Low Income Resource Roundup | Aug 19, 2023

There are so many new resources for low income Americans this week! This week’s news recap includes $10,000 grants, new patient assistance programs, unclaimed money, new housing updates and so much more. In fact, we have updates for every US state!

Nationwide Low Income News

As we compiled the data for this week’s low income news update, we discovered an interesting trend. Representatives for programs in different areas, such as Move In Day Mafia and the Kalamazoo prescription assistance program, remarked that it’s getting harder to get these resources to the people who need them because the people who need help are so worried about being scammed.

This is heartbreaking but also completely understandable because scams are everywhere these days. It’s important to be cautious.

I personally fact-checked all of the resources in this article, so you don’t need to worry about scams. The programs we report on are always legitimate.

1 in 7 Americans have unclaimed money.

States are holding onto billions of dollars in unclaimed assets. In fact, a recent report claimed that 1 in 7 people have unclaimed money that is held by the state!

It’s easy and free to find out if any of that money is yours. Follow the steps in this guide to get started!

Help for Seniors with Medical Debt

Seniors in the United States now hold more than $50 billion in unpaid medical debt. That’s insane! According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, many of those debts are invalid and shouldn’t have to be paid.

A new bombshell report in The Hill claims that medical providers are knowingly charging elderly patients full price for expensive services instead of dealing with the insurer that’s supposed to cover it. The report found that nearly four million seniors had unpaid medical bills in 2020 even though 98% of them had insurance that should’ve paid. In fact, two thirds of seniors with unpaid medical bills had at least two types of insurance!

Part of the problem is that insurance is so complex and medical bills can be so hard to decipher. It often takes hours of persistent calling to reach the right representatives and chase down a solution. It takes a lot of work – and that’s work that seniors, those with disabilities and anyone battling a chronic illness often can’t sustain.

If you’re buried under a mountain of medical debt, our sponsors at CareConnect USA can help. They have a team of medical debt specialists that can help you negotiate those medical bills, reduce the amount you owe, and get those harassing collection calls to stop. You can reach their Debt Relief Helpline at 866-530-9949.

New Patient Assistance Programs

This week, we found a ton of new patient assistance programs!

NORD, or the National Organization for Rare Disorders, offers funds that help people with rare diseases pay for their copays, travel, medical costs and emergency financial needs. They have funds for tons of different diagnoses, ranging from Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia to Urea Cycle Disorder. I compiled a list of their funds and application guidelines this week!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society also has a bunch of financial assistance programs for people who are eligible. I found over $4,000 in grant programs through this organization.

Actually, if you have blood cancer, we also found nine different organizations that can help you with grants and financial assistance. Some of the grants are worth up to $1,000 each! Here’s the list.

Campaigns to Expand Medicaid

The United States has the the maternal death rate of all developed countries. Our current nationwide rate is around 34 out of every 100,000 live births.

According to a new report from the Milken Institute, Alabama had the highest rate of maternal death in the United States between 2018 and 2021. Researchers found that Alabama’s maternal mortality rate was almost double the nationwide average at 64.63 out of every 100,000 live births. The rate was even higher for Black mothers, who had a mortality rate of 100.07 deaths for every 100,000 live births.

Alabama is one of 10 states that have stubbornly refused to expand Medicaid. This new report has helped strengthen the campaign to expand that health care program to more people, as it is clear that Alabama has a maternal care crisis.

The states that have not expanded Medicaid yet include Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Kansas, Wyoming and Wisconsin. North Carolina is in the process of expanding their Medicaid program.

New Glasses for Low Income Americans

If you have a hard time paying for your vision care costs, we’ve found two organizations that may be able to help!

New Eyes provides free single or bifocal glasses for low income people who live in the United States. If you have an income that is at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may be eligible! Depending on where you live, they may be able to help you even if your prescription has already expired.

Vision to Learn provides free vision care for schoolchildren. If you’ve got a kid who needs glasses, here’s what you need to know.

