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How Did Low Income Relief Start?

It all began in 2007, when my young family was two weeks away from being homeless…

…and I began spending hours and hours at the library with our young son, trying to figure out how we were going to survive.

I was desperately searching the Internet for anyone and anything that could help us. It was the first time I encountered words like section 8 and low income apartments. I discovered an abundant number of resources and organizations that would help us get through this time of desperate need. They weren’t always easy to find but they were definitely there.

We ended up getting into a low income apartment in Issaquah, Washington, within two weeks. We didn’t have any money for move-in expenses but we gathered donations and pledges from several organizations – HopeLink, Catholic Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army. Together, these agencies helped us afford to move into our apartment and then helped us stock the kitchen with healthy, life-giving foods.

Rosecrest Apartments Talus Issaquah WA

 

It was astonishing.

In the years that have followed, I have helped friends and family find help with their needs, too. Whether it’s housing, food, medical coverage, dental care, veterinary expenses, transportation or whatever else, I knew how to help them find what they needed… so I spent a lot of time working up individual resource lists for my friends and family.

Eventually, I realized that I could use my experience as a researcher and writer to help a much larger audience. That’s how Low Income Relief came to be.

I know what it’s like to have nothing.

I know what it’s like to be at your wits end, frustrated and overwhelmed and unsure what you’re going to do next.

And I know what it’s like to finally find help.

I’ve seen the overwhelming healing power of hope.

And I want help, hope and good things for you, too.

That’s why I’m committed to Low Income Relief. I absolutely love researching new resources and reporting on what I find. Although the website has now grown so significantly that I can no longer keep up with individual requests, I am thrilled to be able to help the 80,000 or so Americans who visit this website each and every month.

Thank you so much for making Low Income Relief part of your day!

-Nicole

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Danielle Arnott

    My name is Danielle Arnott and I was hoping you could locate a4man tent? I am homeless in downtown Puyallup? I am cu sleeping anyplace that’s dry
    Unfortunately all my belongings get wet and I have to throw them out. Please let me know asap.

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Oh, I’m so sorry, Danielle! I will get right to work looking for that. It should only take me an hour or so to get some resources together for you. I’ll comment back here when the list is done.

      Reply

      • Sue

        Hi my name is sue I live in Washington state, we have lost everything, house, business, etc. we have been remodeling our house to sell it and get our equity out, well it auctioned off and bank owns it now, we had purchased it , our first home, on a fraudulent land contract! My local police have targeted us now for some reason and long story short , used the condition of the house , to take my kids ! Ages 12 and 14 ! So in addition to everything we own , being auctioned off today because the bill isn’t paid , I’m loosing my kids too! I can’t get them back cause I have no place to live with them ! My partner and I naturally have not been handling the stress well, there was an incident between he and I physically, now they are using that against me too! All but telling me I have to leave him, can’t have kids around him , etc I missed my 72 hour meeting at cps , because they changed the times, supervisor in dept , is only person who communicates with partner , while investigator only talks to me ! They set up two meeting times separate from each other , why ? Then changed my appointment time , I had no phone so I didn’t know if changes! I have court again today , dependency hearing, after telling courts I was contesting it ! I don’t know what to do ! I am feeling hopeless! I just want my kids and to save our things ! Please help me !

        Reply

    • Nicole

      I haven’t found anywhere that can provide a tent yet but I have found some other agencies that might be able to help with housing and other needs. I’m adding them all to the directory now. You can find them by searching for ‘homeless’ and ‘Pierce County’ on the map or just by clicking here.

      If you haven’t already, I recommend calling Access Point 4 Housing. This organization coordinates a lot of the housing programs throughout Pierce County and should be able to help you find help. The AP4H number is (253) 682-3401.

      I will keep looking and adding items as I find them. I’ve also reached out to a few agencies who may be able to help and I’m waiting for them to respond to my messages. I’ll keep you posted!

