Community action agency assistance programs Tennessee
Programs offered from the TN community action agencies providing short term emergency assistance and long term self-sufficiency to low-income families or individuals. Get help in applying for grants to pay bills, including electric or rent, and can get support from the agencies. Clients will also be signed up for case management and self-sufficiency support that is available from the community action agency. Find help from a TN community action that is located near you.
Most of the agencies have limited funding, and the types of programs they offer can change. Apply for free hardship grants to help with bills, commodity food programs, energy bill help in TN and more. Some of the more common examples of what can be offered from a community action agency in Tennessee are below. Receive more information on services offered by calling a center.
Government grants for bills, food and emergency help from TN community action
The Tennessee Community Service Block Grant Program is the name given to many of the financial resources offered. It can provide a range of activities, social services, and assistance programs to eligible low-income individuals and families. Any type of aid distributed is offered to help people achieve self-sufficiency over the mid to long term. Some examples of what CSBG can pay for include:
Emergency financial help is offered using a grant. This can include one-time cash grant payments to individuals or families in order to help them pay for bills during a short term hardship. Examples from a TN community action agency can be money to pay rent (if faced with an eviction) or the federal government and state of Tennessee Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Get money to fix a car for work, community action agency funds to pay for moving costs and other assistance.
The Commodity Food Program is offered in partnership with the U. S. Department of Agriculture. It distributes surplus foods to qualifying low income households a few times per year, with a focus on kids and senior citizens over the age of 60. Many local charities, churches, and organizations like the Salvation Army in Tennessee participate as well. Eligibility for the commodity food program will be based on total household income as well as number of family members.
- Qualified individuals can typically receive 40-45 pounds of food, including surplus USDA Commodities such as cheese, dairy, bread or milk. The box may contain canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, corn, juice, soup, spaghetti, powdered milk, nuts, peanut butter, dried fruit, and similar items. Any assistance is offered on a first come, first served basis, including to people on Food Stamps, as resources are limited. Learn more on what SNAP can buy.
Housing rehabilitation may be offered. Government grants and/or low interest rate loans are used to rehabilitate homes and to bring them into compliance with the International Building Code. Many people, in particular the elderly, are able to continue to live in their homes and remain independent from the repairs. As indicated, priority is given to disabled low income homeowners or the elderly.
HOME Services is a similar resource. It also promotes the production, preservation and rehabilitation of housing units for the very low income. Low income, seniors in Tennessee and/or disabled applicants must occupy the home and they also need to possess a deed verifying ownership of property. Mobile homes can be replaced or repaired as well.
Community action agencies in Tennessee accept applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program/LIHEAP. It will provide a cash grant, or credit, on your monthly utility, heating, or electric bills. If you are faced with a shut off of your power, then the Energy Crisis intervention component provides services to qualified households which are subject to disconnection and life-threatening conditions. If your health is at risk without immediate intervention, then look into LIHEAP crisis grants or also find out utility disconnection laws for health issues.
- The objective of the LIHEAP program is to aid working poor, seniors, and low-income households with the high cost of home heating or air conditioning bills. People may apply at designated times each year, and it is usually in the September timeframe. For the crisis component referenced above, clients need to have a disconnect notice for their utilities or have less than a 30-day supply of home heating fuel. Or look here for how to get LIHEAP in TN.
Other energy bill assistance programs from community action may be offered as well. Many centers offer emergency help with paying utility bills, including light, gas, propane or other fuel costs. They use funding sources such as the federal government Emergency Food and Shelter Program and local utility company programs as well, such as Share the Warmth.
Free energy efficiency improvements are part of the Weatherization Assistance Program. While the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides funding to Tennessee, the program is administered in your local town and county. It will help reduce heating and cooling bills. The improvements made to your home are permanent, so they help reduce utility bills year after year.
- Funds and grants from the government are used to improve the energy performance of homes or apartments of needy Tennessee families, and all of this is done as part of weatherization. Contractors will use the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available to ensure the effectiveness. Homeowners can receive updates such as insulation, caulking, and heating or cooling system tune ups.