Financial Help for Farmers

The USDA announced last week that they will provide additional financial assistance for certain borrowers who have received a loan from the guaranteed Farm Loans Program. This is only available to qualifying borrowers who are at risk of default. There is more information about this assistance in the USDA’s Press Release.

Farmers for Soil Health also has a cost-share program that is available in 20 states. This program helps pay for cover crops. Farmers can enroll online as long as they live in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia or Wisconsin.

Get up to $10,000 in Grants!

If you’ve got a business or you’re interested in starting a business, there are some great opportunities available to you!

To get details or apply for any of these, you’ll need to sign up for an account with our sponsor Skip.

• Grant to End Gatekeeping can offer $1,000 to female business owners who have a business in the US, UK, Canada or Australia. The deadline to enter is August 23, 2023.
• BREAKTHROUGH Program of Miami can offer up to $5,000 to Black or Latina entrepreneurs who have had a business in Miami for at least a year. Applications are due August 27.
• Publish Her Business Impact Grant is offering $5,000 to a woman of color whose business makes a difference in the lives of others. Applications are due August 31, 2023.
• Queer to Stay offers financial support and other benefits to businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community. Applications are due August 31, 2023.
• NDSS & Voya Cares Entrepreneur Grants has $10,000 for two entrepreneurs with Down syndrome. The winners must either have a business or want to start their own business. Applications are due September 1.
• Keep it Local Business Fund offers up to $5,000 for minority business owners. Applications are due September 1, 2023.
• Certification Boost Grant offers up to $5,000 for entrepreneurs who want to pursue a business certification. You must live in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia or Texas. Apply by September 1.
• $5k Skip Growth Grant is available to business owners who are at least 18 years old and have a Skip account. You have to apply by September 30, 2023.
• NO Grants offer up to $2,000 for mothers. It does not appear to have a business component, as the eligibility criteria simply say that you must be US-based, over age 18 (or over age 19 if you live in Alabama or Nebraska), and identify as a mother. Applications are due October 31.

Don’t forget to use our affiliate link when you sign up for your free account with Skip! It is free to get started but some of these grants will require you to upgrade to a paid account to unlock.

Local Low Income News

Once again, we have low income news updates for every US state! This doesn’t happen very often. Scroll to find your state subheading below.

Alabama

High school senior Kaeysn Price has established the Alabama branch of Ask Us Another. This organization provides tutoring and translation services for immigrant families.

The program is staffed by volunteers in 7th to 12th grades who provide help and support to students who are in K12 schools.

Alaska

Alaska received federal funding to help mitigate the impacts of natural disasters on the electric grid. The funds are intended to help reduce the consequences of winter storms, extreme temperatures and landslides.

Meanwhile, Legal Services Corporation has received over $4 million to assist low income people who were impacted by natural disasters in 2022. This organization can help you apply for FEMA funding, insurance benefits, resolve landlord/tenant issues and more.

A new affordable housing complex will be built in Anchorage, thanks to funding from KeyBank. This new complex will be called Ch’bala Corners II and features 38 units. The housing will be set aside for Alaska Native and Native American families who earn less than 60% of the Area Median Income.

Arizona

The YMCA of Southern Arizona received funding for six new buses! These buses can seat up to 14 kids at a time and are used to shuttle kids from class to the Y’s after-school programs. This will help more low income families use these services, because it will resolve a major transportation concern.

Arkansas

Arkansas’ new education voucher program is underway, with nearly 5,000 students participating in this coming school year. Around 40% of participants have disabilities, 32% are new kindergarteners, 6% are foster children and 4% are military families.

If you are affected by the closure of the Tyson Food Plant in North Little Rock, make sure that you reach out to your community organizations for support. You may be eligible for unemployment and other benefits while you look for a new job.

California

In Palo Alto, a VA Caregiver & Family Resource Fair will take place on August 22nd for veterans and their caregivers. This event will happen between 9:30am and 2pm at the Ed Stallings Auditorium. The event will offer goodies and giveaways, as well as caregiving resources.