      Reply

    • Trina Ewing

      I didn’t know how to leave a comment so I’m trying to do it this way my name is Trina I’m 57 years old on SSI disability and I live in a small camper I have no food I’ve applied for food stamps I haven’t heard from anything me and my two little dogs I can’t even buy toilet paper I mean I honest to God don’t have anything after I pay my rent my phone and buy a few things cuz I’m hungry I don’t have a car help I really need help God’s help please help me thank you

      Reply

      • Riley Thomson

        Trina,
        I’m so sorry to hear about your circumstances. I edited your comment to protect your privacy. We never contact our readers directly. Hopefully, the food stamps will come through soon! In the meantime, have you reached out to your local food pantry? Or try calling 211 for more resources in your area. I hope this helps.
        -Riley

        Reply

    • Crystal Foley

      Hello my name is Crystal Foley, I’m 53 years old Disabled woman, I’ve got no use of my right arm,hand, I was hoping you could help me with finding a low income attorney, I was served an Eviction Notice by a Constable on January 31st at 5 p.m., I need help I need a Attorney asap. To help me?? Sincerely Crystal Foley

      Reply

  2. Elizabeth Diane

    Hi there,

    I’m sure you get a ton of spammy submissions so I’ll get straight to the point – I’d love to submit a post for publishing on your site.

    If you’re currently accepting posts, please let me know and I’ll send through a few topics that we can agree on. Or else, just let me know if there’s anything in particular you’d like written 🙂

    Thanks for your time!

    Elizabeth Diane, Writer

    Reply

  3. DeeD

    Hi Nicole can you tell me some WI info on things to sign up for low income people. I live on a fixed income and already have foodstamps but only $15 a month and I also have health insurance. I would appreciate any assistance from you! Thanks

    Reply

  4. James

    My little guy name Papi is going through the unthinkable the past week. It all started with him not acting like his normal fun loving self. We took him to the vet right away and they said he was constipated. A few days later his back leg went paralyzed and then a few hours later his full back of his body went paralyzed. We rushed him to the vet hospital and he ruptured a disc and required surgery which is starting at $6,000 and will keep rising with all of the check ups and medicine required. I can’t think of losing him and I am scared to death of the worse. Please help save my best friend. We need as much help as we could get. We value more than just money and could use as much encouragement and prayers!

    Reply

  6. Nico

    Hello I have a question. What discounts can you get with the edd card in orange California and I was just wondering. How do I get help with housing my gf mom burnt down the home we stay at and we have been homeless since December all mine and her stuff is gone and my renter’s insurance for State farm wants a deductible for stuff replaced I don’t know what to do

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Hi, Nico! State Farm should cut a check for the amount of your losses, minus your deductible. That’s how it worked when we had a renter’s insurance issue. :/

      I am unable to help with housing requests at this time but your local United Way, Salvation Army and Community Action Council should be able to help you find those resources.

      For EBT card discounts, check here – https://lowincomerelie.wpengine.com/ebt

      I hope this helps!

      Reply

    • Nicole

      Hi, Sarah! I’m so sorry things aren’t going well for you. I am happy to research whatever you need but it may take a few months to get that information. Our team of 5 is currently serving 125,000+ people per month and we have a huge backlog of requests, so we aren’t equipped to handle urgent needs at this time. Your local United Way, Salvation Army or Community Action Council is much better equipped to handle urgent needs. I’m so sorry!

      Reply

  8. Kristen

    Hi Nicole! I was referred to your site by your sister Jessica. I was telling her about the issues I’m having with section 8 and housing and thought you could possibly help me out. I have 2 children and I’m 37 weeks pregnant. My fiancé went to prison in January and we’ve lost everything. My house, my car, all of our stuff is gone. I’m renting out a room until we figure something else out so If it could’nt fit in storage we couldn’t keep it. I do work FT & I’m going to school. Pretty soon I’m going on maternity leave and all my income will stop until I return to work. Anyway you could help me with housing or section 8? I live in DeKalb Illinois. I’ve already applied but haven’t gotten anything yet unfortunately.

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Hi, Kristen! I’m so glad that your sister knew about our site and referred you here. We’re an information service, so I can’t provide any assistance directly. However, we can do our best to connect you with resources in your community!

      The United Way in Dekalb County is the first place I would turn. You can reach them by calling 211. They do not seem to have a searchable directory on their website. They are experts on affordable housing and local community resources, so I definitely recommend contacting them right away! When you speak with them, be sure to ask about programs that benefit pregnant women, children of incarcerated parents, homeless or at-risk-of-being-homeless families and students. Sometimes, the representatives won’t think to check each category unless you specifically ask.

      For Section 8, you’ll need to contact the Housing Authority of the County of Dekalb. They offer low-cost public housing in one, two and three bedroom units. They also administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. If you are able to get Section 8, here’s some helpful info about how you can buy a house with Section 8 vouchers!

      I always recommend reaching out to your local Community Action agency, also. In your case, that would be the Dekalb County Community Action Department. This agency is designed to help low income households gain stability. They offer many different services that can help you, including referrals to community resources that I may not have access to. You can email [email protected] or call 815-217-0196 to schedule an appointment with this agency.

