One of the most popular things the state of Missouri is known for is barbecued food. People rave about it so much that certain barbecue places have become tourist attractions. Despite this, there are many people who live in the state who struggle to make ends meet at times. The good news is that there is financial help for African Americans in Missouri that will ensure basic needs are being met.
The programs in place that provide financial help for African Americans in Missouri are often made possible by the federal government. They are run at the state level, but receive funding from the federal level. There are also programs that are provided by the state government and those made possible by charitable organizations. If you are able to receive any type of financial help from the programs you never have to pay it back, because it’s not considered to be a loan.
Financial Help for African Americans in Missouri
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be called food stamps. There is no limit to how long you can receive financial help from SNAP. The program provides financial help for African Americans in Missouri by providing them with food each month. Those who are approved for the program will receive an electronically-loaded debit-style card that can be used as a payment source at the grocery store. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount that you receive each month to purchase food with depends on how many dependents you have in your home. To get more information or apply for SNAP in Missouri, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides a monthly cash benefit to provide financial help for African Americans in Missouri. Those who are qualified will receive cash each month that can be used on paying for a variety of living expenses, including housing, food, bills, clothing, pet supplies, and more. To qualify, you have to have at least one minor child in the home that you are providing for, and you have to have a low income. You will have to share identification to apply, as well as provide income verification. The longest you can receive financial help from TANF in Missouri is 60 months. To get more information or apply for the cash assistance program, click here.
Medicaid – This program offers financial help for African Americans in Missouri by paying for their healthcare expenses. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. Those who are approved for the program will be able to access healthcare for free, including going to the doctor’s office, hospital, specialist, and be able to obtain prescription drugs free of charge. There is no limit to how long you can receive financial help from Medicaid. To get more information or apply for this federally funded program, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program aims to help people who need assistance paying for their utility bills. Those who are approved for the program will get their utility bill paid for, with the funds being given directly to the utility provider on your behalf. They will help with paying home energy bills, energy crisis situations, weatherization services, and energy-related home repairs. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income. You will need to re-apply for this grant each year that you need the financial help. This is a block-funded grant, which means that the government gives it one amount each year and when the funds run out there’s no more left until the next year. They can only help so many people with it each year, so apply early. To get more information or apply for help paying the utility bills, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program will provide financial help for African Americans in Missouri by helping to pay rent, mortgages, weatherization services, and for some necessary home repairs. They will also help people find affordable housing options in their area. HUD also owns some housing units where they allow people to live for free. To qualify for the assistance you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply for HUD in Missouri, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program offers healthy food items each month to those who qualify. To qualify for WIC in Missouri, you have to have a low income, be considered nutritionally at risk, and be either pregnant or have at least one child age five and under. To apply for WIC, you have to visit one of their clinics and do so in person. If approved, you will be able to go to the grocery store and get free healthy food items, including fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, milk, etc. To get more information or find a WIC clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, but they do not require that you be religious in order to receive assistance. They provide a range of free programs around the country to help people in need. They have over 3,000 locations in the country, so be sure to reach out to the one that is closest to you for assistance. If they cannot help you with your specific situation, they should be able to provide you with a referral to a local program that can. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – The Salvation Army is a faith-based organization that provides helpful programs around the country. They offer financial help for African Americans by providing free hot meals, shelters, counseling services, clothing, healthcare, and more. They have many locations, so it’s important to reach out to the one that is closest to you. To find the location near you, click here.