In Sacramento, the Down Syndrome Information Alliance will host a resource fair on October 8. This event includes a one-mile fundraiser walk, a children’s fun zone, free entertainment and more.

In Woodland, Yolo County farmworkers and families are invited to the Yolo County Farmworker Day Resource Fair. This event will be held on August 25 between 4pm and 8pm. It will happen at the Wooldand Community College’s Community Room. The resource fair will focus on introducing services that can help you year-round, including food assistance, legal support, and more. Free bus passes are available to help you get there.

Colorado

The Durango Education Foundation is hosting a Back to School Resource Fair on August 23 between 4pm and 7pm. The event will take place in the Exhibit Hall at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. This event will provide free food, free school supplies, giveaways, games and help from 75 different community resource providers.

Connecticut

Homeowners can apply for the Hartford Flood Compensation Program starting September 1st. This program will help homeowners who experienced flood damage to their property on or after January 1, 2021. The $5 million program will only be available until funds run out and all the money will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis so make sure to apply right away if you are eligible. Application instructions can be found on Fox61.

Delaware

Delaware has launched a new career program for military spouses. It is called the Military Spouse Transition Network.

The state has also expanded the presence of telehealth kiosks in libraries around the state. There are now 13 libraries that have these installed. The kiosks can help with telehealth medicine, online interviews, legal services and more.

Florida

Families who were affected by Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole may be able to receive help. Legal Services Corp received over $6 million in funding to help provide legal services to low income Florida residents who were affected. They can help you file FEMA claims, claim insurance benefits, deal with landlord/tenant problems, access unemployment or apply for other services.

In Orlando, residents who need help with home repair can apply for the Housing Rehabilitation Program online. The city council recently approved $1 million that will be used to help fund up to $15,000 in home repairs for low income homeowners. The repairs are intended to fix health and safety problems or prevent structural deterioration.

In the West Palm Beach area, a job fair will on August 24. This event will occur between 3:30 and 6:30 pm at Forest Hill High School. The event will connect job seekers and employers, and also offer one-on-one job coaching sessions for those who need help improving their resume or interviewing skills. Other services will also be available.

Georgia

The Greenbriar Mall is hosting a Hispanic Community Resource Fair between 1pm and 3pm on September 23. This event is hosted by Greenbriar Mall and Amerigroup.

Hawaii

Bank of Hawaii is offering financial assistance for their customers who have been affected by the wildfires. They can provide up to six months of forbearance on residential mortgages and home equity credit lines. They can also provide loan extensions for up to three months on personal loans or auto loans.

Hawaii State Federal Credit Union has a financial assistance program to help their members who were affected by the Maui wildfires. They can offer emergency loans of up to $2,500, as well as deferral of loan payments, penalty-free withdrawals and more.

Idaho

Over $4.5 million in grant money has been given to nonprofits and government agencies in Idaho to help support affordable housing. These funds can also be used for down payment assistance, financial literacy, job training, food banks and more.

The programs that received funding include the CDA Backpack Program, which provides supplemental food for students to take home over weekends and school breaks, as well as the Greater Idaho Falls Police Foundation, which provides financial assistance for law enforcement.

New reports show that over 23,000 children in Idaho have lost their Medicaid coverage simply because their parents did not complete the paperwork in time. It is assumed that many of these children are still eligible for coverage. If your child has recently lost Medicaid coverage, you can reapply. Please don’t hesitate to complete that application again.

Illinois

Illinois American Water has a new customer assistance program! This program is based on income and is available through a partnership with Dollar Energy. Eligible customers will receive a 70% discount on their monthly volumetric usage!

In order to be eligible, you must meet be a residential customer of Illinois American Water and have a total household income that is 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. You will have to recertify your income and household size information every year to continue getting your discount.

If you’re ready to sign up, you can apply on the company website or by calling Dollar Energy at 888-282-6816.

Patients who visit Rochelle Community Hospital can now apply for discounts or free care easier. RCH has partnered with Breez Health to update their financial assistance program. You can now visit the online portal to apply easily.

