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Dane County assistance programs

Get grants, employment assistance, emergency aid

If you are struggling or behind on your bills in today’s weak economy, the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc. (CAC) is an organization that may be able to help you. Some of the assistance programs they offer are below, as well as information on other agencies and charities. Contact them to learn more about these programs and other services, or to apply for aid.

Employment assistance -  This aid if offered to both newly unemployed or underemployed individuals who live in Madison, Dane and/or Jefferson Counties. The official name of the program is called the Back to Work (BTW) Program. Participants in the program can receive a variety of assistance, including job and employment assistance, tuition and/or training assistance for courses, books, fees, and any other materials they may need for job skills training courses.

They also offer financial assistance and emergency crisis grants including a rent subsidy, childcare assistance and/or transportation assistance while enrolled in the program.

Telephone assistance - The community action agency offers this aid to those who need help with past phone bills or who may need some help in establishing new telephone services. Even cell phone payments are eligible for help.

Counseling and financial programs - Budgeting skills, counseling for bills, referrals to government programs, advice, credit counseling, debt assistance programs, financial literacy, and help from debt collectors will also be offered by the Community Action Coalition.

Emergency financial assistance and grants - Grants and direct financial assistance is offered to applicants who live in Madison and Dane County. The following areas are covered:

• Heating Bill Assistance
• Energy and Utility Assistance
• Household Items
• Relocation and Help with Moving Expenses
• Car Repair and Transportation Assistance

Stop by the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc. at 1717 North Stoughton Road
Madison, WI 53704 or call them at (608) 246-4730 to learn more or apply for help.

Foreclosure prevention and Mediation

Dane County has a program in place that provides struggling homeowners who are facing a foreclosure with mediation and other resources that can help them with their mortgage. Read more on the numerous options of how to stop a foreclosure.

Health and dental care

ACCESS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS is a facility that provides comprehensive birth to death primary health as well as dental care uninsured and low-income individuals and families in Dane County. Call (608) 443-5480 to learn more or make an appointment.

General assistance and emergency help

The CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF MADISON offers a variety of programs that can provide some short term relief with paying bills, as well as several family programs. Some of the resources offered can include financial assistance for paying rent and energy bills. They also offer several senior aid programs, food pantries, in-home companionship for persons 55+ living alone, and many other resources. (608) 821-3100

MIDDLETON OUTREACH MINISTRY runs a program that provides eviction prevention as well as rental assistance. The program provides help to prevent eviction from a family, and it will offer help with paying first months rent and/or security deposits for new renters. Phone number (608) 836-7338.

THE SALVATION ARMY (phone number (608) 256-2321) administers a variety of programs. Among other options, they provides emergency rent help, shelter, food aid, personal/infant care items, funds for paying utility and heating bills, and transportation for homeless and low-income persons who live in rural Dane County Wisconsin area.