergency HEAP benefits are based on income, available resources, the number of household members and the primary fuel type. A household may be eligible to receive one emergency heating benefit for their main source of heat and one emergency heat related benefit for their electric if their electric is necessary to run their thermostat.

The Furnace Repair and Replacement Component of the Home Energy Assistance Program is available to help eligible low-income home owners repair or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home's primary heating source functional.

Furnace benefits amounts are based on the actual cost incurred to replace or repair the applicants’ furnace, boiler, and/or other essential heating equipment necessary to keep the home's primary heating source operational.

To receive a benefit, an application must be made in person at the local department of social services and the applicant must receive a determination from the local department of social services that the applicant has met all established eligibility criteria, including established income and resource requirements. Benefits are paid directly to vendors after completion of all work for previously approved applications only.

Applications for furnace repairs or replacements are available at your local department of social services office

For more information contact your local Social Services office or call the HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-342-3009      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Contact HEAP to verify all information before applying for benefits.

Print the HEAP application fill it out, and take it with you to your appointment. You will need pages 1 through 4.

Items you will need to bring with your application to Social Services:

• A current fuel and/or utility bill or receipt which document a direct vendor relationship for energy based upon actual usage billing or a statement from your landlord that your heat and/or utilities are included in your rent
• Proof of income for all income earning persons in your household (including alimony and child support) for the previous 4 weeks
• Unemployment insurance benefits book
• Bank book, interest or dividend statements
• Copies of Social Security or pension checks or direct deposit statements
• Business statements for the previous 3 months if you are self employed

You will also need to bring one of the following for each person in your household

• Birth or marriage certificates
• School or baptismal records
• Social Security Cards
• Driver’s license

If you are not eligible for REAP or other programs offered by CPS Energy, there are several public health agencies and community-based organizations that offer emergency assistance programs to help you pay your bill. However, CPS Energy cannot obtain financial assistance for you. You should call an agency first to find out about assistance availability, eligibility requirements and documents you may need.  Agency funds may be limited and the amount of assistance you may be eligible to receive will vary from program to program and may only be available certain times of the year.

Proof of eligibility will be required. Eligibility requirements will vary between programs and may depend on income, family size, location of residence, age, disability, degree of need or emergency.

City of San Antonio Community Action Program
The City of San Antonio's Department of Community Initiatives offers several programs for city residents who need temporary assistance with utility bill payments or who are in imminent danger of service termination. Programs include: REAP (Residential Energy Assistance Program) and its Emergency Response Component; Project WARM; SAMM Shelter; Dwyer Avenue Center; Kenwood Community Center.

Office Location:
Community Action Program East - 2805 E. Commerce St.
Telephone: (210) 207-7830

Bexar County Department of Community Investment
Bexar County offers various temporary utility assistance programs for county residents. Aid with utility bills can be provided to prevent disconnection of service for nonpayment. Appointments are taken beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. Programs include: Energy Crisis Program; Elderly/Disabled Program; Co-Pay Program; Bexar Utility Relief Program; Emergency Nutrition.

Temporary Relief Program
Office Location: 233 N. Pecos, Suite 590
Telephone: (210) 335-6770

Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities provides community-based support and resources to individuals and families with personal and financial crises. Limited direct financial assistance is available to pay utility bills.

Office Location: 2903 W. Salinas St.
Telephone: (210) 433-3256

Click Here For Website

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is coordinated through Miami-Dade County's Community Action Agency's Self Help Division as part of their emergency assistance programs. The program provides assistance to low-income individuals and families who are experiencing financial difficulty with paying their electric and gas utility bills. Eligible applicants will receive a credit payment which would be applied to their existing utility bill. The program is funded through the Florida Department of Community Affairs Division of Housing and Community Development, and provides assistance to over 50,000 households annually. LIHEAP provides assistance in three categories, which include:

• Regular Energy Assistance- designed to assist eligible participants with the ever increasing cost of their home energy expense. The program provides a credit payment ranging from $150 - $300 dollars to be applied to their existing utility account. Regular Energy Assistance is restricted to once a year; eligible participants must continue to pay their utility bill awaiting the credit payment to apply to their account balance.
• Crisis Energy Assistance- provides assistance to eligible households in resolving a home energy emergency/crisis. Participants having received a final notice or disconnection of services are eligible to receive assistance in this category. Eligible participants may receive a credit payment up to $600.00 to be applied to their existing utility account. Participants are permitted to apply twice annually during the winter and summer seasons for the Crisis Energy Assistance.
• Weather-Related Crisis- assists eligible households to resolve a home energy emergency caused by a specific weather related disaster as declared by the Governor.

