Big Sandy Area Community Action Assistance Programs in Kentucky
Families that are struggling can turn to Big Sandy Area Community Action Agency for help. The non-profit operates in several counties, including Johnson, Magoffin, Floyd, Martin, and Pike. While the agency does offer some of their own services to clients, many others, such as Emergency Food and Shelter, rely on government grants.
The resources available are below. All are restricted and structured to be a hand up rather than a hand out. So this means only a small portion of a bill will be paid. The applicant will also need to contribute and also participate in self-sufficiency services.
Free food programs, housing and financial help
The hungry and homeless, or people facing eviction, can turn to the EFSP - Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Agencies such as BSACAP rely on this to provide financial aid. The money comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on an annual basis.
EFSP provides the following grants to clients. There is one month rent or mortgage payments, free motel vouchers, or funds for paying utility and cooling bills. Other programs offer free food (either hot or freshly prepared meals) as well as minimal repairs to furnaces to stop homelessness. There are also referrals to free food pantries and soup kitchens in Kentucky.
The Big Sandy Area Community Action Agency Homelessness Prevention Program receives funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as well as the Kentucky Housing Corporation. The money is used to assist qualifying low income applicants in counties such as Floyd who struggle to keep their rent payments current.
As part of this program, short-term (up to three months) and medium-term (ranging from four to six months) aid is available. The funds, or in some instances no interest loans, may be used to pay rent or a security deposit for a new home. Eligibility for homeless prevention and rapid housing for low income families requirements include being able to present an official, court-documented eviction notice. They also need birth certificates for every member of the household as well as proof of income.
The BSACAP Rapid Re-Housing Program provides short-rental assistance for the formerly homeless that are now stable. These funds are designated to be used for payment of utility deposits or security deposits as well as monthly rent. In order to be considered eligible for Rapid Re-Housing, the applicant must be in the process of transitioning out of a homeless or domestic violence shelter. This can help those impacted by an eviction in their past.
Alternatively, the community action agency will accept other forms of proof. This may be a letter documenting that the applicant is homeless. This will need to be completed by a person of authority, such as a clergy member, a police officer, an educator, or social worker.
Supportive Housing in counties Magoffin and Pike offer funding to assist homeless individuals and families. The focus is on those who are transitioning out of shelters but who need help in locating suitable permanent housing. In other words, to qualify for this program, the applicant is required to be just moving out of a shelter.
There may also be financial aid from Supportive Housing. Cash grants can be used to pay utility bills and deposits, security deposits, and first months rent. This type of assistance is available to each individual or family for up to 24 months.
Heating and utility bill help is from BSACAP Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. Community action will provide financial assistance to working poor households and those in poverty. LIHEAP assistance is available through two component programs, which are known as the Subsidy and Crisis Components.
The Subsidy makes a one-time only payment directly to the client’s energy or natural gas provider on behalf of the household. This part of LIHEAP is in operation from November through the second week in December, with applications approved first come and served. The other option, known as the Crisis Component allocates funding to eligible households who are experiencing home-heating emergencies, such as lack of heat or a shut off. This LIHEAP component runs from early January through March 31.
With the goal of further ensuring that very low-income households as well as senior citizens are able to cover their winter heating costs, the Big Sandy Area Community Action WinterCare Energy Fund provides extra funding as a supplement to LIHEAP benefits. This was created to be a program of last resort to families with no other options. This is also available only after LIHEAP funds are gone, so the two programs must work closely together.
If approved, the payments from WinterCare are disbursed directly to the fuel and utility providers on the applicant’s behalf. Funds for this resource come from corporate contributions from the utility companies, as well as donations from churches or private individuals.
Save money on utility bills from the Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP. This is a resource that provides free energy-efficient measures to the homes of low-income residents. The goal of it is to lower the homeowners’ heating or energy bills. Other benefits from the BSACAP service will be on increasing the safety and health of the home, and keeping occupants warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Studies show that WAP is effective. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households that benefit from weatherization services are able to save more than $400 annually on their fuel costs or heating bills. Many low income families therefore benefit.
Employment help, free career services and case management programs
Adult and Dislocated Workers Services, which is a BSACAP Workforce Investment Act program, helps adult and unemployed workers by offering training and employment support. The community action agency has access to a variety of resources in Floyd, Martin, and Johnson counties that help clients identify their interests and abilities. They can get support, obtain training and develop skills.
Workshops touch on the following, including On-the-Job Training, Resume Preparation, Job Search and Placement, and use of computers for Internet Access for Job Searches. Other advice from the workforce program are Information about In-Demand Jobs as well as access to Student Financial Aid programs. There are many corporate as well as non-profit scholarship programs for both (1) low income students as well as those that are high achievers. Education is critical. Find more details on free scholarships for low income students.
More job placement is from the SCSEP - Senior Community Service Employment Program. This provides low-income individuals over the age of 55 with experience. They acquire this as they will be placed into work positions at local community and government agencies.
While the pay is typically low, as it is federal or state of Kentucky minimum wage, participants have the added benefit of receiving training and gaining new skills. For many participants, the Big Sandy Area Community Action Agency SCSEP service is a bridge to other employment positions that are not funded by the government.
Contact information for help from Big Sandy Area Community Action Program
A wide range of other financial aid programs and resources are offered for the community. For more details on these resources, or others such as Head Start, Big Sandy Area Community Action Program is located at 230 Court St., Paintsville, KY 41240. Dial 606-789-3641.
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