The Summer Food Program is for children, teenagers and students. It will make sure that during the summer months children and students from low income families have good nutritious meals available to them. This is meant to replace the meals that students usually get from food served during the school year through breakfast and lunch programs.
Food banks, pantries and groceries may be located at community action agencies in Tennessee. Or the staff can direct families (or anyone in need) to a resource. Many are open daily and give emergency groceries today and really any day of the week. Find a food pantry near you open today.
Rental and housing assistance is offered as part of the Tennessee Housing Choice Voucher Program. Government aid helps low income families obtain safe and sanitary housing in the state at an affordable price. Learn more on Section 8 housing in Tennessee.
The state of Tennessee Medical-Support Program provides assistance to those who do not have prescription drug or adequate health insurance coverage. The program, and your local community action agency, also helps eligible participants with receiving health care supplies.
Nutrition Programs are offered as part of the Tennessee Emergency Food Assistance Program as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agencies can provide canned goods and non-perishable food items to eligible people and families. The program also teaches proper nutrition and helps participants make wise decisions with their food stamp vouchers.
Tennessee Community action agency job, employment, and educational services
The Educational Opportunity Center is another federal government program and is paid for by the U.S. Department of Education. This resource is targeted at low-income, potential first generation college clients. It will assist those students who do not have a high school diploma, and the program will help them earn a GED. After that occurs, the goal is to enable those with diplomas or the equivalent to enroll in college, job training or technical programs.
- The state of Tennessee and the EOC provides assistance in completing forms such as financial aid applications and admission paperwork. The project also provides additional services to students including career assessment, GED pre-testing, referrals for basic computer skills, tutoring, and college loan default help.
Some locations may refer to this service as Upward Bound, and it is very similar. It will identify first-generation and low-income students with potential for education at post-secondary level. It will encourage them to complete high school as well as apply for college or additional job training.
The main employment and job training program from community action in Tennessee is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. There is also a component that focuses on youth. The main purpose of the program is to provide individuals and the youth across Tennessee with services, education, and experience to enhance their future employability. A broad range of coordinated services are available to assist the youth in meeting their career and academic goals. The Workforce Investment Act/WIOA can provide for the following.
- Tutoring and studies skills to youth and people going back to school
- Paid and unpaid work experience and internships
- Alternative secondary school services
- Guidance, case management and counseling services
- Basic computer skills training
- Adult mentoring
- Summer and holiday employment for youth or teens in Tennessee
- Leadership development skills and enhancement
- Occupational skills training
- Ongoing support services are provided for one year after completion of the program
- Resume review and development
The goal of WIOA is to improve the opportunity for everyone on the economic ladder. Case managers, teachers, and volunteers will work with individuals in Tennessee and empower them. Services will help them contribute to the economy in the way that they are most capable. Non-profit agencies provide workforce investment activities through the Tennessee Career Center system. There have been proven success in increasing the employment, retention, and earnings of customers. After all, having a job reduces the individual’s dependency on government or financial assistance, including welfare. It also increases the job opportunities and productivity of the client. Click here more information.
Senior Employment Services can help residents who are fifty-five years of age or older and who are looking for work. Priority is for those who are economically disadvantaged. Your agency on aging or community action office can coordinate training and supervision while the clients seeks employment.
The Tennessee Head Start Program is the main federal government funded educational and child development program. It was created years ago in an effort to meet the educational, nutritional, mental, and social needs of children under the age of 5. Head Start can help all children succeed, regardless of the background or culture. Their parents can also take part in social services and job training that may be available to them. It also aims to make parents better caregivers and teachers for their children. Special Services are offered to help meet the special needs of children with disabilities.
Programs for seniors in Tennessee
Centers can refer seniors to, and work closely with, the Tennessee Office on Aging. The program provides a variety of informational services for the elderly, senior citizens, caregivers, and their family members. Examples of what can be offered includes Outreach, Information on programs such as Medicare; and Telephone Reassurance. Locate help for low-income seniors in TN.
A limited Homemaker Service is available in some parts of Tennessee for frail, low-income elderly. This can provide them with transportation and shopping assistance. Other resources include counseling on Medicare choices, such as prescription drug plans. Even surprisingly, a pet food program is provided at some non-profit agencies to assist low-income seniors with securing pet food.