Eligibility for these programs requires the household income not to exceed 150% of the U.S. Poverty Guidelines. Regular and Crisis Energy Assistance programs are administered throughout the year as funding is available. Applications are available at Miami-Dade County's Community Action Agency's Service Centers. Applications maybe returned to the CAA Service Centers along with the required documentation to determine proof of eligibility.

Community Action Agency has an established partnership with Florida Power & Light as well as other community organizations to provide assistance with Home Energy related issues.

• LIHEAP Application in English
• LIHEAP Application in Spanish

For additional information regarding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or other services provided by the Community Action Agency, contact us at 786-469-4640.

Click Here For Website

If you received a shut-off notice from Seattle City Light (electricity) or Seattle Public Utilities (water, sewer, garbage), or you are unable to pay your bill, you may qualify for emergency payment assistance.

Electricity/Seattle City Light

The City of Seattle manages or operates two different programs that provide one-time payment assistance for eligible residential customers facing electrical disconnection:

1. City’s Light’s Emergency Low-Income Assistance Program, which pays 50 percent of the past due balance to a maximum of $200 once every 12 months.



2. Project Share, which pays a maximum of $500 in a calendar year. Of this amount, up to $250 can be provided without a customer matching payment. Any additional assistance requires a two-to-one customer matching payment.

For more information or an eligibility assessment, call the Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities Customer Service Center at 206-684-3000, then press 5 for account balance, then press 0 to speak to a customer service representative.

Water, Sewer and Garbage/Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities provides payment assistance and consultation for eligible residential customers facing disconnection of water, garbage and sewer service. Customers who meet the income criteria may receive assistance in the amount of 50 percent of their past due balance to a maximum of $200 in a 12-month period.

Customers requesting assistance must make payment arrangements through Seattle Public Utilities Residential Service Team at 206-684-5800.

My name is serena, i am a mother of a 5 yr old girl, a 4 yr old boy, a 7month old son and one due in january. My 7month old was born last christmas with stride and cleft pallet and it has been a long journey with him. He spent his first 2 months in cooks childrens hospital an hour and forty five from where i live. Since i have 2 other kids i had times where i had to leave him alone there at the hospital and it was the hardest thing i have ever done. My husband worked at whataburger and would get of at 3pm and drive all the way to fort worth and have to wait an hour until the shift change was over before we could see our son. By that time it was 7 pm we would sit with our baby til around 3 am and drive back just in time for my husband to get back to work. My son is doing alot better now after his surgery but it has taken all we have just to be able to get back and forth. His next surgery is coming up to do plastic surgery and its very scary. The last surgery he had was the toughest dr. told me he has lost babys on the table do to complications because they have smaller airways than normal. I am here asking for help with my electricity and rent if possible i am two months behind on electric totaling $270 and they are going to cut it off monday if it is not paid by then It is very hot here in texas being the summer time and my children and i have no other place to stay if my electric is cut off. I have been calling around my area all week asking for help and nobody can because i am 2 months behind and some wont because my husband is no longer around and i am "living in sin" as they say because my kids father is not here. I paid a portion on my rent but i was left being $100 short. With late fees starting at $35 the first day and $10 everyday after i am going to be $205 in the hole by the time i can finally get the money to pay, if even then i have all of it, if not my late fees will just keep going. If there is anyone who can help $1, $5 anything right now i would even accept some friend advice and god spoken words. Thank You for taking the time to read my story and GOD BLESS YOU

Click Here For Website

A special component of HEAP, the Summer Crisis Program provides summer cooling assistance for low-income elderly households and for Ohioans with qualifying medical conditions. The program applies to electric utilities only.

