West Virginia is a state known for having beautiful mountains and a lot of outdoor recreation. Many people visit the state to go hiking, skiing, and mountain biking each year. There are around 1.8 million people who live in the state, which has a lower cost of living than many other states. Some of the people who live there may at times experience financial difficulties. The good news is that are programs that offer financial help for African Americans in West Virginia.
The programs that offer financial help for African Americans in West Virginia will ensure basic needs are being met during difficult financial periods. Some of the programs will provide immediately relief, while others provide short or long term assistance. There are some programs that will also provide job training, employment leads, and help with becoming more self-sufficient.
There is no limit to how many programs offering financial help for African Americans in West Virginia you can apply for at one time. You can get help from all of them at once if you meet the qualifications for each program. The more programs you get help from, the better off you will be in being able to make ends meet. Plus, the funds that are provided to help you get by are not considered a loan, so you never have to pay it back.
Financial Help for African Americans in West Virginia
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in West Virginia by providing food each month to those who qualify. If you are approved for the program, you will receive a debit-style card, called an EBT card that can be used to purchase food at the grocery store, convenience store, and some farmers markets. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many people are in your household that are considered dependents. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through SNAP. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
WV Works – This program is similar to the ones called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)in other states. Those who qualify for the program will receive a monthly cash benefit that can be used to pay for living expenses, including paying bills, buying food, paying rent, etc. Some people may have to participate in work training programs in order to receive the benefit, with the goal being to become more self-sufficient. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – This program will provide financial help for African Americans in West Virginia by helping to pay for healthcare expenses. Those who are approved for the program will receive help with visiting the doctor, dentist, eye doctor, hospital, and more. They will also be able to get free prescription drugs. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To get more information or apply for Medicaid in West Virginia, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will help those who are struggling financially to pay their energy bills. Those who are qualified will have their energy bill paid, with the funds being sent directly to the energy provider on your behalf. This program is funded through a federal block grant, which means that they get a sum of money each year, and when it’s used up they don’t get more until the following year. It’s a good idea to apply for the program early and re-apply each year that you need help paying your energy bills. The program will also help pay for weatherization services. They start accepting applications each April. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the utility bill. Applications can be found online or in person. Once filled out, they can be mailed in. To get more information, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program is federally funded and will provide people with housing help. Those who need help finding affordable housing, paying their rent, or are facing foreclosure may be able to get assistance from HUD. They will also provide weatherization services, which will help to reduce monthly energy bills. HUD also owns housing units where they will let people live for free. Their programs are open to renters and homeowners. HUD will also help pay for necessary home repairs, such as to your heating or cooling unit. To qualify for help, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply for housing assistance, click here.
School Clothing Assistance – The state government offers help to parents so they can provide their child with clothing for school. The state will provide vouchers that will allow the children to get free clothing for school. To get more information, click here.
Emergency Assistance – This program offers short term cash assistance to help people who need immediate help. They will help with food, shelter, household goods, clothing, medical services, and some transportation. You can only get help through this program one month each year. To get more information or apply, 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. Their programs are open to everyone in the community. They provide financial help for African Americans in West Virginia by providing free food, clothing, shelter, counseling, and other such services. They offer over 3,000 locations around the country. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This organization is known for putting out red kettles each December, where they collect donations from the public. The donations they collect are put to use in their programs, helping people in need. Some of the programs they offer include providing free hot meals, bags of food, transportation vouchers, bill payment assistance, and shelters. They have locations around the country. To find a location near you, click here.