Indiana

In Terre Haute, Happiness Bag will host a Wabash Valley resource fair on August 26. This event will bring more than 40 different agencies together to help those with disabilities. If you’re interested, the event will take place on August 26 between 11amand 2pm at Happiness Bag Inc.

In Riverside, a Community Resource Fair will be held between 9am and 1pm on September 9. This event will take place at Riverside Park and will include free rides on the Dentzel Carousel. There will be kid-friendly activities, live music, fitness demonstration and free food. Car seat checks will also be available.

Iowa

The Compa en Camino program is ending this month due to a lack of funding. This program offered help with financial assistance, housing, tutoring, food, internet access and interpreter services for Latino households.

Kansas

Kansas has more than $500 million in unclaimed property right now. The state has already returned $400 million but there’s a lot left to be claimed. If you live (or have ever lived) in the state, make sure that you check the unclaimed money database to see if you have more money waiting for you!

In Wichita, the city is considering a proposal that would temporarily reduce property taxes to $0 for low income seniors, veterans and families who qualify. This program expand on the state’s property tax exemption program that offers a 75% refund by allowing eligible Wichita residents to apply for an extra 25% refund.

Kentucky

Kentucky has introduced a new program called the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership. Through this partnership, the state promises to match employer contributions for worker’s child care costs.

For example, if an employer pays $400 toward an employee’s child care costs, the state will pay an additional $400. This could make a big dent in child care costs for that employee, making them able to work more easily. After all, child care costs about $6,600 per year on average and that’s about 11% of the median household’s income in the state.

If you need help with your child care costs, reach out to your employer and ask if they would be willing to contribute through this new partnership. About 88 children are receiving help so far!

Louisiana

Businesses and residents who were affected by the straight-line wind storms between June 10 and 18 can apply for low interest emergency loans. SBA Assistance is available for those in Bossier, Caddo, De Soto and Red River Parishes in Louisiana. Homeowners and renters could receive up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including vehicles.

Applications are open now, and you can apply at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in the Independence Stadium on weekdays between 8am and 5pm. Applications must be completed by August 25.

A new audit report has found that Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge may have misspent COVID aid money on a bridge replacement, among other things. The financial report explained 14 issues that range from lack of records for federal grant spending to fraud in the rental assistance program.

Maine

In Aroostook County, there are many resources for low income students. The Wildcat Cupboard at Presque Isle High School offers food, school supplies and hygiene provisions for students. Edie’s Cupboard at Houlton Middle/High School offers free food and drinks for kids to take home after school. Families who need additional assistance are encouraged to reach out to the school principal.

Maryland

There are two pop-up resource fairs coming to Annapolis later this month. These events will offer free food, games, prizes and community resources. You can get free household essentials and more. The events will be held on August 24 at Bay Ridge Gardens and on August 31 near the Annapolis Community Center.

Massachusetts

The Cape Cod Times Needy Fund helped a new mother in Barnstable move into a new home recently. This fund is available to Cape Cod residents and Islanders who are experiencing a financial need. If you need assistance, you can call their organization at 508-778-5661.

Greater Lawrence Community Action Council is hosting a Community Resource Fair. The event will take place on September 9 unless it rains, in which case it will be held on September 16. This event runs from 11am to 2pm at Campagnone Park. There will be games, raffles, arts and crafts, live music and more.

Michigan

The new changes to the Michigan Crime Victim Compensation program have gone into effect. These changes increase the maximum award limit to $45,000. In order to be eligible, you must have been impacted by a crime either physically, emotionally, psychologically and/or mentally.

The funds from this program can be used to pay for:

• Bereavement
• Counseling
• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Relocation expenses
• Replacement services
• Residential security

Seniors in Kalamazoo county may be able to get help with their medications from Advanced Health Pharmacy. The pharmacy recently received a $60,000 grant to help cover medications for low income seniors. In order to be eligible, you must be a Kalamazoo resident who is at least 60 years old, with an income of less than $2,265 per month.

