Bedford County assistance programs.

Help with energy bills and rent.

The Good Samaritan Association helps people in need with paying their utility bills and rent. While the direct amount of cash assistance that someone can receive is limited as the organization can't usually pay much more than $40 to $100 in each case, the fact is this money has helped hundreds of people pay a late bill, or keep their service from being shut off. However, there are a lot of cases and there is a tremendous need for help, and the numbers keep growing.

While the director of the Good Samaritan organization, Cathy Miller, has said that they still have some of the government money to disburse, they need more money and funds to cover the growing need.

The good news is that for once, the food pantry at Good Samaritan Association isn't in dire need of replenishment, but the coffers that are distributing cash grants for rent and energy bills do need more money. Call the Shelbyville Tennessee center at (931) 684-8160.

Bedford County Tennessee is served by the South Central Human Resource Agency. Call (931) 433-7182. The services they provide include:

• Energy bills - Apply at the agency for the federal government Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Grants can help low-income persons and elderly handicapped with paying for energy bills, and the bills reimbursed will be those used to heat their homes. Access financial assistance to help offset a portion of the costs involved.
   
• Rent, mortgage, and food - The Emergency Food and Shelter program may be able to help low income families and those who are experiencing emergencies and in need of assistance with paying rent, utilities, food, mortgage payments, or shelter.
   
• Emergency food assistance - They work with churches and pantries across Shelbyville and Bedford County.
   
• Information - Find out about other financial assistance programs that operate in the region. For example, get help from Tennessee utilities. In addition, they can direct you to free foreclosure counseling from Tennessee HUD counselors.
   
• Cash from Crisis Intervention Program - For people facing an unexpected emergency, the crisis program provides cash assistance and grants to individuals and families in emergency situations. In addition to direct financial aid, the service includes case management activities to help the family through their crisis and get back on track.
   
• An on site Neighborhood Service Center has staff members and counselors that may be able to assist clients in identifying assistance available through a wide variety of sources, including private agencies, public assistance, Tennessee and government assistance programs, and community organizations which can benefit clients.