      I hope this information is helpful to you, Kristen! I’ll keep looking and see what else I can find. 🙂

      Reply

  10. Vicky Chen

    To Whom it May Concern,
    I am the administrator at Children Fairyland who manages the subsidized family membership program. Could you please update the content on your website regarding our subsidized membership? The language is misleading and I have encountered a few visitors who thought they can just show their EBT card to receive a discounted admission.

    The link on your website that has the incorrect info is (under Oakland): https://lowincomerelie.wpengine.com/california-ebt/

    Please replace what you have with:
    Fairyland’s Community Outreach Program offers a limited number of subsidized family memberships to qualifying low-income families through a direct application process.

    The membership is good for one year and the benefits include park admission for each member (up to 2 adults and 3 children), a Magic Key for each child, and discounts to gift shop, café, birthday parties, and summer camp. To submit an application, please download and complete this form. Application may be mailed or dropped off in person.

    Thank you,
    Vicky Chen
    Director of Community Outreach and Education
    510-452-2259

    Reply

    • Nicole

      Hi, Vicky!

      Thank you for taking the time to reach out and help us correct our content. We always want this site to be as accurate as possible. I certainly didn’t mean for it to be misleading, which is why I made sure that people who receive EBT *may* qualify. I didn’t want it to sound like a guarantee.

      I’ve updated the text to include the information you’ve provided here. I really appreciate that you took the time to craft such a helpful response!

      Have a very wonderful day!
      -Nicole

      Reply

  11. Rebecca

    Hey Nicole! I couldn’t figure out how to contact you, buy I wanted to let you know about a company in Seattle called interconnection. They sell basic computer s to low-income people (any state benefits, ebt, cash assistance, medical,others I think) for $59 including cords, monitor, the whole shebang!

    Reply

  12. Lindsey McCreary

    Hi Nicole, I am an employee for the Florida DMV. I am in our training department and have notice some incorrect information on your site that is giving customers false hope in regards to using their EBT cards to get a license or ID. I have tried finding an email address for you but have been unsuccessful. If you could please reach out to me I am willing to provide the correct information that would help customers on your site.

    Thank you.
    Lindsey McCreary

    Reply

  13. Old, Stiff and Sore

    I have a question about EBT/SNAP SSI and traveling. My friend and I receive benefits in Washington State. We’re getting on in years and can’t take the cold winters anymore. We would like to travel together and spend the coldest months in places like California, Nevada or Arizona. Will we lose our benefits if we don’t “shop at home” after a certain amount of time? If so, how long can a person be gone before they’re cut off? Tried researching with no joy. Perhaps you know and can tell us.

    Reply

  14. Geri Rudolf

    Hello, Nicole,
    We learned of your site through a call to our organization. While we appreciate the great information for those looking for aid, there are some things that are published regarding our ministry that not accurate and that we are not able to fulfill as you have stated.
    How can we work best with you to clarify this information, so that those seeking help are best served? Thank you!

    Reply

  16. Ru

    Hi Nicole,

    Thank you for starting this wonderful website and sharing information that not many low-income people are aware of. I want to share with you some of the services I have used to help save money.

    1. Amazon Warehouse – open box deals (like new, very good, etc)
    2. Camelcamelcamel – Amazon price tracker that provides price drop alerts and price history charts for products sold by Amazon
    3. SeatGeek – Ticket search engine that aggregates ticket listings for live sports, concerts, and theater events
    4. Honey – browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout with a single click

    Reply

  17. Angela Carlson

    I am looking for an organization that will send toys and clothing to a family on the Pine Ridge reservation, they live in Wounded Knee. Does your organization help with this matter? If not can you put me in contact with one that does?
    Thank you,
    Angela Carlson

    Reply

  18. Kim Lynch

    Hi my name is Kim. I leave in Raleigh NC. I am a 57 year old woman. I have no help, no car, no job. I have hit rock bottom for the first time in my life. I have been trying to find help. I did get an EBT card, Medicaid, and help with water for a one time help and I got help with the electricity up to 600.00. I own a home that is a bit ran down. But it is still home. But my ac/heat unit doesn’t work. So I use a little heater and fans in the summer. My fiancée passed away in July. He helped me out with things. I am looking for employment but I no luck so far. With no car it real hard. But I keep trying. I have three Beautiful children. Two are still in college. None of them are in the position to help. All of my life I have taken care of everyone and everything. I have no regrets. I have been trying to find help and work everyday. Christmas is coming fast and it’s breaking my heart but there isn’t anything I can do. I do not have a dime to my name. I don’t know what else to do but ask for help. No luck so far. Maybe you can help and give me an answer. I honestly don’t know what else to do.

