available resources
TRANSCRIPT
AVAILABLE RESOURCESAgencies that can you help get back on your feet and on
your way to financial freedom
Food AssistanceSNAP, TANF, WIC and Food Pantries
SNAP (Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program)
Eligible clients must be at 100% of poverty line with net income
Amount of assistance provided is determined by household size◦(net monthly income x .3) - max allotment for
household size = SNAP allotment
Other requirements or restrictions: age, disability, employment◦See: fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility
SNAP
People in Household Maximum Monthly Allotment
1 $ 1942 $ 3573 $ 5114 $ 6495 $ 7716 $ 9257 $ 1,0228 $ 1,169
Each additional person $ 146
Florida Food Assistance Program & SUNCAP
Florida Food Assistance program sponsored by USDA
Food Assistance Program helps qualifying Florida Residents buy healthy foods:◦Breads and cereals◦Meat◦Fruit and vegetables◦Dairy◦Seeds and plants to grow a kitchen garden
Florida Food Assistance Program & SUNCAP
SUNCAP – food assistance for those who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
May be automatically placed in SUNCAP if receiving SSI and already receiving benefits from Food Assistance Program
Florida Food Assistance Program & SUNCAP
Households must be between 200% and 100% Federal Poverty Level ◦Dependent on variety of factors outlined by
Florida DCF
Florida Food Assistance Program & SUNCAP
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Assistance to needy families so children can be cared for in their own homes
Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage
Prevent/reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies
Encourage formation and maintenance of two-parent families
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Website to apply: dcf.state.fl.us/ess/Phone number to apply: 1-866-762-2237
WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Pregnant, nursing or new mothers (with children up to 5 years)
“Nutrition risk” – dietary or medical based conditions
Income requirement – between 100% and 185% of the poverty line OR eligible for other food assistance programs
Location requirement – must live in area where WIC is administered
Undocumented mothers and their children are eligible for WIC benefits
Food Pantries
Reliable ways to receive food from an agency on a weekly or monthly basis
No cost
Fresh produce, canned goods and bread◦Meat and dairy items are available at some food pantries
What do I need to bring with me?◦Policies vary per agency.◦Please check with each specific agency
Home AssistancePHA, Subsidized Housing, FTHB, EFAHP and more
Before we Get Started…
Where can I find affordable housing?
http://www.floridahousingsearch.org/A free site to find affordable housingCreated by a co-op comprised of non-
profit, private and government agenciesHas helpful tools related to moving and
rent
Index of Available Programs
EFAHP – Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program
Fair Housing Assistance Agencies
FTHB – First Time Home Buyer programs
PHA – Public Housing Assistance programs
EFAHP
Formerly the Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program
Has been replaced with the Homeless Prevention Grant
Provides emergency financial aid to families with children due to a crisis through various partner agencies
EFAHP
Partner agencies in SWFL:◦Charlotte County Homeless Coalition
Emergency housing, transitions, links clients to other agencies, and provides rent, utilities and security deposits assistance
◦Collier County Hunger and Homeless Coalition Links clients to various partner agencies, depending on
needs◦Lee County Department of Human Services
Provides emergency assistance, home repairs, fair housing, searches for low-income housing and more
Please see their website for additional information: http://dhs.leegov.com/Pages/default.aspx
Fair Housing Assistance
Assistance and protection for buyers or renters from discrimination
H.E.L.P◦Fair housing outreach, home buyer education, money
management workshops and more◦http://www.collierhousing.com/
Lee County Department of Human Services◦In addition to previously mentioned services, they
also provide aid in fair housing
FTHB
Is not only one program, but contains many resources
Additional ProgramsOther potentially valuable resources available to you
Automobiles
Ways to Work◦Community Development Financial Institution
◦44 offices throughout the country
◦Mission: help families move and stay off dependency welfare programs
Automobiles
◦Provides small loans to low-income individuals
◦Must live in service area
◦Must be employed for 6 months or in post high-school education
◦Must be able to re-pay loan
◦Must be a parent
◦Unable to get loan through bank or credit union
Automobiles
Four Wheels For Work◦Goodwill Industries program◦Currently only in Lee county
Utilities
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)◦Government assistance program to help pay for
energy◦Qualifying individuals may apply up to 3 times
a year◦Must contact resident county to apply
Utilities
Poverty Income Guidelines Effective April 1, 2014
Number of People in Household Maximum Annual Household Income
1 $17,5052 $23,5953 $29,6854 $35,7755 $41,8656 $47,9557 $54,0458 $60,135
For each additional person over 8 people, add this amount $6,090
Cell Phones
Assurance Wireless by Virgin Mobile◦Part of the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program◦250 free minutes every month◦Unlimited text◦Only 1 wireless line per household◦Must provide proof of eligibility◦Will qualify for phone if already receiving
government assistance◦Apply online: assurancewireless.com
Cell Phones
SafeLink Wireless by TracFone Wireless◦1 per household◦250 free minutes every month◦Unlimited text messages◦Eligibility depends on participation with other
government assistance program ◦Meets federal poverty guidelines◦Apply online: safelinkwireless.com