Mississippi is a state that is known for the blues music that has come out of it, as well as for the catfish farms. It’s also the state that is considered to have the highest poverty rate. Many people in state struggle financially, making it essential that they know where to turn when they need help. The good news is there are programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Mississippi that will help to ensure basic needs are being met.
The programs that are in place to help people during difficult financial times are largely funded by the federal government. Some of the programs offer short term solutions, while others will help people long term with their financial needs. You can apply for as many of the programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Mississippi that you feel you are qualified for. Plus, the money never has to be paid back, because it’s not considered a loan.
Financial Help for African Americans in Mississippi
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is formerly known as food stamps. The goal of the program is to ensure that nobody goes hungry. Those who are qualified for SNAP will be able to get free food each month. If you are qualified, they will provide you with a plastic debit-style card that can be used to pay for your groceries each month at the store. There is no limit to how long you can receive a SNAP benefit. As long as you continue to qualify for the program you can continue receiving the assistance. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount that you will receive each month is determined by how many dependents are in the home. To get more information or apply for SNAP in Mississippi, click here.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) – This program provides emergency food support to those who need it in the state of Mississippi. To qualify, you have to have a low income. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program offers financial help for African Americans in Mississippi by providing cash each month to those who qualify. The cash benefit can be used to pay for any type of living expenses, including rent, food, clothing, transportation, home repairs, etc. There is a limit of 60 months that you can receive this assistance. Those who are considered to be able to work and are choosing not to will only be able to get the cash benefit for 24 month. To qualify for TANF, you have to have a low income, be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen, and have at least one minor child you are providing for. The amount that you will receive in cash in each month depends on how many people are in your household that you are providing for. To get more information or apply for TANF, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides financial help for African Americans by providing assistance paying for healthcare. Those who are qualified for the program will be able to obtain free healthcare, including going to the doctor, hospital, or obtaining prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through Medicaid. As long as you continue to qualify for the program you can keep getting the free healthcare. To get more information or apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide financial help for African Americans in Mississippi by paying for their utility bill if they qualify. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for the bill. The program will also help pay for weatherization services, which will reduce your monthly energy bills, and help with energy crisis situations, such as receiving a disconnect notice. To get more information or apply for assistance, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program is funded by the federal government and focuses on helping people with their housing needs. The program will help people find affordable housing, obtain weatherization services, and they will help pay for your rent or mortgage. Additionally, the program will help pay for necessary repair bills, such as to your home heating unit. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program was designed to ensure that low income women who are pregnant or who have at least one child age five and under have access to healthy foods. If you are approved for the program you will receive healthy food each month, including fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. To apply, you have to visit your local WIC clinic. The program is open to those who have a low income and are considered nutritionally at risk. To get more information or find a WIC clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization provides financial help for African Americans in Mississippi. They offer a variety of assistance options, including free meals, boxes of food, clothing, shelters, bill payment assistance, counseling services, and more. The organization has over 3,000 locations around the country and they serve people of all types of faith and religious beliefs. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization that provides charitable outreach work around the country. Each location provides services to help those in the community who need financial help. African Americans in Mississippi can get help in the form of free hot meals, shelter, clothing, transportation vouchers, counseling, and more through the Salvation Army. Contact a location near you to see what services they offer and if they can help. If they cannot, they should be able to refer you to someone nearby who can. To get more information or find a location close to you, click here.