Salt Lake County assistance programs

Find help with paying bills and expenses in the Salt Lake area.

People who are struggling with the recent economy can get help with their bills and expenses from local organizations, including the Salt Lake Community Action Program (SLCAP). They are a not for profit organization that offers local residents a wide range of services and they have a goal of helping low-income families and individuals make it thru short term hardships, and become self-sufficient over the long term.

They have created numerous programs that will empower low-income people, provide them with short term relief, and they focus on creating solutions to their long term problems. Some of the aid offered includes:

• Food aid. If in need, each member of a family can be provided with a three-day supply of food to to 6 times per year, however if there are emergencies situations this rule can be altered.
   
• Weatherization. This program will make minor repairs and updates to homes in order to make them more energy efficient. People can save hundreds of dollars per year on their energy bills. Some of the work that can be performed includes adding extra wall, attic, perimeter, and wall insulation, furnace cleaning and air sealing and furnace tuning for greater efficiency.
   
• Housing Outreach Rental Program (HORP). This program provides a variety of housing assistance. Support services offered include a one-time payments for rent or mortgage if a family is about to be evicted, relocation assistance is someone loses their home or apartment, help with energy bills and other rental assistance. Find additional ways how to get mortgage help.
   
• Home Energy Assistance Target Program (HEAT). Helps low and moderate income households with paying for their heating and utility bills.
   
• Rent eviction and homelessness-prevention programs. The Community Action Program is offering funds to help individuals and families pay for short term rent.

The list above is just a sampling of the programs offered by the Salt Lake Community Action Program. Contact them at 764 S 200 West Salt Lake City to learn more, or apply for help.

Clothing, rent assistance, and other assistance

St. Vincent de Paul Resource Center, which is located at 437 W. 200 South (and the phone number is (801) 363-7710) is another place that people can turn to for help. They offer a wide variety of assistance, as funding allows. They will help Salt Lake residents pay rent, provide free clothing, household products such as diapers and toilet paper, and other items. Funding is usually limited to a few thousands dollars per month, and the need for aid is great. So contact them as soon as possible if you need help.

Debt and credit repair assistance

Thousands of people across the area are struggling with credit card debt, making their mortgage payments, and medical debts. The AAA Fair Credit Foundation (800-351-4195) can provide free advice. Some of the programs they administer include:

• Housing counseling - Counselors will help Salt Lake City homeowners keep their home and stop or prevent a foreclosure. They will walk people through the loan modification process and help them find other solutions.
• Debt help - Receive advice on how to deal with credit card bills and debts, medical expenses, and debt collectors. They provide budgeting skills and a debt management plan. Learn more on help with credit card debts.
• Financial Counseling - Receive free tips, advice, and ways to improve your finances.

In addition to the credit foundation mentioned above, Utah State University Extension offers debt and credit card help. They will assist families and individuals with saving and building wealth, help them eliminate debts, and do whatever they can to assist people who wish to pay down debt, get help with bills, build an emergency fund, afford a home, prevent a foreclosure, save for an education, investments, or retirement to improve their standard of living. 435.797.1000.

Health care for low income and uninsured

Community Health Centers, Inc does its part to address the nation’s health care crisis. The center provides very affordable, attentive and high-quality primary health care services, dental assistance, mental health and pharmaceutical services. The CHC clinic is one of the primary safety net providers of primary health care to Salt Lake County's uninsured, low-income families, and thousands of people are assisted every year. Dial (801) 539-8617 for an appointment.

Another clinic to turn to is Utah Partners for Health. They provide access to medical services and health care for people in need. They understand the importance of a healthy community and have crafted a medical assistance program that offers full access to primary care services for the uninsured, underinsured, and people who lack coverage or the ability to pay for medical or hospital bills. You can dial (801) 417-0131 to learn more or to make an appointment.

Legal advocacy and assistance

Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake is a non-profit law organization that promotes stability, safety, and self-sufficiency for low income families and individuals across Salt Lake County. Receive access to lawyers for foreclosure prevention assistance, they can represent you in dealing with utility disconnections, landlord/tenant issues, and other civic advice. Dial (801) 328-8849 to speak to a legal professional.

Affordable day care and child support

Low income families can get access to high quality, low priced day care from Neighborhood House Association. They will charge parents based upon their ability to pay. (801) 363-4589.