Emergency and Practical Assistance Services
The department provides a variety of services designed to help people with obtaining and maintaining basic needs, including hunger and homelessness. Programs are available to assist disabled and non-disabled adults with food, housing related issues, health insurance, mental health outreach and linkage to other community resources. People are provided with direct assistance, referrals and advocacy to meet their needs.
Emergency and Basic Needs Services
This department assists individuals and families with obtaining and maintaining basic needs such as food and housing. Clients are seen on a walk-in basis. They are provided with concrete assistance, referrals and advocacy service.
Food Pantry and Food Co-Op
The pantry assists families and individuals by providing them with enough food for three days. Individuals and families may be served once per month or as the emergency coordinator deems appropriate. The emergency situation determines the frequency of assistance. Pantry staff assist clients with applying for Food Stamps and/or WIC if they are eligible. Assistance with obtaining hygiene items, diapers and formula is available directly (when available) or through referral.
The Food Sense Co-Op helps families to stretch their food dollars by purchasing a food package once a month at a greatly reduced price. Participants pre-pay $15.50 in cash or food stamps at the beginning of each month for a package that includes meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, breakfast foods and other items. The package is picked up the third week of the month.
Child and Family Health Plus
A program to assist low-income individuals and families who are in need of public health insurance with completing the application process for Medicaid and Child and Family Health Plus.
Seasonal Services
Holiday food baskets and gifts (toys & books for children) are distributed to eligible families through The Salvation Army Tree of Lights and the community Christmas Bureau programs. Over 10,000 individuals are assisted annually with holiday services. Registration for the program is conducted at various sites in the community. The Christmas Bureau program is held at the OnCenter. Additionally Coats for Kids provides winter outerwear to low-income families from mid-October through mid-January. Coats are distributed at the Emergency/Practical Assistance Office on a walk-in basis.
Mental Health Assistance
Community Support Connection
An outreach program that provides support and advocacy to chronically mentally ill adults who may be homeless or housing vulnerable. CSC provides housing assistance and ongoing advocacy for individuals who need support to maintain independent housing and life choices. Provides flexible levels of service for accessing and securing community resources.
Supported Housing Initiative
Financially based housing assistance for men, women and families suffering from serious and persistent mental illness. Financial assistance and supportive services are provided to help individuals and families obtain or maintain independent housing in the community.
Services for Homeless Persons
Homeless Prevention Services
Provides assistance for persons facing eviction or in a housing crisis. Includes short-term case management, housing location and counseling, and referrals for housing related assistance.
Homeless Resource Services
Homeless individuals and families are provided with flexible levels of service needed to access and secure community resources and to maintain permanent housing. Financial assistance is available for obtaining personal identification, prescriptions, bus tokens, and other housing related needs not met by other programs in the community.
Housing Assistance and Life Skills Education (H.A.L.E.)
A program that helps homeless, non-disabled individuals and families who are employed at least part time. The program offers financial assistance for housing related matters based on individual need and includes a housing subsidy. Clients are also provided with independent living skills training, housing location assistance and linkage to community resources.
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