Auglaize County assistance programs

People who live Wapakoneta or Auglaize County and who need a little bit of help paying a utility bill, rent or need some extra money to pay for a prescription medication have a place to turn to for assistance. The Helping Hands Financial Aid Fund is geared toward helping families and individuals cover emergency expenses and provide money to pay for a crisis. The assistance program has helped clients cover a wide array of financial emergencies and costs.

The fund is discretionary and helps people in all kinds of situations. Money for the program is donated from local churches, private citizens, the local Ministerial Association and other revenue sources.

It is discretionary in that if there is a bill or expense that someone needs help with, or an issue with a client, the program can make a judgment call to offer assistance. They have paid for doctor bills, utility bills and heating bills, prescription medication and provided money gasoline for transportation to and from emergency doctor visits or other appointments.

There are some conditions to be qualified for assistance from Helping Hands. Applicants must bring proof of residency, the bill or expense they need assistance with, and they also need to go through an interview process. The interview in required as it helps determine the client’s need and if there are other sources of assistance that can lend a helping hand. And it also ensure the person take advantage of the assistance from the program and that the funds do not go to waste.

The exact amount of money provided and the degree of assistance provided will depend on what Helping Hands can afford to pay an applicant. Also, if for some reason Helping Hands cannot help an individual, officials of the program will work with them to find other sources of assistance, such as federal or state of Ohio government programs.

Many people do dot realize that there are as many charities, agencies, and programs out there and if you can get a little bit of aid from each one, these agencies can work together to help someone get back on their feet. For example, find information on prescription discount cards, or how to get help with hospital bills.

Other types of aid provided by Helping Hands includes they have worked with local dentists offices as well as auto repair shops to help clients. They even helped someone get new tires for their car!

For more information about Helping Hands Financial Aid Fund call 419-394-8700.