Lauderdale County Alabama assistance programs.
There are a number of churches, charities, and government programs available that offer financial help. Find where to go below for grants to pay bills, free food in Lauderdale County, or other services.
Christmas and holiday gift assistance programs.
The Christmas assistance program provides clothing and toys for children during the holidays and Christmas, and also food for families during the holidays.
People do need to apply for aid. Applicants need to have identification, including their birth certificates and Social Security cards for all members of the household, including teenagers. A photo ID is always required for the household member making application. In addition, the applicant needs to provide a phone number and proof of income eligibility. For households who have children, applicants need to supply correct sizes for each child, infants through 12 years old, for both their shoes and clothing.
While the application process was not that efficient in previous years, a new automated computer program will help speed the application process this year and streamline the process. The only changes with the program are on the end of the Salvation Army, and clients will still need to come in and apply as in the past, but it should be a quicker, more efficient process from the end of the salvation Army, this leading to people getting gifts and food in a more timely manner.
In addition, through the Angel Tree program, which is held at the Regency Square Mall in Florence, a process of “adopting” children's names for gifts will take place. An estimated 2,500-plus children will be helped this year with holiday gifts and toys.
A spokesperson from the Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary (phone (256) 764-4432) said that almost 2,000 children's names were taken from the Angel Tree last year. While nearly 400 names were unadopted, the Salvation Army stepped in and provided them with toys and clothing for those children whose names were not selected from the tree.
Help with utility bills
The long, cold winter months will cause many homeowners to struggle with paying their utility bills. Thousands of local utility customers will from time to time get behind on their monthly payments and face a disconnection of their service. Qualified individuals can receive utility bill payment assistance once in the summer and up to one time in the winter. Assistance provided will be based on total household income and the number of persons who live in the household, with a focus on the elderly, disabled, and low income. Find additional ways to get help with electric bills. More.
Organizations like the Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama (phone number (256) 766-4330) try to provide assistance with bills on a limited basis. Thousands of people get help each year, and they offer over one million dollars in grants per year.
Food, financial assistance, clothing, and help in Lauderdale County Alabama
Many people turn to churches and charities in the area for some short term help. Not only can they offer assistance and guidance, but referrals and other support may be provided too.
Cloverdale Church of Christ may be able to offer help to the needy on a case by case basis. Individuals can receive clothing for work or school, or utility assistance. Be sure to bring a copy of a bill and other proof. Church is located at 13000 Highway 157, Cloverdale, Alabama 35617, or call (256) 764-3097.
Woodmont Baptist Church at 2001 Darby Drive, Florence Alabama 35630 offers several resources. They are limited, and applications are only accepted twice a month. There may some free food (based on donations), or some money for utility bills, medical care, rent, or even gas vouchers. Call (256) 766-1255
General assistance can be offered by the Help Center. Emergency food, clothing, prescription medicine, rent, and utilities may be administered. 621 South Court Street, Florence, AL 35630, call (256) 766-7663
The Salvation Army of Lauderdale County and the Shoals Area offers many programs. There is everything from Emergency Financial Help to a free food pantry, Christmas toys or gifts, or case management. The Florence faith based charity also has a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, ministry, and even camp or free school supplies for students. The address is 1601 Huntsville Road, Florence, AL 35630. Call (256) 764-4432.
CAANW is the local Lauderdale County community action agency. As indicated above, utility assistance is offered. However the non-profit provides other resources for low income and struggling families. Some of the services include food programs, such as Meals on Wheels or access to government benefits such as SNAP food stamps. The agency also has WIC applications.
Housing needs are also addressed by the Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama. This ranges from free foreclosure counseling to emergency rental assistance, funds for paying security deposits, and information on low interest loans for home repairs. The non-profit is a HUD approved housing counseling agency, so they address a number of matters that both homeowners and tenants may be facing. Read Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama programs.
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