Etowah assistance programs.

Find help with bills, rent, and more

Salvation Army has had an increase of about 50% in people who are seeking aid. In particular, there has been an increasing request for rental assistance and people facing eviction. The Salvation Army offers a variety of programs, including assistance with rent, groceries, furniture, prescription medicine, and clothing. They are providing meals and other food assistance to about 20% more people than last year. They are located at 114 North 11th Street, Gadsden, AL 35901. (256) 546-4673

The Love Center is another organization that you can turn to for help with bills and other aid. They provide food and temporary housing, and provide general financial assistance and have seen an increase in people seeking assistance, both financial and with groceries. They help about 500 families per month. (256) 546-8831

Another nonprofit organization to turn to is the Catholic Center of Concern. It is part of the Birmingham Catholic Diocese. They are passing out over $2,000 in food assistance per month. That $2,000 is just for food. In addition the center provides help for power bills and also rent assistance, and they actually provide more aid for rent and power than for food. (256) 546-0028

Etowah Baptist Missions Center (256.547.1691), which is located on Wall Street in Gadsden, has also seen about a 40% increase in people asking for help. The center also offers a variety of programs, including financial counseling and information on how to get help with credit cards, and they will advise people on the different agencies and charities that offer assistance in the area.

They also provide clothing and food on a daily basis for individuals facing emergencies. Additional financial assistance is available for any families that have received a disconnect notices on their utilities or an eviction notice on rent. Some free medications are also offered. for people trying to go back to school or who have kids getting an education, supplies are offered for school. Last, but not least, some limited transportation is also offered.

 

 

 

Help for utility bills

Etowah County Community Services Program Inc. offers residents a Crisis Heating assistance program as well as heating bill assistance program for non emergencies. Applicants are eligible for aid if you have as your heating source electric, natural, butane gas, or heating oil.

There are criteria for both programs. The Regular Heating Bill Program provides cash grants and general heating assistance to any qualified households that meet guidelines that are established by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. All points of eligibility as set by the state must be met by the applicant.

The Utility and Heating Crisis Program provides help to families and individuals who are experiencing an energy-related crisis. If interesting in applying, households need to meet all eligibility and they also must be able to verify requirements as established by the state before assistance can be authorized.

If you are interested in applying, or for more information, please contact the Etowah County Community Services office which is located at 109 S. Ninth St., East Gadsden, 546-9271.

 

 

Rent, mortgage, and utility help

Last year, Etowah County distributed almost $60,000 in federal government Emergency Food and Shelter funds. The money went to a variety of local charities and non-profit agencies, including such organizations as  the Love Center, American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, The Catholic Center of Concern, Etowah Community Food Bank, Metro Area Noon Nutrition Association, and the Etowah Community Services Agency.

These local agencies were responsible for providing more than 20,500 meals to local families and residents, as well as funds to pay utility bills. They money was also used to provide mortgage and rent assistance to others in need of help.