Oregon is a state known for its natural beauty and all the outdoor recreation that it provides to those who live there, as well as tourists. Of the 4.25 million people who call the state home, each year there will be some who struggle financially. When this happens it is important that they know where to turn for assistance. The good news is that there are programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Oregon that will help meet people’s basic needs.
The programs offering financial help for African Americans in Oregon will help people get by during times that they may be struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet. The programs are offered by the federal government, state government, and some are offered by national organizations that have a mission of helping people in the community.
There is no limit to how many programs you can apply for or receive financial help from at one time, so be sure to apply for all those you believe you qualify for. This way, your basic needs will be met and you will be able to make ends meet during this financially challenging period.
Financial Help for African Americans in Oregon
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Oregon by providing free food each month. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit-style card where the financial benefit is electronically loaded each month. The card can then be used to pay for food at the grocery store or farmer’s market. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through SNAP in Oregon. As long as you need assistance you can continue to get the monthly benefit. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The program is also open to college students who have a low income. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Oregon by providing a monthly cash benefit for those who have children. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The maximum amount per month that a family of three can receive, for example, is $506. The cash can be used to pay for living expenses, including housing, transportation, food, paying bills, etc. You can apply online or in person. To get more information or apply, click here.
Oregon Health Plan – This program is the same as those called Medicaid in other states. It’s a program that provides free healthcare for those who have a low income. If you are approved, you will be able to get a variety of health services for free, including seeing the doctor, going to the hospital, dental visits, obtaining prescription drugs, etc. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through the Oregon Health Plan. To obtain more information or apply, click here.
Utility Bill Payment Assistance – The state of Oregon offers several programs to help with paying utility bills. The assistance is open to those who have a low income and need help paying their bill. The programs they provide include the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP). The programs are open to those who rent and own their home. To get more information and apply for help paying the utility bills, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program offers financial help for African Americans in Oregon by providing housing assistance. Those who need help paying for their rent or mortgage may be able to get help through HUD. They will also help people locate affordable housing options in Oregon, provide weatherization services, and help pay for necessary home repairs, such as for the heating unit. To qualify for help you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information about HUD, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has locations around the country. Each of their locations offers programs to help those in the community who are struggling financially. Some of the services that the organization offers includes shelters, clothing, hot meals, bags of food, counseling, case management, transitional living, and more. They also work with other organizations and can provide referrals to programs that can be of assistance to you. To get help through Salvation Army, find the location that is close to you and contact them to see what programs they offer or if they can refer you to a place that can help with your particular situation. To find a location near you, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program helps pregnant women, infants, and children to be able to obtain healthy foods each month. Those who are approved for WIC in Oregon will receive free healthy foods each month, including fruits, vegetables, bread, cereal, etc. The goal of the program is to make sure that this population has their nutritional needs met. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income, and be pregnant or have a child age five and under. To apply for WIC, you have to visit one of their clinics in person. To get more information or find a clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, but they don’t require those they help to be religious. They provide assistance to anyone in the community who needs it, regardless of religious beliefs. They have programs that offer financial help for African Americans in Oregon. Some of the programs they offer include providing free food, shelter, and clothing. They also offer counseling, veteran’s services, senior programs, and more. They have over 3,000 locations around the country, so it’s important to find the one close to you and reach out to them for help. To find the location close to you, click here.