    Reply

  19. Dolores Mcpeake

    A do not no if yous can help me A had a daughter so was 11 years old 15 November 1995 when a loss her and a have two boys one is 24 and the order one is 30 a do fine it very hard that a am paying back a loans and the banks r taking money off me and a do not no what two do and a do not think that yous we’ll not help me

    Reply

  20. Elizabeth

    My son has been a lupus patient since 2007 he has had chemo and steroid treatment for stage 4 Kidney.He now has stage3.The problem now is in his bones in his entire legs.2016 left leg told he had to wait until it got worse. It sure did now in right leg also.Cannot find a orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in osrteonecrosis.We live in Hammond Indian 46324 and have blue cross blue shield Hoosier care connect.Doctors are not helping.either is insurance.I have been making numerous phone calls I am not going to lose my son do to neglect from his providers.wishing you or your subscribers can help thank you from both of us.

    Reply

    • Riley Thomson

      Elizabeth,
      I’m so sorry to hear about your son. That breaks my heart. Unfortunately we don’t have any information on finding healthcare providers. Or you could try 211.org for more resources in your area. I hope this helps.
      -Riley

      Reply

  21. Elly Wolschleger

    Hi! I amwriting because I am in financial hardship. I need some help with funding because I have no way to get gas for the car or food for me and my family. I do hope you can help us out.
    Sincerely,
    Elly Wolschleger

    Reply

    • Riley Thomson

      Elly,
      We are an informational websites that provides local resources to low income families. We do not give funding out to our readers. What area are you looking for resources in?
      -Riley

      Reply

  22. Nicole Handley

    Hi I am on a waiting list for a low income housing apartment. I will not be getting a ‘voucher” my rent is based off my income which is $1,230 a month. I am unable to work, I receive only $15.00 a month in SNAP benefits and I have medicaid and medicare. I am single, never married and was never able to have children. Do I need to be on a program where I receive a voucher, or can I qualify because they take 1/3 of my income and the rent never goes up unless my benefits do? Are these type of apartments under HUD/Section 8?

    Reply

    • Riley Thomson

      Nicole,
      I’m not quite sure what you mean? You may need to clarify that with your caseworker.
      -Riley

      Reply

  24. Michelle B

    I am a Project Manager for a community college district in Orange County. We have a fairly large non-credit program that has no-charge Basic Skills High School completion options (Diploma, Equivalency), ESL, Citizenship, Career Technical Education, etc. Can you share our information with your readers?

    Reply

  25. JACQUELINE swygart

    Hi my name is jacqueline swygart an I’m homeless living in my car but now I’m about to lose it because I don’t have money to pay my car registration fees

    Reply

  26. Jackie

    Hello I’m a mother of six two of which is special needs. Nov.2018 I was in a bad accident, it became a burden on us. Exhausting everything I had in savings to get around. After receiving my refund I desperately purchased a vehicle. In good Hope’s doe my family thinking it was a reliable transportation. Till recently the repairs is to costly plus I have to move. Bbn is there any way you can help me

    Reply

  27. Anonymous

    Hello,

    I have mt own story where I lost many things due to breaking an ankle. I’ve been looking for any guidance on low-income apartments, housing/section 8 over at NYC. Can you assist in some links or such? Thank you in advance.

