Assistance for Working People

I can proudly say that I recently moved into my new Habitat for Humanity home. I spent over two years working for this endeavor while working a full time job, finishing my college degree, and working on homes during the weekends. Now, because I feel a strong connection to Habitat for Humanity, I often read news articles covering Habitat events. Inevitably, I see comments from angry people saying, "I wish I could get a house for free," or ,"Well, I guess if I didn't work, I could get a cheap house, too." What strikes me most about those comments is how very wrong they are! To be eligible for Habitat for Humanity, one must have an income, because, after all, it is not free. Further, the people who are upset that they couldn't get a Habitat home may be surprised to find they are quite possibly eligible to apply for that program. Over time, I've learned that there are many misconceptions about assistance programs, and I have even learned to break my own misconceptions about them.

Being a single mom due to unfortunate circumstances has lead me toward working as a social worker in the nonprofit industry so that my daughter can have a stable life. Not only has that given me a front seat view to the vast array of governmental and nonprofit programs available to people, but the commonly low pay has made me eligible for many of the programs I refer people to seek. With that said, I hope the following information can help those who need it the most, in particular, those who are struggling to work full time, but do not make enough income to carry the financial burden of their families.

In general, "Low-Income" is a very relative term. For some, a family of four making $39,000 a year is financially healthy, while others can't fathom making under $60,000 for a family of four. In any case, many of the programs below will be available for a family of four who makes under $40,000; but eligibility requirements vary from state to state and from region to region as the cost of living varies significantly.

Section 8 (Rental Assistance)

Contact your local housing authority to find out how you can apply for rental assistance. With Section 8, you'll pay your landlord a portion of the rent as based on your income, while the Government will pay the rest. If you're a quiet, clean tenant, your landlord will appreciate this situation. In most cases, with a Section 8 voucher, you will be able to choose any apartment you'd like within a reasonable price range. There will be a waiting list. In some cases you will wait up to two years, but don't let that deter you. Section 8 will give you priority if you work, and a higher priority if you work full time. If you are not employed (as you nod your head and grunt, "that's why I need help!), sign up anyway. Once you get a job, you may still be eligible, and now you'll move up on the list.

LIHEAP (Electric Bill or Propane Bill Assistance)

LIHEAP stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance. Benefits from this program are the same from state to state; however, the program may be administered differently from state to state. For example, in Florida, if you are income eligible, you can get a one time payment during the year to help you pay your normal electric bill, and you may also be eligible for a one time payment toward a past-due bill during the winter season, and one again in the summer season. In some states, clients are given a small payment toward all of their bills throughout the year. To learn about this program, find your local City or Governmental office, or see if there is a Community Action Agency nearby.

Weatherization Assistance Program

If you have high electric bills despite trying your best to be energy savvy, you might be able to get a free energy audit and free energy saving upgrades on your home or rental. Repairs covered by the program usually include weather stripping, AC/Heater maintenance or replacement, water heater blankets, and some compact fluorescent light-bulbs. Again, call your local government or local Community Action Agency to find out where you can find Weatherization Assistance.

WIC (Food for Women Infants and Children)

Woman Infants and Children helps with food costs for kids 5 and under, and pregnant or nursing moms. The program is meant to help this population gain access to healthy foods. Participants will take some valuable health classes and will also be given vouchers for certain basic foods and formulas. For example, a nursing mom might get a couple bottles of low fat milk, some cheese, peanut butter, beans, tuna fish, and 100% juices. A recent change in the program gives families the ability to get produce versus the juices. To locate your local WIC office, you can usually find it listed as so in the Phone Book, but if not, try your Health Department.

Free or Reduced School Lunches

In many cases, families with two working parents may still be eligible to apply for reduced lunches at the public school. Contact the school's front office to find out where to apply for that program.

Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Through Community Action Agencies, you may be able to work on getting your financial situation back up to a healthy level through training, or career help. In some cases, you may just need a little help getting yourself interview-ready, and a local agency might help you with some career clothing, resume writing skills, and job leads.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is truly a one of a kind source of help. By far, this program is the one helping program where a family can feel proud to have gone through all the hoops to get the "assistance," it offers. With Habitat for Humanity, you apply for the program by showing ID and income. Then, you're off to volunteering a minimum amount of time to the program per month by helping to build other peoples' homes. Then, finally, you'll spend your time working on your very own home. Because Habitat for Humanity has low overhead by employing a mostly volunteer force and by networking with great home building super stores, each homeowner gets blessed with a low mortgage at no interest. Not everyone will be eligible, of course. There is a minimum income level just as there is a maximum income level. They will check credit scores, but don't let that scare you from applying as the boards are truly human and will make a sincere assessment on your ability to repay the mortgage based on a number of variables (not just that very low FICO score).

General Assistance

Many churches have outreach centers for utility assistance, rental assistance, or even food assistance. By calling United Way (2-1-1), you can find out where those outreach centers are in your local area.

Finally, you should know that people of all walks of life need assistance from time to time. Do not feel embarrassed when you apply for assistance. Chances are, the social worker taking your application may be eligible for the same assistance you're applying to get. She's probably seen many people that same day who were just as full of pride and worry that you're facing, and if you're in an unusual situation, she should understand you are new to the process.

On that same note, also be aware that many agencies are flooded by callers. Most of the require appointments because it would be physically and financially impossible to see all the people in any given day who request it. In many Community Agencies, calls for utility assistance are only taken on certain days, and many people will be surprised to find the lines are busy, busy, busy, during the hours posted. For many folks in need, that revelation can be devastating; however, the workers simply cannot take all the devastated callers, regardless of the sour situations they may be facing. If you find that you'll be needing assistance, know that it's available, but be prepared to be turned down a few times due to either lack of funds, limited space, or specified appointment calling times. Also, do not wait until your situation is dire before you call for assistance. Start asking these agencies now how they may be able to help you.