What are the benefits?

One-time payment assistance of up to $175 to be put towards:

• Electric bill payment,
• Air conditioning unit, or
• Fan

Who is eligible?

• You do not have to be enrolled in PIPP or have received a disconnection notice to be eligible for the Summer Crisis Program.
• Households must have a gross annual income of 200 percent of the federal poverty level and meet one of the following criteria:
  • Have a member of the household who is at least 60 years old; or
  • Provide physician documentation of medical necessity.

How do I sign up?

Please help someone,

 My Husband of 20 years has left, I am disabled because of a car accident and My son has just lost his job,our bills are shutoff notices and we can't get groceries, our church says they don't help with these type of thngs,it is a very large church you may have heard of them (Ernest Angley) well, they said we could pray but,no help I don't know where to go for help I signed up for HEAP and PIPP but they can only pay back bills, My son was just diagnosed with gilbert's syndrome and he is passing out from migrain's and needs medicine, he has no insurance, and if the child is over 20 years old they get no help. If someone could help even with information or any ideas i will gladly try them please help someone please.

kim @cookiemnstr2008@yahoo.com thank you god for this page.

Hello My problem is the same as most right now. I have 5 children and my husband and I both worked for the same company and have been laid off.  We have had so many problems getting work My husband took a job at walmart which even though we are very thankful one of us got a job the pay is so much less then what we were making.  I am getting a degree at this time but still have not been able to get work.  We have been fighting to keep are home and utilities.  We have given up everything possible like cable and activities,  but we are still stuggiling.  Right now we are having a problem with are electric.  We have tried to work out something with them but they do not seem simpathetic.  I just need to know if anyone knows of anywhere I can get help.  With my husband actually having a job most places will not help.  I have to children with asthma and the wounger of the 2 needs to have a nebulizor with no electric she will not be able to use it.  I just pray the economy will get better so everyone will be able have more opportonities.  Thank you

i am in desperate need of electric help.  my electric is going to be turned off tomorrow and we need to pay 340.00.  my wife is diabetic and i have two children.  please help us. thank you.

I am a single mother of two adorable little girls( they are the silly ones in the picture). I am a former loan processor who is looking for work. I have been out of work since October, and have gone through all of my savings, pawned all of my jewelry last month which I hoped to get back. At income tax time we moved to a less expensive place, but without a job I am not able to keep up with the bills. I am attending classes, but financial aid covers books and classes not living expenses. I have not paid the rent for April yet because I had 4 very promising interviews which ended up not offering me employment. I have also not paid the electric, water, phone, cable....... I have not gotten a notice from my landlord because I asked for an extension until the 16th (today) thinking that if I found something I could get a cash advance from one of those places or something. I can't get a private student loan because I have no income, in fact pretty much no one is willing to give you a loan without income. I don't have any family, their dad isn't around. I don't know what to do.They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle, but I think I am almost at breaking point. I have been on two interviews this week and have two more but they dont pay the bills and pretty soon I wont have the gas to get there. I NEED HELP badly or soon we'll be homeless. I'm in the bay area of Florida, if any one has any suggestions I would DEEPLY appreciate them. I am adding this to the end because I want to explain the gravity of the situation I parked my car at the grocery store so that if my landlord comes by he will think I'm not here. Please help!!!!!

Hi everyone. I am here to ask for help for my son who lives next door to me and was diagnosed with eleptic seizures in may of last year. He has worked all of his life to support himself.Now he has had to ask for supplemental security income in order to pay his bills. I paid his bills for over a year, and just couldn't do it anymore. We have gotton help with the state and the local churches and they are saying they cannot help any longer. I hope someone sees the way to help him. any help would be appreciated. oh he lives next door to me in his own home. he has lot rent to pay and electric.  thanks mary

We urgently need assistance with my electric bill. We have until 5pm today to pay it. We owe $450, of which I have $100 to pay on it today. I may have another $50 later today, but I'm not sure. As of right now, I need $350.  I am unable to work outside the home, and my husband just got a job in Sept after 3 years of being out of work.  We are slowly getting back out from under, and we just need a hand up, not a handout.