Tennessee is a state that is known for music and mountains. It is home to the beautify Great Smokey Mountains, and the state has had several iconic musicians hail from there, including Elvis and Dolly Parton. The state also has some people who struggle each year financially. When this happens it is important to know where to turn for help to make ends meet. The good news is that there are numerous programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Tennessee.
Knowing where to go for help when it is needed can make a world of difference. The programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Tennessee help to ensure that basic needs are being met. They will help those struggling financially to obtain food, clothing, healthcare, and more. Many of them are funded by the federal government. Some have a time limit on how long you can receive help through the program. Most require that you be a citizen or legal non-citizen.
There is no limit to how many programs you can apply for or receive help from at one time, so be sure to contact all those you feel qualified for. Plus, the funds they provide are not considered loans, so it never has to be paid back. The funds are considered a gift to help those in need in the community. Getting assistance from multiple organizations will help ensure you make ends meet and have your basic needs met.
Financial Help for African Americans in Tennessee
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is federally funded and used to be called food stamps. The program focuses on providing those who have a low income with food each month. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. Those who are approved will receive a debit-style card where funds are added electronically each month. The card can then be used to pay for your groceries at the store or farmer’s market. The amount you receive is determined by how many dependents are in your family. To qualify, you have to have a low income. To get more information or apply for SNAP benefits in Tennessee, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This federally funded program focuses on providing people who qualify with a monthly cash benefit. The program provides financial help for African Americans in Tennessee. The cash can be used on a variety of living expenses, including food, rent, paying bills, etc. Some people may be required to participate in work programs in order to continue getting the cash benefit. The cash cannot be used on things like cigarettes, alcohol or smoking accessories. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
TennCare Medicaid – Those who need help paying for healthcare expenses may be able to get help through this program. The TennCare Medicaid program will provide those who qualify with a way to pay for their healthcare expenses. This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, dental visits, and obtaining prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through Medicaid. As long as you continue to meet the qualifications you can continue to get help. To get more information or apply for Medicaid in Tennessee, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Tennessee by paying for energy bills for those who qualify. If you are approved for the program they will pay your energy bill by sending the funds directly to the energy provider on your behalf. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be the person who is responsible for paying the energy bill. This is a federally funded program that receives a block grant each year. Once the block grant is gone for that year then they can’t help anyone else until the following year. To get more information or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program is federally funded and has a mission to help prevent homelessness. Those who need housing assistance can get help through this program. HUD offers several programs people can use, including helping to pay rent, avoid foreclosure, help people locate affordable housing options, and more. They also provide weatherization services, which will help to reduce monthly utility bills. To get more information or apply for help, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This focus of this program is on providing those who qualify with healthy foods. Those who are approved for the program will be able to get free healthy food each month from the store. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be pregnant or have a child age five and under. They also provide breastfeeding support and free baby formula. To apply for the program you have to visit one of their clinics in person. To find a WIC clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is faith-based and associated with the Roman Catholic Church. They offer over 3,000 locations around the country. Each location provides helpful programs for those who are struggling in the community. Some of the programs they offer to help people include free food, clothing, shelter, counseling, case management, and more. Contact a location near you to see what programs they offer and if they can help meet your needs. To find a location, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization provides financial help for African Americans in Tennessee by providing free food, clothing, shelter, counseling, transportation vouchers, and more. They are part of a national organization that has many locations around the country, with programs offered at each one. Many people are familiar with their red kettles collecting donations each December. The donations that are collected are then used to help people in the community. To find a location near you, click here.