Iowa is known for corn, as it ranks number one in corn production in the country. There are many people who call the state home, and some who may at times experience financial challenges. During these times, people need somewhere they can turn to for assistance. The good news is that there are places that offer financial help for African Americans in Iowa. Reaching out to these places can help ensure that basic needs are being met during difficult financial periods.
The programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Iowa are largely funded by the federal government. The programs are offered to help keep people from becoming homeless or not having food to eat. They also serve as a safety net for those who need short term help to make ends meet. You can apply for all of the programs you feel qualified for; because there is no limit to how many you can get assistance from at one. It’s important to note that the programs are not giving loans, so you don’t have to ever pay back the assistance you receive.
Financial Help for African Americans in Iowa
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program focuses on housing issues and is funded by the federal government. The mission of the program is to help people with finding affordable housing, and to help those who are struggling to pay their rent or avoid foreclosure. They will also help with providing weatherization services and paying for major home repairs that are necessary, such as replacing the heating unit. To qualify for assistance through HUD, you have to have a low income. HUD also owns housing units that they allow those with a low income to live in for free. That program is called Section 8. To get more information about applying for HUD in Iowa, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides those who qualify with free food each month. They will provide financial help for African Americans in Iowa by providing a debit card that can be used each month to purchase groceries. The amount that you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have in the home. To qualify for SNAP in Iowa, you have to be considered low income, and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. This program used to be called food stamps. To get more information or apply for SNAP, click here.
General Assistance (GA) – This is a program that will provide financial help for African Americans in the form of cash. It’s for those who are experiencing a crisis situation. Those who qualify can get up to $450 in assistance to help with paying utility bills and rent. They will also provide up to $1,000 to help with burial assistance. To be eligible for the assistance, you have to be over the age of 18, meet the low income requirements, cannot be a student, and cannot be receiving Social Security. To get more information or apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans who need assistance paying their utility bills. Those who qualify will be able to get the program to pay for their utility bill. To qualify, you have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. Applications for the program are accepted from November 1 through April 30 of each year. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program is federally funded and provides cash to help people pay for basic living expenses. Those who are approved for the program will receive cash each month that can be used for things like rent, food, transportation, paying bills, etc. To qualify for TANF in Iowa, you have to have low income, be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen, and have at least one minor child you are providing for. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have. This program will ensure women who are considered nutritionally at risk get the food they need to be healthier. To get more information or apply, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in the form of nutritious food. Those who are approved for the program will receive healthy food items each month, such as fruits and vegetables. To qualify, you have to pregnant or are a woman who has at least one child under the age of five that you are caring for. To apply for WIC, you have to visit a local clinic and apply in person. To get more information or find a WIC clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This is a faith-based organization that has numerous programs in place to provide financial help for African Americans. In Iowa, they are one of many organizations that try to help people in the community. They offer programs that will help people obtain food, pay utility bills, get counseling services, and much more. They are part of a national organization that offers over 3,000 locations, with each of them offering programs to help people in the community. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This is also a faith-based organization that has locations around the country. They have a mission of helping people to avoid and overcome being homeless. Those who need financial assistance can get help with paying bills, free meals, boxes of food, clothing, transportation, counseling, shelters, and much more. They have programs in place to help most people with the issues they are facing. To get help, look up the location that is closest to you to see what type of programs they offer. If they don’t have one for your particular situation, they may be able to refer you to a place that can help. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.