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

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.