African Americans who live in Alaska may experience financial challenges at times. With inflation driving prices up and wages unable to keep up the pace, it’s a common issue that people face. Those having difficulty paying for their utility bills, housing, and purchasing food, do have places they can turn to for help. There is financial help for African Americans in Alaska, which will ensure that basic needs are being met.
The programs listed here for assistance are not offering loans to people. They give out money and financial assistance to people who are in need. Therefore, nothing ever has to be paid back. Plus, you can apply for all of the programs, because there is no limit to how many you can get help from at one time. By contacting several programs you will be able to help meet your basic needs and make ends meet.
Financial Help Programs for African Americans in Alaska
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be called food stamps and then was changed to SNAP. Many people still refer to it as food stamps. This is a government-funded program that provides financial help for African Americans in Alaska by helping them to purchase food each month. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit card that can be used each month to purchase food from the store. The amount that you receive is determined by how many dependents you have at the time. To qualify for SNAP in Alaska, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. You can apply for this program online or in person. To get more information, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program offers help for African Americans in Alaska who have minor children they are caring for. As long as you have at least one minor child you are caring for and you have a low income, you may be able to get assistance through TANF. This government-funded program provides people with a monthly cash grant that can be used to help pay for basic living needs, including housing, clothing, food, and paying bills. Those who are approved for TANF will be limited to using it to five years. The goal of the program is to help families become self-sufficient. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have. To apply for the program or get more information, click here.
General Relief Assistance (GRA) – This program is similar to TANF, but they do not require you to have any minor children in order to be approved. The program helps individuals to meet their basic needs. Those who are approved will receive a monthly cash payment that can be used to pay for their living expenses. Unlike the TANF program, this one is state-funded. To be approved, you have to be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen, demonstrate, financial need, and be an Alaska resident. To get more information, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This government-funded program provides financial help for African Americans in Alaska by helping with housing. HUD offers numerous programs to help African Americans with housing needs. Some of the programs include providing people with rent assistance, helping to find affordable housing, providing government owned housing, and helping with necessary home repairs. They also provide weatherization services, which will help to reduce monthly utility bills. Their programs are open to home owners and renters, alike. HUD is a great resource for being able to locate affordable housing in your area. They work with people to find them something affordable, or if they are low income, to provide them with government-owned housing units free of charge. To get more information about HUD in Alaska, click here.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) – This program is for women who are either pregnant or who have children under the ages of five. The program is government funded and provides women with food each month to ensure their nutritional needs are being met. To qualify, you have to have a low income. You can only apply for WIC in person at a clinic in your area. To get more information about the program or find a WIC office near you, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program provides help for African Americans by paying for a utility bill. The program will send the funds directly to the utility provider on your behalf if you qualify. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be the person who is responsible for paying the bill. The program helps pay utility bills, provides energy crisis assistance, and will pay for repairs to be made to your heating and cooling unit. They also provide weatherization services, which can help to reduce your monthly utility bills. To get more information or apply for LIHEAP, click here.
Catholic Charities of Alaska – This faith-based organization provides a lot of help for African Americans. In Alaska, they offer such services as free food, safe shelters, case management, refugee and immigrant services, homelessness services, family support services, and more. Whether you need food, counseling services, shelter, clothing, or help paying for a utility bill, they may be a good place to turn to. They provide help to everyone who needs it. They are part of the Roman Catholic Church, but they do not require you to be in order to receive help.
Salvation Army – This is another fait-based organization that will provide help for African Americans in Alaska. The organization has locations around the nation, including in Alaska, and they help by offering free food, shelters, transportation, help paying bills, free clothing, counseling, and more. They offer around 20 locations in the state of Alaska. Visit the one that is closest to you, or call them, to inquire about receiving assistance. To get more information or find a Salvation Army location near you, click here.