The Tri-County Community Action Committee of Southern Maryland provides many resources. Housing counselors approved by the federal government HUD can help both tenants and homeowners. Other programs from the organization help those who are less fortunate, including seniors, the disabled, and children from low income families. Services are offered in Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Charles Counties in Maryland.
Low income energy and heating assistance
The MEAP can help you with your utility and heating bills. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides grants to low-income families to help them pay for their home heating and gas bills. If you qualify, MEAP will pay your utility and fuel companies directly.
This program is available to all residents of Maryland, regardless of whether or not they own a home. If you make enough money, you can get help with your rent. The Utility Service Protection Program is a program that helps people pay their utility bills. It is administered by Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee as a division of MEAP. This component protects against disconnections and offers a monthly payment plan with a set amount due each month from the customer.
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) is a Maryland state program that provides electric utility assistance to eligible customers in certain counties. The program is available to eligible customers in Calvert, Charles, and other counties. This program provides direct financial assistance for paying electric bills to both renters and homeowners. EUSP grants may also be available for low income customers or customers who are working poor and live in subsidized housing where heat is already included in the monthly rent.
The Weatherization Assistance Program, which is funded by the federal government, provides free home-energy conservation modifications to help low-income homeowners and renters with reducing their utility bills. To qualify for weatherization assistance from SMTCCAC, applicants must have a low income and be able to show that they own their home. Tenants will need to get their landlord’s permission before doing anything. Weatherization services are typically provided to those who need it most, such as senior citizens, the disabled, and lower income families with children. Households with the highest energy consumption are also typically given priority.
After a technician is approved, they visit the home and do an energy audit to see what services are needed. Possible ways to make your home more energy efficient include sealing any leaks, adding extra insulation, caulking, cleaning and tuning appliances, and replacing an old furnace or cooling system.
Housing, medical, and educational services in Southern Maryland
Tri-County Community Action is a housing counseling agency that is approved by HUD and is a part of the Maryland HOPE Housing Counseling Network. Housing counselors give talks and classes on topics related to housing, like creating a budget or getting your finances back on track by setting goals.
The Housing Counseling Program also helps with Reverse Mortgages/Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, Pre-Purchase Counseling, free Foreclosure Prevention, Budget and Credit Repair workshops, and Default and Mortgage Delinquency counseling. Tenants from southern Maryland can also learn about places to contact for help with their security deposit or rent.
The SMTCCAC Friendly Health Services Program provides assistance to those who are disabled or elderly. If you need help with medical care or other things at home, there are people who can help you. Each applicant is evaluated by professional staff members, with the patient’s personal physician and family included.
After looking at the results of the assessment, a plan is created to address the areas that need care. This organization will provide assistance with needs such as mental health issues, medical care, nutrition, and rehabilitation. The program partners with clinics and aging centers in St. Mary’s, Charles, or Calvert County.
Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action may help you with transportation to mental health care. The non-profit can help with transportation to and from hospitals or doctor appointments, support group sessions, and the local pharmacy. Some of the most common places people go are the Circuit Court for Charles County, the Charles County Core Services Agency, and the Circuit or Family Court.
The Head Start Program is a program that helps young children in the region, including Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties. The program is run by SMTCCAC. This means that many poor children are not going to school or are not being cared for at home. The program helps children learn and grow in many ways, including improving their social skills and academic performance.
Each child has their own individual plan. If necessary, special programs and referrals to other non-profit agencies are available for social, cognitive or emotional disabilities. The federally funded Head Start also provides free health services, food, medical health evaluations, dental care, and screenings for hearing and vision.
Locations
SMTCCAC is located in the Luther Stuckey Building at 8371 Old Leonardtown Rd., Hughesville, Maryland 20637. They provide information on resources available in Southern Maryland. The phone numbers you are looking for are Calvert County (410-535-1010), Charles or St. Mary’s County (301-274-4474).