There are resources available from Community and Family Services for low income families. If you need help or information about something, the best place to call is (260) 744-0700. The type of support provided changes often, so this is the best number to call for updated information. There are programs to help those who are struggling, including seniors, the unemployed, disabled, children and the less fortunate. The main programs that CFS offers are mentioned below, but they may also have referrals to other programs. They collaborate with other organizations that provide relief in areas such as Adams, Blackford, Huntington, Jay, Randolph, and Wells Indiana.
One of the main goals of the agency is to help people during an emergency, which can include preventing eviction or helping with utility bills. A primary objective for any community action agency is to help clients become more independent and stable.
Financial aid for rent and other bills from CFS
Many people who are poor have to deal with difficult housing situations, such as not being able to pay rent on time. The mission at Community and Family Services is to help people who are struggling with housing insecurity and prevent them from becoming homeless. The organization helps low-income residents of various counties by working to prevent evictions and helping them keep their current home or apartment. The goal is to provide temporary financial assistance to those in need.
The government also provides assistance to people so they can find safe and affordable housing, and then helps them become self-sufficient. Case managers can direct individuals to low income apartments, as well as help them sign up for loan programs that can pay for the first month’s rent. Tenants will be given advice to help them avoid eviction in the future.
The HUD-supported Housing Choice Voucher Program provides financial assistance to help people afford housing. The government can help pay for rent for families that make little money.
As part of the agreement, the tenant needs to agree to pay any rent that is outstanding to the landlord. The amount of money a tenant pays for rent each month is generally around 30 to 40 percent of their total monthly income. This rent assistance service from the federal government helps families who are struggling financially to live in safe housing that they might not be able to afford otherwise.
Other government housing solutions may be beneficial for the disabled. If someone is experiencing homelessness, they may be eligible for long-term rent assistance through a program called Shelter Plus Care. This program provides financial assistance to low-income families through a voucher system. It is administered by Community and Family Services. This resource is for people who fit one of the following criteria. The applicants for this need to be severely mentally ill, have HIV, or be recovering from drug or alcohol abuse.
To be eligible for this program, clients must have a low income and must meet all program requirements. The referral must come from a partnering agency where the individual is currently receiving treatment. Additionally, participants must meet the Shelter Plus Care program requirements while they have the tenancy to remain eligible for the program.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides help with utility and heating bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides eligible households with help paying their energy bills. Grants can be used to help pay for a client’s costs or Summer Cooling provides a one-time credit that can be applied to the client’s utility bill.
If you live in Indiana and your household has not benefited from this service in the past five years, you may be eligible to receive an air conditioner at no cost. This aid is for people that are either elderly, disabled, or children five years old or younger that live in Adams, Blackford, Huntington, and Wells County.
Weatherization provides home improvements that make your home more energy efficient, and therefore, save you money on your energy bills. These improvements are free of charge. The resource is designed to help low-income families with the high costs of heating their homes. It is for seniors, the disabled, and other qualified families. Some ways to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable are to add insulation to the walls, floors, and attic; repair any heating equipment that isn’t installed properly or has leaks; and fix any issues with the furnace.
CFS weatherization benefits are available to those who live in site-built homes, mobile units, townhomes, or apartments in Indiana. In order to be eligible for the energy assistance program, individuals must meet certain qualifications.
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program helps veterans who have been discharged and are having trouble paying their rent. These grants are available to people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless in Central Indiana. The grants can be used to help with rent, utility bills, or other costs related to securing housing.
The program may provide assistance with finding and paying for housing, as well as costs associated with moving, such as security deposits and utility bills. If you are a veteran, Community and Family Services can help you get benefits from the VA, including job training, education, and rehabilitation counseling.
The agency has a program to help low-income parents pay for day care for children under 13. In order to get a voucher to help pay for school, parents have to be enrolled in school, employed, or receiving job training.
Case management from Community and Family Services
CFS’ Family Development Program helps families in need by providing resources and support. The program offers a variety of services, including financial assistance, counseling, and job training. The goal of the program is to help families become self-sufficient and thrive. This is a form of self-sufficiency that helps families reach their goals by working together as a whole. It is important to have stability in order to be successful. This program is for families who want to change and are willing to make an effort toward fulfilling their goals. It is a voluntary, in-home program for working poor or otherwise struggling families.
The case managers visit families in Adams and Huntington counties every month. They speak with each family to learn about their strengths. This will also talk about their skills, what they want, and what they need. Following that, the process will shift to setting goals related to employment. People will also be creating plans detailing how the objectives will be accomplished.
While the person taking part in the Family Development program will need to do most of the work, case managers can help them throughout the process by providing referrals, follow-ups, and different types of assistance programs that are designed to help them be successful.
There is educational information available on money-related topics such as banking, credit, debt reduction and savings. This is all important in becoming independent. CFS provides financial literacy classes to help people understand personal finances and money management. These classes are based on the FDIC Money Smart Curriculum.
IDA’s are created to help people become financially independent. The money in the account can be used to buy a house, start a business, or go to school. The service provides help with setting up a savings account, and then matches each dollar that the client deposited. This means that once you have saved up enough money, you can use it to pay for things.
Medical programs and insurance
Hoosier Healthwise is a health insurance program in Indiana that provides coverage for children, women, seniors, and low-income families at little to no cost. This means that with this insurance, you will be able to visit the doctor, get prescription drugs, go to the hospital, get vision services, get glasses, and get dental care, among other things.
Other assistance that women in certain counties can gain from Hoosier Healthwise includes help with things such as health and well-being. The services may include prenatal care, the birth of the baby, and the post- partum visit.
The Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) is a state-sponsored health insurance plan for low-income adults and adults facing poverty who do not have access to an employer-sponsored health plan. This means that if your children are covered by Hoosier Healthwise, you are probably eligible for coverage from the state through HIP. This will help with expenses like doctor’s appointments, prescriptions, mental health services, and more.
Head Start can also be beneficial for children. This program provides educational and social support services to the whole family. The participants in this study will have free access to health care, mental health services, dental care, vision care, and hearing services. This means that children who have special needs or are disabled are able to participate in all the activities and programs that are offered in Indiana. It is important for parents to be involved in their child’s education and this is something that is encouraged and supported. Meals and snacks that are nutritious and free are provided.
Early Head Start is another option. The federal government provides financial assistance to low-income pregnant women and their children through this program. The majority of the services provided by Community and Family Services are conducted through weekly in-home visits by providers. These visits involve both parents and children.
Early Head Start services emphasize developing educational skills, family self-sufficiency, child development and parenting skills. This program is available in Indiana and across the nation. It is inclusive and diverse, with staff members who can speak multiple languages.
The Community and Family Services office is located in Portland, Indiana. For referrals, please call (260) 744-0700.