Home to around 6 million people, Wisconsin is a state known for the cheese it produces. There are many dairy farms in the state and collectively they produce a lot of cheese each year. Like other states, some of the people who live there may struggle financially at times. When this happens it is important to know where to turn for help. The good news is that there are programs offering financial help for African Americans in Wisconsin.
The programs that focus on providing financial help for African Americans in Wisconsin are made possible by several sources, including the federal and state government. There are also organizations that provide financial assistance to those in the community who need help. The programs will help ensure that basic needs are being met, at least in the short term.
Some of the programs offered have a time limit on how long you can use it, while others provide long term assistance. There are also programs that will provide case management to help people gain job skills, find a job, and become self-sufficient. You can apply to as many programs as you feel qualified for, because there is no limit to how many you can get help from at one time. Plus, the funds are not a loan, so you never have to pay them back.
Financial Help for African Americans in Wisconsin
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – SNAP used to be called food stamps. This program offers financial help for African Americans in Wisconsin by providing free food each month. Those who qualify for the program will be given a debit-style card, called an EBT card that can be used to pay for food at the store or some farmers markets. The amount that you receive in the benefit each month is determined by how many dependents you have. The more dependents you have, the higher your monthly benefit will be. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through this program. As long as you continue to qualify, you can keep getting the benefit. 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.
Wisconsin Works – This program is called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in other states. The program provides cash assistance to those who meet the qualifications, which include having a low income, and having at least one minor dependent child. Those who are approved for the program will receive a monthly cash benefit that can be used to pay for living expenses, including housing, transportation, food, paying bills, etc. Those who receive the benefit will also have to participate in the work-related program, which will help you find a job, obtain vocational training, and more. They will provide case management to help you become self sufficient. To get more information or apply for this program, click here.
Medicaid – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Wisconsin by providing assistance paying for healthcare expenses. Those who are approved for the program will be able to visit the doctor, dentist, eye doctor, hospital, and obtain prescription drugs free of charge. 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 through the Medicaid program in Wisconsin. To get more information or apply, click here.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) – This program will help people who are struggling financially to pay their utility bills. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and the person responsible for paying the bill. Those who are approved can get help paying for their utility bills, with the funds being paid directly to the energy provider on your behalf. You can find all of the forms to apply for this program online. To get more information, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program provides financial help for African Americans in Wisconsin by providing housing assistance. HUD is a federally funded program that will provide help with paying rent, weatherization services, and making necessary home repairs, such as to the heating unit. They will also help homeowners who may be facing foreclosure, and they will help people find affordable housing options. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – To qualify for this program you have be pregnant or have a child ages five and under. The goal of the program is to ensure people in that population group have their nutritional needs met. Those who are approved will receive free healthy food each month. To apply for WIC, you have to visit one of their clinics and apply in person. To find a clinic near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization is part of a national one that has over 3,000 locations around the country. They are affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, but they don’t expect those they help to be religious. They offer such financial help as free food, clothing, counseling, shelters, and more. Each location offers programs to meet the needs of the people in that community. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization has locations around the country. They will provide financial help for African Americans in Wisconsin by offering free food, clothing, shelters, transportation vouchers, and more. They will also provide case management to help people gain job training skills, find a job, and become more self-sufficient. Many people are familiar with the organization through their thrift stores or when they set out the red kettles each December, collecting donations to use in their programs. To get help through the Salvation Army, you need to contact a location near you. If they can’t help with your specific situation, they should be able to refer you to a place that can. To find a location near you, click here.