Information on financial aid from Dallas County support line.
Providing information on assistance programs that are available to Dallas residents, the crisis info line can be turned to when someone is facing an emergency. Specialists at the call center provide referrals to everything from medical care to both government and non-profit grants. They also can assist with more basic needs such as food or clothing. Thousands of people use this service every single year, and while not everything will find what they need, the Dallas crisis line can be an effective resource.
There aid usually falls into a few different categories. There are several government funded programs available, such as applications to LIHEAP or SNAP food stamps. Others are run by non-profit agencies, and those may be food pantries and the like. More details on all these options are below.
Programs available from government agencies
There are a couple different programs that are most commonly used. One will help pay utility or air conditioning bills, and the other will help both homeowners and tenants save money. Both are U.S. Department of Energy-funded and receive some additional support from the state of Texas.
Callers can learn about Home Weatherization. It will improve energy efficiency of a house. This will also have the added benefit of lowering energy consumption for low-income households as well as senior citizens in Dallas County.
These services are available to lower income homeowners and renters who meet the established federal government program guidelines. If qualified, they will be eligible for up to $6,500 in labor and material cost per housing unit. The crisis line has information on contractors and agencies that are involved in providing free energy efficiency measures as part of weatherization.
Grants from the crisis line partners can help pay utility bills. This is part of LIHEAP - Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. There are agencies across Dallas County that free guidance as well as tips to individuals in filling out applications.
The Dallas County info line crisis service can provide details on educational services for children as well as day care. One of the primary options is Head Start and the other is vouchers to pay for child care costs.
Head Start is a free service for children from low income families in Dallas. It is a developmentally appropriate preschool education and socialization program for those under the age of 6. Children with disabilities and/or those who have special needs are also eligible.
The information line has more details on providers of this service. There are tend to be many other benefits for children, such as those attending the morning session in a local school are served an approved USDA breakfast. The afternoon session held in most locations will give the student a free lunch as well.
Child care vouchers as well as help in paying for Day Care Services can be met by the state of Texas and Dallas county. Federal government funding provides either vouchers or grants to low-income working families or those that are in school or job training. The state can help them with their child care bills. In order to enroll, parents need to call a local provider as referred to by the crisis line specialists. They also need to meet income requirements, provide proof of employment or job training, and more.
Food Stamps in Dallas County, or the SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was created by the federal government to promote overall health for low-income families and those living in poverty. Immigrants can also apply. It works by helping the family acquire healthy food at the local store.
Eligibility for this food assistance program varies depending on asset levels, total household income, deductions and other factors. It works by increasing their overall purchasing power. It is met by giving the family an EBT card so they can shop at a local store.
Medicaid is the county's primary health care program for very low income residents in Dallas County. This crisis line service helps certain groups of people with addressing any medical or dental needs they have. The client can receive payments for dental, health, prescriptions and medical bills. The local Social Service agency, which specialists can provide the hours and address of, takes applications and determines eligibility for Medicaid.
Dallas County seniors can turn to Medicare for their health care needs. This operates as a federal government health insurance program for residents of the county who are age 65 or older or disabled. It is administered by the federal government Social Security Administration, which has intake sites across the county.
Non-profits that partner with the Dallas crisis line
Agencies receive money from sources such as CSBG. Agencies across the community can provide services to the working poor. The goal is to help the client by offering a holistic approach to the multiple barriers faced daily by low-income families that are seeking self-sufficiency. Some organizations may be able to help with the following.
- Meal services - Senior congregate meal programs are located at senior centers.
- Employment support programs, ranging from resume creation, job search, GED studying, and interviewing skills.
- Utility and rent assistance – Agencies partner to help families in a crisis. They can offer one time cash assistance for overdue energy bills, housing, and electric termination.
- Housing solutions – Specialists can direct residents to shelter or transitional housing.
There are dozens of regional food pantries for short-term emergency food assistance. Visitors to the sites are provided with a few day supply of canned or perishable food which includes a nutritional balance of the major food groups. Or callers can get referrals to soup kitchens.
The crisis line has details on free On-Site Medical and Dental Clinics. Lack of affordable health-care in Dallas County is among the top risk factors related to homelessness or a cause of a serious medical conditions. It can be very difficult to keep up with the ever increasing costs of medical bills.
Locations in the community provide on-site medical and/or dental care to income qualified families. All sorts of services are run. Locations currently provide homeless individuals with vision or medical care, mental health counseling, dentistry, podiatry and even health education.For more information or referrals from the crisis line, call 877-541-7905. There are many resources available.
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