Minnesota

In Shakopee, a Back to School Resource Fair will take place on August 30 between 3 and 6pm. It will be located at 1615 Weston Court. The event will include free snacks, activities and giveaways.

Mississippi

The IRS has announced that tax relief will be available for individuals and businesses who were affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that happened between June 14 and June 19 of this year. You can get the details in the IRS press release.

Missouri

An Autism Resource Fair will be held in Chillicothe on October 5th. This event will take place at the Calvary Baptist Family Life Center between 4:30 and 6:30 pm. The event will include a free meal, giveaways, and tons of resources for families who have a child with autism.

Montana

Montana homeowners can apply for a $675 property tax rebate! You need to file your claim by October 1. In order to be eligible, you must have lived in your home for at least seven months during 2022. Get yours at getmyrebate.mt.gov.

The Montana property tax rebate program has expanded, allowing eligible homeowners to receive PTAP relief for up to $350,000 of their home’s value. The new law also adjusts the income requirements for inflation.

Nebraska

The University of Nebraska Omaha has completely eliminated application fees. This will help more people take advantage of the Nebraska Promise program, which provides free tuition.

Nevada

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District launched a new program that will provide up to 50,000 households with free WiFi. All you need to do is use your library card to check out a user ID and password from the library. Those credentials can be used to connect up to three devices to the Cox Hotspot Network until June 30, 2024.

In order to check out a username and password:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a valid, full-service library card.
• You must not have current internet access.

The usernames are available now on a first-come, first-served basis so be sure to check out yours fast!

New Hampshire

New Hampshire recently launched a new program called Housing Champion. This program helps developers create new housing opportunities for low income workers. The program is intended to promote and permit two-bedroom housing opportunities. Get the details from NH Business Review.

New Jersey

Governor Murphy signed a new law that cuts down on credit card transaction fees. This new law prohibits sellers from charging certain fees when customers pay with a credit or debit card. It also establishes notification requirements regarding surcharges to cut down on surprise fees. The law does not appear to do anything to protect the sellers who still have to pay those fees to the credit card companies, though.

Residents of Tuckerton can get a free dinner every month from The Giving Kitchen at the Union Market. This organization serves free chef-prepared meals one Tuesday night every month between 5pm and 7pm.

The National Church Residences of East Brunswick recently received a grant to support their senior services. This program provides transportation and wellness services for seniors who live in HUD housing.

New Mexico

New Mexico Legal Aid received a $2 million grant to help New Mexicans who were affected by the fires and floods in 2022. The legal aid organization will use the money to hire two attorneys that can serve people in remote areas of the state. They can help you fill out FEMA applications, work with insurance companies and more.

New York

ConEd is encouraging low income New York customers to sign up for the Energy Affordability Program. This program can reduce your monthly bills by up to $158. You may be eligible if you qualify for Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Disability or Survivors Pensions, or Lifeline benefits. However, you will not be automatically enrolled through those programs so you need to apply online.

In Hempstead, a resource fair will be held at the Kennedy Memorial Park on September 28 between 10am and 2pm. The main purpose of the event is to highlight job opportunities for people who are involved with the justice system, but everyone is invited.

In Harlem, applications are open for a new mixed-income housing development. There are 40 units available. The 19-story building is located near public transit, Marcus Garvey Park, and more. You have to earn between 40% to 130% of the Area Median Income to apply. Rent starts at $763 for a studio. You can apply online until October 9.

Another apartment lottery opened up in Inwood. There are 138 apartments available. The apartments range from $397 for a studio to $1,841 for a three-bedroom apartment. You have to earn less than 60% of the Area Median Income. You can apply online until October 13.

New York City has announced that a parking lot in Prospect Heights will be converted into a housing development for low income seniors.

North Carolina

Durham County is launching a new guaranteed income program that will provide $750 a month to participating families. An additional $100 per month will be provided to others who participate in a monthly benchmark survey. There will be 125 people who participate in each group.

