Washington is known for having beautiful landscapes that offer mountain views. The state is also home to some of the world’s best known companies, including Microsoft. The state also has a higher cost of living than many others, making it a little more difficult to make ends meet. For those who experience financial difficulties it is important that they know where to turn in order to get assistance. There are numerous programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Washington.
By turning to the programs that provide financial help for African Americans in Washington, you will be able to ensure your basic needs will be met. While some programs have been designed to provide short term assistance, others will allow you to continue getting help as long as you qualify. Most programs require that you be a citizen or legal non-citizen, and that you meet their low income guidelines.
The funds you receive through the programs are not considered a loan. It’s considered to be a gift to help those in the community who are experiencing financial hardship. Therefore, you never have to pay any of it back. You can get help from multiple programs at one time as well, and this will provide you with the coverage you need to help make ends meet. There are programs that will also help you become more self -sufficient, if that is your long term goal.
Financial Help for African Americans in Washington
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Washington by providing free food each month. This program, which used to be called food stamps, will give those who qualify a debit-style card (called an EBT card) that can be used as the payment source at the grocery store or farmer’s market. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many dependents you have in the household. The more dependents you have, the more money you will have each month to purchase food. To get more information or apply for SNAP in Washington, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides a monthly cash benefit to help people who have a low income. The cash can be used to pay for a variety of living expenses, including buying food, housing, transportation, paying bills, etc. The amount you receive is determined by how many dependents you have. A family of three, for example, will receive $654 per month in cash. To determine if you qualify for the program, they will verify you income and citizenship status, as well as your assets. The program is open to those who have a low income. They do require anyone receiving TANF to comply with child support laws. They may require some people to participate in a work training program, which can lead to self-sufficiency. The work program offers childcare assistance, job searching assistance, and a chance to gain more employable skills. To get more information, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides financial help for African Americans by paying for healthcare services. Those who are approved will be able to get a range of healthcare services for free. This includes doctor and dentist visits, as well as hospital stays and prescription drugs. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive help from this program. To get more info or apply, click here.
Energy Assistance –
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Washington by providing housing assistance. HUD’s mission is to help people find affordable housing and avoid homelessness. They offer several ways that they help people who have a low income and are a citizen or legal non-citizen. They will help pay your rent, help you avoid foreclosure, and provide weatherization services, which will help reduce your monthly energy bills. They also help to pay for necessary home repairs, such as if your heating until needs to be repaired or replaced. They also own housing units and let people live in them free of charge. To get more information about HUD in Washington, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program is federally funded and focuses on ensuring that women and children who are considered nutritionally at risk are able to have healthy foods. Those who qualify for the program will receive healthy food items each month, including things like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, breads, milk, cereal, etc. They also help with providing baby formula and breast feeding support services. To qualify for WIC in Washington, you have to have a low income and be pregnant or have a child age five and under. The program is run through the state health department. To apply, you have to visit one of their clinics in person. To find a WIC clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization has over 3,000 locations in the country, providing services to help those in need in the community. While they are a religious organization, their services are open to anyone, regardless of religious beliefs. Some of the services they provide include free food, clothing, shelter, counseling, work training programs, transitional housing, pregnancy support, and more. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – The Salvation Army offers financial help for African Americans in Washington by providing free hot meals, shelters, clothing, counseling services, and more. They help people with their immediate needs, as well as provide case management to guide people toward being more self sufficient. They offer locations around the country. To get help from this organization, contact the location that is close to you. If they can’t help with your particular issue, they should be able to refer you to someone in the community who can help. To find a location near you, click here.