Mobile Meals are offered for the homebound. This is usually done between a local church, community action agencies, and charities such as the Salvation Army. Volunteers and others provides a midday meal to residents 60 years or older who are confined to their homes. Meals on Wheels are also offered for those who are unable to prepare meals for themselves for various reasons. Priority is given to those with the greatest need, with priority for seniors and the disabled in Tennessee. Find how to apply for Meals on Wheels.
A similar service is community action organized Congregate Meals. These can be free or low cost breakfast or midday meals for seniors. Meals are served at several congregate dining sites throughout the state.
Case management, guidance, and self-sufficiency
The locations are a great place for information, referrals, and linkage to government programs and other resources in Tennessee. Case managers can answer inquiries and questions about available services. They can make referrals to community programs and public aid.
Case Management Programs are a core service. These were created to help clients identify and overcome barriers preventing stability and economic self-sufficiency. Specialists can provide Comprehensive Family Case Management to the unemployed and also working households. The Elderly and Disabled services promote stability for this segment of the population as well.
The Individual Development Program (IDA) is a matched savings account and asset-building tool. This resource allows qualifying low income and struggling families the ability to save earned income for the purpose of saving for post secondary education or buying a first time home. Each client needs to complete an Individual Savings Plan, which lists a savings goal. Clients also need to complete a financial literacy education plan, attend credit counseling, and similar services.
Locations and addresses of community action agencies
Assistance Anderson County TN Community Action Agency.
Blount County Community Action Agency emergency help.
Bradley-Cleveland Community Services Agency
1555 6th Street SE, Cleveland, TN 37320-3297. Call (423) 479-4111
Chattanooga Human Service Department and County community action agency assistance programs.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Action Agency assistance programs.
Delta Human Resource Agency
Covers the counties of Fayette, Tipton, Lauderdale. Locate help from Delta Human Resource Agency.
Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority
Supports the counties and regions of Grainger, Cocke, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier, and Monroe.
Main address is 4125 Douglas Dam Rd, Kodak, TN 37764. Call (423) 587-4500
East Tennessee Human Resources Agency
Programs cover Campbell, Morgan, Scott, Union, and Claiborne County. Click programs from East Tennessee Human Resources Agency.
Highland Rim Economic Corporation
Counties supported are Dickson, Stewart, Humphreys, and Houston.. Find assistance from Highland Rim Economic Corporation.
Grant assistance Knox County community action.
Community action programs in Davidson County.
Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency
Helps people in several counties, including Cheatham, Wilson, Sumner, Trousdale, Rutherford, Williamson, and Robertson. Find more on Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency assistance programs.
Mid-East Community Action Agency
Mailing address is 315 E Race St, Kingston, TN 37763. Phone: (865) 354-0450
Counties supported - Loudon, Roane
Northwest Tennessee Economic Development Council
Covers the NW part of the state. This includes the towns and counties of Carroll, Crockett, Benton, Dyer, Gibson, Obion, Henry, Weakley, and Lake. Continue with community action in Northwest Tennessee.
Shelby County Community Services Agency
Main address - 1188 Minna Pl, Memphis, TN 38104. Phone: (901) 222-4200
South Central Human Resource Agency
Several counties offered are Bedford, Franklin, Coffee, Giles, Lawrence, Lewis, Hickman, Lincoln, Marshall, Moore, Perry, Wayne, and Maury Counties. Click South Central Human Resource Agency programs.
Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency
Address - 312 Resource Road, Dunlap, TN 37327. Dial (423) 949-2191
Counties include Bledsoe, Grundy, McMinn, Meig, Marion, Sequatchie, Polk, Rhea.
Southwest Human Resource Agency
Supports counties of Chester, Decatur, Hardin, Hardeman, Henderson, Madison, McNairy, and Haywood. Click here financial assistance from Southwest Human Resource Agency.
Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency
580 South Jefferson Avenue, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501, Call (931) 528-1127
If you live in Cumberland, Fentress, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, White, Cannon, Dekalb, Van Buren, or Warren call the non-profit agency for information on what they can offer.
Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency, Inc.
301 Louis Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37662. Main number is (423) 246-6180
Counties are Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington.
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