California has the highest population of any state, with 38 million people calling the state home. There are many people who experience financial difficulties, whether due to a loss of a job, an injury or illness, or some other reason. The good news is that there are plenty of resources that people can turn to for assistance. There are programs in place that offer financial help for African Americans in California, which will help to ensure that your basic needs are being met.
The programs that are in place that will provide financial help for African Americans in California are often funded by the federal government. They are put in place to help keep people from becoming homeless and to ensure that they have access to food and other items necessary for basic needs. There is no limit to the number of programs you can apply for or receive funds for, so be sure to apply with all that you feel you qualify for.
Financial Help Programs for African Americans in California
Medi-Cal – This program will provide healthcare financial help for African Americans in California. The program will pay for all of your healthcare needs, including visits with your primary care doctor, hospital stays, eye doctor appointments, and more. To qualify for the program you have to meet the low income requirements and you have to be pregnant, have a disability, be over the age of 65, or have at least one child under the age of 21 that you are responsible for. To get more information about Medi-Cal or apply for the program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This government-funded program will provide financial help for African Americans in California by helping with housing. They have several programs that people can utilize, including one that will pay rent, avoid foreclosure, and locate affordable housing. They also own units that they allow people to live in for free. The program will also help pay for necessary home repairs and weatherization services. This program is open to renters and homeowners alike. To receive assistance, you have to have a low income. To get more information about HUD programs in California, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Those who need financial help with obtaining food will want to apply for this program. SNAP, which used to be called food stamps, will provide people with food each month. Those who are approved for the program will be able to use an electronically loaded debit card each month to pay for their groceries at the store or farmer’s market. To qualify, you have to have a low income. To get more information or apply for SNAP in California, click here.
CalWorks – In most states, this program is referred to as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program provides those who qualify with a monthly cash payment that can be used on living expenses. The funds can be used for food, rent, transportation, paying bills, etc. To qualify for this program you have to have at least one minor child that you are responsible for. You also have to meet the low income requirements. The amount you receive is determined by how many dependents you have at the time. You can apply for this program online or in person. This program is open to those who are legal citizens, legal non-citizens and qualified aliens. To get more information about CalWorks in California or to apply for the program, click here.
General Assistance (GA) – This program is similar to CalWorks, but it doesn’t require that you have any minor children. This program is open to everyone who has a low income and needs some cash assistance. The program will provide financial help for African Americans in California by providing them with cash that can be used for their basic living needs. This funds you receive from General Assistance can be used for food, clothing, housing, etc. To get more information about General Assistance in California, click here.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) – This program is federally funded and will provide African American women with financial help to purchase healthy foods. The program is open to women who are pregnant or who have at least one child ages five and under. The program will ensure that you are getting your nutritional needs met with healthy foods. To apply for help from WIC you have to visit one of their clinics. To get more information or find a WIC clinic near you, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide financial help for African Americans in California by paying a utility bill. Those who need help paying their utility bills should apply yearly and as early into the season as possible. If you are approved, the funds will be provided directly to the utility provider on your behalf. To qualify for help paying your utility bill you have to have a low income. The program also provides energy crisis assistance, weatherization services, and energy budget counseling. To get more information, click here.
Catholic Charities of California – This faith-based organization will help people in a variety of ways. They offer programs that provide people with food, clothing, housing assistance, counseling services, and much more. They have locations around the country, so it’s important to contact one that is close to you to see what services they offer. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This is an organization similar to Catholic Charities in that they are faith-based and provide a variety of programs that provide financial help for African Americans in California. Some of the programs they offer include free hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, transportation, substance abuse counseling, shelters, hygiene products, bill payment assistance, and more. They have locations around the state. Find one that is close to you to see what programs they offer. To get more information or find a Salvation Army location near you, click here.