In order to be eligible, you must have a household income that is at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. Applications will open later this year, so be sure to keep tabs on this!

North Dakota

A lawmaker in North Dakota is working on a bill that would give free tuition to low income students. The bill would allow students to take out a loan from the Bank of North Dakota. The loan would be forgiven at a certain rate every year as long as the student lives and works in North Dakota. If the student moves, then they would have to pay the remaining balance of the loan.

This is just a proposal. It is not clear if this legislation will be enacted.

Ohio

Two lawmakers in Ohio are trying to update the state’s property tax exemption program. The values haven’t been adjusted since 2007. The lawmakers want to tie the amount of exemption to the inflation rate.

WebDocUSA is free for Medicaid recipients in Ohio. This program offers zero-cost telemedicine visits for low income families.

Oklahoma

OKFA is hosting a resource fair for homeless veterans on September 8. This event is called Sooner Stand Down. It will take place at 17424 NW 4th St in Oklahoma City. The doors open at 6:30 am for breakfast and agencies will be available to help you with various services, including dental care and legal assistance, starting at 8am. The event offers free food, personal care items, reading glasses and clothing.

Oregon

Lawmakers have set aside an extra $100 million for the Oregon Opportunity Grant. This grant helps low income students attend college. The grant can cover up to 75% of the average cost of tuition at Oregon’s community colleges and universities.

The City of White Salmon has authorized a new low income utility discount. This program can reduce your water and/or sewer bills by 25% if you make less than 80% of the Area Median Income. Low income seniors and people with disabilities can get a 50% discount. You can apply online through the Washington Gorge Action Program.

Pennsylvania

The state has authorized a new program that will offer fresh fruits and vegetables to children in low income schools. The snacks will be available outside of scheduled mealtimes.

In Williamsport, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is holding a veterans resource fair on August 28! This event will occur between 1pm and 1:30pm at the Penn College Professional Development Center.

Philadelphia is launching a new guaranteed income program! The program will give an extra $500 per month to 50 eligible families who have received extended TANF. Another 250 families will be selected to receive an extra $50 per month.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Housing recently rolled out a new tool to help residents search for low income housing. The tool is called HousingSearchRI.org and is supposed to make it easy to find and apply for affordable housing.

However, some users are giving mixed reviews because the tool redirects users to external sites. The tool was mandated by law but does not appear to be as helpful as we had hoped.

South Carolina

South Carolina is currently in the process of rolling out their expanded Medicaid program. However, the expansion is tied to the state budget which is still being debated. The ongoing budget debates are threatening to delay the Medicaid expansion to December 1, but we will continue to keep you updated.

South Dakota

A South Dakota State Senator has stepped down and agreed to repay $500,000 she received in federal COVID-19 money for her day care business.

South Dakota Universities are considering many proposals to boost enrollment, including one proposal that would freeze tuition at current rates for at least another year.

Tennessee

Memphis received funds from HUD to make older homes safer for low income families. This program will help address lead paint hazards. It will also help replace windows and doors, repair siding and replace roofing. You will need to contact the City of Memphis for more information about this program.

Texas

In Houston, the Fresh Start Resource Fair is helping people seal records of low-level non-violent misdemeanors. The fairs also include resources for job training, voter registration, immunizations, school supplies and more. There are events throughout the year but the next one is coming up on November 11. You need to register in advance on the Bayou City Community Court website.

In Spring, a new low income housing complex has been proposed on Louetta Rd. This complex would have 203 apartments for low income seniors who are at least 62 years old. The apartments would cost $1,003 per month for a one-bedroom or $1,206 per month for a two-bedroom.

In Wichita Falls, homeowners may be able to receive financial assistance with home repairs. In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must live within the city limits of Wichita Falls.
• You must live in the home that you own.
• You must have owned your home for at least one year.
• You must not owe any debts to the city.
• You must meet income limits ($44,900 for a single person, $51,300 for a couple, or $64,100 for a family of four).
• Your home must be located outside the historic floodplain.
• Your home is not eligible if it is a historic landmark.

