Arizona is one of the warmest places in the country. It’s also home to many people who may at one time or another need financial assistance. People fall on challenging financial times when they are between jobs, get divorced, or experience an injury or illness. The good news is that there is financial help for African Americans in Arizona. Applying for these programs will help ensure that basic needs are being met during that challenging period.
Most of the programs are made possible through federal funding, while others are made possible through the state government. There are also charitable organizations that provide financial help for African Americans in Arizona. Contact several of the places to see which ones can help you meet your needs. They all have a mission of helping people with a low income and you never have to pay the funds back.
Financial Help Programs for African Americans in Arizona
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program provides free food and financial help for African Americans in Arizona. The program is funded by the federal government and provides those who qualify with free food each month. If you are approved for the program you will receive a debit card that can be used to pay for your food at the grocery store and farmer’s market each month. The card is electronically re-loaded by the government monthly. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount you receive each month to spend on food is determined by how many dependents live in your home. You can apply for SNAP online or in person. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. To get more information about SNAP in Arizona, click here.
Cash Assistance – In Arizona, the program is called Cash Assistance, while nationally it is called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program provides help for African Americans in Arizona by giving them cash each month. The cash can be used to pay for basic living needs, such as food, housing, transportation, medical care, paying bills, etc. To qualify for cash assistance you have to have a low income, be an Arizona resident, and be a legal citizen or non-legal citizen. The amount you receive will be determined by how many dependents you have. There is a limit of five years on how long you can receive a monthly cash payment to help with your living expenses. To get more information about Cash Assistance in Arizona or to apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This organization is one that focuses on helping people with their housing needs. They provide help for African Americans in Arizona by providing them with affordable housing options. They will also help people pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, and pay for necessary home repairs. They also provide weatherization services to help reduce monthly utility bills. HUD also offers government owned homes that they allow people to live in for free. To qualify for the programs you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. They will also help homeowners who have fallen on difficult financial times and may be facing foreclosure. To get more information about HUD in Arizona, click here.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) – This is a program that has been created to specifically help pregnant women, and women with young children. Those who are pregnant or who have children under the age of five can get assistance with ensuring their nutritional needs are being met. They will provide you with healthy food each month. The foods you get to choose at the store are specific items, to ensure that you are making healthier food choices to meet nutritional needs. To register for WIC you have to visit one of their local clinics. To qualify for the program you have to have a low income and be considered nutritionally at risk. To get more information and find a WIC clinic location near you, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program provides help for African Americans in Arizona by paying a utilities bill for those who qualify. To qualify for the program you need to have a low income and be the person who is responsible for the utility bill. You have to re-apply for the program yearly if you want to keep receiving assistance. Those who are approved will get their utility bill paid for, with the program sending the funds directly to the utility provider on your behalf. They will also pay for weatherization services, which helps make your home more utility efficient, and will lower your monthly bills. To get more information or apply for LIHEAP, click here.
Catholic Charities of Arizona – This faith-base charitable organization helps people around the country. They have over 3,000 locations and throughout Arizona. They help people in need with housing, food, clothing, transportation, counseling, shelters, and more. They do not have strict requirements for receiving the assistance. They will provide it to everyone in the community who needs help. To get help from them you have to find the location that is closest to you. Contact them to see what type of services they offer and how you can get signed up to receive help. To get more information about Catholic Charities of Alabama, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization that has locations around the country. They provide people with free hot meals, boxes of food, clothing, transportation, shelters, counseling, and more. If you need help, they can provide you with immediate and long term assistance. Contact a Salvation Army near you to see what type of assistance they can provide to you and how you go about moving forward to receiving it. Although it is a faith-based organization, you do not have to be religious in order to receive help. To find a location near you, click here.