    Reply

  28. Debbie Jones

    My story is really long, so I’m not going to tell all of it. My husband, our family, and the mother of the children having been taking care of and loving them for the past four years. Ever since the neglect father walked out. After he walked out, he became the very eptiome a deadbeat Dad. His son was 2 and his daughter was 2 wks. His contact with his son was spotty, and he had no interest in his daughter. He questioned her paternity. Once it was established, 21/2 yrs. later. It wasn’t until she was almost 4. After he got married late last year and decided he wanted to be a Dad. He convinced the kids’ mother to let their son spend the summer with him and his wife. Having her kids best interest at heart, she agreed, against everyone else’s advice. Her daughter spent one weekend with them in May. She doesn’t like to be away from her home at all. She only went because her brother was going too. When she came home, she had nightmares for months. She tell us and her Mom that she was scared that they were going to come get her and not bring her back. Of course, we reassured that wouldn’t happen. On 08-10- 19., Her father showed up with a Sheriff and took her. He also had a statement in which he accused the Mom of neglect. Now, keep in mind, he already had their son. 11 days later, we went to court. She didn’t know that she was supposed to file her papers with the clerk, she wasn’t given the evidence papers from the dad’s lawyer. The lawyer question her client for 10 to 15 minutes. The mother didn’t have a lawyer because The Legal Aid Society told her that she didn’t need one. Let me say one thing, before I go any further. From the
    moment, we walked into the courtroom, I knew that the judge had already made up his mind against her. The dad’s lawyer asked her questions for about two minutes. Then they showed some photos of bug bites on her daughter’s legs, hello summer in Kentucky. She played outside off and on all day long,
    and if you play outside in the summer, what are you going to get? Bug bites! But these were fresh. She didn’t have bites on the areas of her legs that were in the photos when they took her. They showed a picture of a blister on her foot, that wasn’t there when they took her. Then they showed a picture of her hair,
    obviously had just been washed, which wasn’t taken in our home or her Mom’s. She was wearing a shirt that was unfamiliar to us. She couldn’t have been wearing one from home, because the Sheriff would let us brush her hair, brush her teeth, wash her up, or change her clothes. He was going to take her
    out without shoes until we spoke up. Oh yeah the neglect that she was to have suffered by us is one time, her hair wasn’t brushed,. When this happened the last person she was with was her paternal grandparents. The other thing was she still had a binky at four. It was her security blanket. You don’t
    just yank that away from a child. But I bet they did. The judge never gave the Mom a chance to plead her case. He just decided that she was neglectful. And gave temporary custody to the dad. Now where was CPS, when all this happened, you’re wondering? They didn’t get called in until the dad had taken her. Now what gave him the right to do that, or who told him he could take her the morning after he made his report to the police or the judge, we’re not sure which, is something we’re trying to figure out. But proper procedure wasn’t followed at all. After six weeks with minimal contact from the CPS worker assigned to the case. There have been no visitation arranged. The dad or his wife won’t return calls, won’t answer texts. And when he did call he refused to let anyone other than their Mom talk to the kids. Even though she tried and tried, begged,pleaded with him that, that this wasn’t in their daughter’s best interest.. We also reported to this worker that we were extremely concerned about our girl’s emotional and mental well-being. That she was taken from her home by people she didn’t know. That we knew she was truamatized, scared, confused and wondering why her Mommy, her Papa and Ammie weren’t coming back see her. Yet he never told us that they talked to her and she was ok. Until yesterday, that is after we went over his head to his supervisor. Shortly, after we ended the call with her. He called her Mommy and told her they were closing the case against her because the claims of neglect had no merit. We don’t know what to expect now. We’ve been trying to find answers on the internet. All we’re really getting is a headache. Our main question is will the case go back to the judge for review and will he give custody back to the mother? It’s going to be a long weekend. It looks like we’re going to have to wait until we meet with a lawyer, Monday morning. This case is so, so messed up. We were railroaded. Even our County Attorney said the judge didn’t follow procedure. That when these papers came across his desk, he should have told whoever presented them to him, that they couldn’t file the.papers in their county. They had to be filed in the county where the kids lived with their Mother. I keep you in the loop.

    Reply

    • Riley Thomson

      Debbie,
      I’m so sorry for all of this. Unfortunately, I can’t answer your question. It would be better directed to an attorney. Here is a link to our legal aid directory if you need help finding one. I hope this helps.
      -Riley

      Reply

  31. Christopher R Null

    we don’t have a united way listed. I am disabled ( issued this year). I bought a car when I got my back pay I told the dealership that I had to have enough to get my tags on my car and other than that I could put up to $12,000 down on my car. Well the dealship gave me a total amount that I would need for my sales tax/tags/title fees. When I got the paper work in the mail finally to be able to tag my car I went down to the DFA and was told that they didn’t know where I got my total, but it was nowhere close. At this point I have already paid the down payment and dealt with bills and stuff that had gotten behind while waiting on SSA to get off of their rears and deal with my case. While I was trying to come up with the rest of the money I needed to pay to get my car legal a family emergency come up with my kids that live out of state. Now I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. I am not supposed to drive the car without tags and insurance, but I can’t afford to pay the taxes to get the tags as I am on a fixed income. I am unsure as to what to do, but I can’t go without a vehicle, I can’t afford to get tickets and impound fees, and I an’t afford to get my car legal..

    Reply

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