If you are eligible, you can use the money to make repairs to plumbing, water heaters, electrical problems, HVAC and roof replacements. Call (940) 761-7448 or visit Room 300 at the City Hall to apply for the Minor & Emergency Repairs Program.

Utah

BYU students who are struggling to afford food or other basic necessities can reach out to the Financial Fitness Center on campus. This program is designed to provide immediate support and help you stabilize your financial situation. You can reach them at (801) 422-7355.

Vermont

Vermont residents who were affected by the recent flooding may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. This program is available to those who have lost work or had their work interrupted by the disaster.

You may be eligible for this program if:

• You live or work in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham or Windsor counties.
• You lost work or had your work interrupted by the flooding.
• You are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits.

If you are eligible, you need to apply by September 29. You can apply on the Vermont Labor Department website.

Virginia

In Warren County, the One Stop Resource Fair will open on September 6 from 1-4pm. The event will take place at the Warren County Community Center. There will be representatives from many different agencies so that they can meet a broad range of needs.

Washington

A new food bank expansion is coming to the plateau region near Bonney Lake, Orting and Carbonado. To make it easier for low income people in this area, The Market (formerly known as The Bonney Lake Food Bank) is going to install five new refrigerated food storage lockers. There will be one in Bonney Lake, Orting, Carbonado, and Wilkeson by the end of the year. Enumclaw will receive on later. Residents will be able to order food from The Market pantry. The food will be delivered to the refrigerated locker, where it can be picked up any time.

In Kent, seniors are invited to a Wellness Fair at the Kent Senior Activity Center. The event will take place on September 21 between 10am and 2pm. The event is focused on helping you find a primary care provider that takes Medicare.

In Tacoma, an organization called Ideal Option is hosting a resource fair for people who are interested in recovery. The Recovery Resource Fair will help residents of Pierce County find resources and help. The event will take place on August 25 between 12pm and 3pm at the Ideal Option Clinic in downtown Tacoma.

Another event in Tacoma will take place on September 7 between 2 and 5pm. This event is a Community Resource Fair for everyone. It will be held at Stewart Heights Park. There will be utility bill assistance, job finding assistance, and other resources that can help you. You’ll get a goodie bag, fresh produce, and fun games.

In Olympia, the a resource fair will be held on August 31st at Heritage Park. The event will run from 1pm to 5pm. At the event, the Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department will demonstrate how to administer Narcan and will distribute Narcan as well.

In Vancouver, a Community Resource Fair will be held at the local library on August 23. This event will take place between 4pm and 7pm. The event will offer free food, community resources and more.

Washington DC

Given the success of Washington DC’s various guaranteed income programs, many are calling for a citywide basic income program. Many advocates believe that a guaranteed income would help improve children’s school performance, reduce violent crime and more.

West Virginia

West Virginia just received about $650,000 to provide more affordable housing for low income seniors. The grants were given to several different agencies, including:

• Alderson Manor Apartments
• Manor House Apartments
• Mountain Terrace
• National Church Residences of Montgomery
• Unity Housing Apartments
• West Virginian Manor

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s emergency rental assistance program has ended and evictions are back up to pre-pandemic levels. Some experts expect that evictions will continue to rise beyond the previous thresholds.

Residents with children are encouraged to reach out to Wisconsin Department of Children and Families for help. They have a housing assistance grant program that can provide around $500, once every twelve months, to help with your housing costs. There may be other resources here.

Wyoming

The Wyoming AARP wants veterans and military members to be aware of a new scam. The scammers have been calling Wyoming residents, claiming to offer help with PACT Act benefit claims. However, the scammers claim that you need to pay to file your claim or pay to get your service records so that you can file the claim. Neither of these statements are true.

Summary

From grant programs to resource fairs, today’s low income news update covers all 50 United States! We have details about new financial assistance programs, business grants, resource fairs, housing complexes, job placement help, medical debt help and more. Check the resources on this list for details!

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.